In The Spotlight
The RogueX2 features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. (Image source: Bobcat)
Bobcat, a global manufacturer of compact equipment, has received the Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader
The Red Dot Design Award is an annual international competition recognising excellence in design and business. Around 20,000 entries are submitted per year, making it one of the biggest design competitions in the world. The Design Concept category is bestowed upon new innovations that are precursors of tomorrow’s great products.
This year, that honour has gone to the RogueX2, a powerful, smart machine from Bobcat that produces zero emissions. Features include a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. The most striking of the solution, however, is the lack of cab. The fully-autonomous concept loader has been designed to work without need of an operator and explores the idea of how work machines of the future can be designed and optimised for new technologies. In this way, it provides a glimpse at an entirely new work experience.
“We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” remarked Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.
Key to the machine’s development was the Bobcat Global Design Studio, which supported the project in collaboration with the Bobcat Global Innovation team. The solution is currently in the research and development stage, and is not commercially available.
“To build a smarter, more sustainable and connected future, we must ask the questions no one else has thought to ask before and invent new solutions that previously did not exist,” concluded Honeyman.
14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)
Innovative startups 14Trees and Paebbl are set to receive investment from Holcim and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund
14Trees, which was established as a joint venture between Holcim and BII to accelerate the provision of sustainable construction solutions in Africa, will receive funding by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund as well as a follow-on investment by Holcim. With the company carving a name for itself by pioneering the delivery of the first 3D-printed house in Africa, the world’s first 3D-printed schools, and one of the largest 3D-printed neighbourhoods across the globe, the injection of capital will be used to accelerate its construction of large-scale buildings, including low-carbon data centres.
“We are excited to count Amazon and Holcim as investors in 14 Trees, to take our successful 3D-printed technology from homes and schools to data centers, to deliver low-carbon and high-performance buildings,” remarked Francois Perrot, managing director, 14Trees.
Carbon dioxide concrete storage
Paebbl converts CO2 into a future-proof industrial raw material that turns the built environment into a permanent carbon store. The investment into the company, meanwhile, is part of a broader investment round to scale its advanced mineralisation technology which is designed to permanently store CO2 in concrete as a carbon sink.
Marta Sjögren, co-founder and co-CEO, Paebbl, surmised, “We are thrilled to welcome first movers in their respective fields, Amazon and Holcim, as first commercial partners to bring our vision to market. This funding round enables us to take even bolder steps in our mission to make the built environment a cornerstone of the decarbonised economy.”
Nollaig Forrest, chief sustainability officer, Holcim, added, “By investing with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund into 14Trees and Paebbl, we can scale up these pioneering technologies to push the boundaries of sustainable building, from 3D printing to making concrete a carbon sink.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover new technology and solutions entering the mining market. (Image source: The Mining Show)
The Mining Show Dubai is returning for its 16th edition from the 26-27 November at the Festival Arena, Dubai, to offer visitors the opportunity to capitalise on the development and change in mining across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region
More than 3,000 attendees, 150 speakers, and 500+ VIPS will gather to take part in the leading mining and quarrying event in the region.
With the mining industry undergoing a period of transition – driven by forward-thinking engineers and new initiatives – the Mining Show acts as a meeting point for leading and diverse stakeholders in the mining ecosystem to gather. Here, visitors will be able to network with the full spectrum of the sector, from mining and quarrying companies, government bodies, financiers, distributors, tech innovators and beyond. The 2024 edition will seek to continue the proud history of the event which has established it as a premium event on the calendar, enabling attendees to capitalise on developments and get business done.
As ever, the core of this year’s Mining Show will be the multi-brand exhibition. With multiple country pavilions, more than 200 sponsors and exhibitors have signed up to the conference and will be ready to demonstrate their cutting-edge solutions and explore future collaborative opportunities. Orica, RPM Global, Haver & Boecker, Mincon, Manitou, Terravox, and Darda are but a few of the exciting exhibitors that are preparing to participate this year.
Previous attendees of the event will be sure to note a new addition to this year’s event in the form of the Outdoor Heavy Machinery Showcase. This will offer a specialised space to provide a platform for the latest advancements in heavy machinery technology from towering mining vehicles to precision drill rigs (and everything in between).
A packed agenda
When not traversing the extensive exhibition areas, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn from the brightest and most innovative minds in the industry in the accompanying conference. Across the two days, more than 150 industry leaders will participate in over 40 sessions (comprising everything from panel discussions to keynotes), striving to bring the mining industry into the modern day and prepare it for the future.
Various content themes will colour the proceedings, with key topics including: Digital Transformation & Technology; Alternatives in Exploration; Innovation in Finance; Sustainability & ESG; Quarrying; Smart Operational Excellence; Waste Management; Rethinking Supply Chains; Lifecycle Management & Operations; Workplace Culture & Safety Systems.
Organisers have also been keen to note the efforts put into enhancing networking opportunities and buyer engagement this year. To encourage the fluid exchange of ideas and proliferate the frequency of valuable meetings, The Mining Show network app is freely available. This will provide users access to all registered attendees and offer useful actions such as the ability to schedule virtual meetings year-round. Beyond this, there numerous opportunities to form business relationships beyond the exhibitor floor, with an evening networking party, a networking lounge and hosted VIP meetings all available.
The Mining Show will explore the latest trends shaping the future of the industry including exploration equipment & services, heavy equipment & machinery, automation & digitisation, sustainability and so much more. Learn more at: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/mining-show
More than 5,500GW of new renewable energy capacity is expected to be added between 2024 and 2030. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its Renewables 2024 report which suggests that a massive growth of renewables to 2030 is set to match the entire power capacity of China, the EU, India, and the United States
More than 5,500GW of new renewable energy capacity is expected to be added between 2024 and 2030 – almost three times the increase between 2017 and 2023. China is set to account for almost 60% of this new capacity, making it home to nearly half of the world’s total renewable power capacity by 2030.
Solar leads the way
The IEA report indicates that solar pv alone will lead the renewables charge, accounting for 80% of the growth in global renewable capacity between now and 2030. Largely, this will arrive through the construction of new large solar plants as well as rooftop solar installations by companies and households.
The wind sector, however, stands ready to play its part. The IEA indicates that, despite ongoing challenges, wind is posed for a recovery, with the rate of expansion doubling between 2024 and 2030, compared with the period between 2017 and 2023.
Already, wind and solar pv are the cheapest options to add new electricity generation in almost every country.
Tripling renewables
While this represents a more impressive growth than some predicted, it is still not fully in line with the goal set at COP28 where nearly 200 governments sought to triple the world’s renewable capacity by 2030. The report, instead, forecasts that global capacity will reach 2.7 times its 2022 level by 2030.
However, despite this warning, the organisation indicates that the tripling renewable target is still possible if governments take near-term opportunities for action. This includes outlining bold plans in the next round of nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement due next year and bolstering international cooperation. Critically, the latter could help bring down high financing costs in emerging and developing economies that are restraining renewables’ growth in high-potential regions such as Africa.
“Renewables are moving faster than national governments can set targets for,” commented IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “This is mainly driven not just by efforts to lower emissions or boost energy security – it’s increasingly because renewables today offer the cheapest option to add new power plants in almost all countries around the world.
“This report shows that the growth of renewables, especially solar, will transform electricity systems across the globe this decade. Between now and 2030, the world is on course to add more than 5,500GW of renewable power capacity – roughly equal the current power capacity of China, the European Union, India and the United States combined. By 2030, we expect renewables to be meeting half of global electricity demand.”
Moving forward
While renewables are now on course to generate almost half of global electricity by 2030, the IEA emphasised that efforts need to be ramped up to securely integrate variable renewable sources into power systems.
The report also encouraged accelerating the adoption of sustainable biofuels, biogases, hydrogen and e-fuels. Since these fuels remain more expensive than their fossil counterparts, their share in global energy is set to remain below 6% in 2030.
Global solar manufacturing capacity is forecast to surpass 1,100GW by the end of 2024, a trend that is supporting a decline in module prices but also means that many manufacturers are facing financial losses.
According to the report, given the growing international focus on industrial competitiveness, solar pv manufacturing capacity is forecast to triple in both India and the United States by 2030, helping global diversification. However, producing solar panels in the United States costs three times as much as in China, and in India, it is twice as expensive. According to the report, policymakers should consider how to strike a balance between the additional costs and benefits of local manufacturing, weighing key priorities such as job creation and energy security.
African potential
Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the report notes that almost 90GW of new renewable capacity is forecast for the region between 2024 to 2030. This would increase SSA’s current installed capacity by more than 2.5 times and will largely be at the hands of South Africa which is expected to be responsible for 40% of the region’s new capacity.
The majority of new additions in SSA will be through solar pv and wind (accounting for 80%), although hydropower will play a key role in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Angola. In regards to solar, South Africa’s auction programme for utility-scale renewables will bolster installations, but additional markets are beginning to play a larger role. Nigeria, for example, can expect 7.5GW of new distributed solar pv as the country seeks to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Most wind additions will also be driven by South Africa’s auction scheme. Outside of the country, the IEA suggests that policy uncertainty and the lack of a long-term plan for wind development means that developments based on several key projects are often backed by national utilities, aid agencies or development banks.
According to the combined national ambitions of sub-Saharan African countries, renewable capacity will more than triple to over 165GW by 2030. While main case additions fall short of this, the accelerated case exceeds it by considering the region’s untapped potential. At the national level, 15 countries are expected to meet or exceed their ambitions for 2030, while 22 will meet or exceed them only in the accelerated case.
It has only been a matter of days since the IEA released its Global Hydrogen Review 2024 assessing growing momentum in low-emissions hydrogen. Click here to learn more about the report.
The new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. (Image source: Volvo CE)
Replacing the F- and Gz-series, the new generation L110H and L120H wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment offer higher performance, lower costs, and a better operator experience
1: Up to 28% greater fuel efficiency
Featuring a new Volvo engine and electronic platform, an improved transmission with OptiShift technology, and optional automatic engine shutdown, the L110H and L120H reduce fuel consumption and component wear, helping customers to maximise their resources.
2: Up to 12% productivity boost
With a higher 5-6 t lifting capacity and optimised hydraulics, the new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. The enhanced torque and high breakout force allow users to handle more material faster, cutting down cycle times and boosting overall productivity.
3: Up to 6% higher tipping loads
The L110H and L120H have increased tipping loads by up to 6%, perfect for heavier-duty tasks such as tipping into taller trucks. With an improved rimpull control system, customers will also enjoy smoother loading and better hill climbing performance.
4: Enhanced operator experience
The upgraded cabs on the L110H and L120H are not just ergonomic, they are smarter too. The standard electric servo controls offer greater customisation, and options like Comfort Drive Control make truck loading smoother. Plus, the Volvo Co-Pilot Load Assist Operator Coaching function helps operators reach peak performance with real-time feedback and guidance, improving operational efficiency. Other options include a Collision Mitigation System and new LED lighting packages.
5: Simplified maintenance and extended service life
Spend less time on upkeep and more time working. The new L110H and L120H offer grouped service points, an easy-to-access engine hood, and a hydraulic tilting cab for quick component access. In addition, with features like the Tire Pressure Monitoring System new lockout-tagout (LOTO) system, battery and fuel system protection, and extended service intervals, Volvo has designed these models for convenience and long-term reliability.
Visit the Volvo CE Africa website to learn more about the new L110H and L120H wheel loaders or contact your local Volvo dealer.
This article is authored by Volvo CE.
Machinery Exchange will now supply Rokbak trucks to customers in Zimbabwe. (Image source: Rokbak)
Rokbak, a manufacturer of off-highway haulers for the mining, quarrying and construction sectors and member of the Volvo Group, has appointed Machinery Exchange as its new dealer in Zimbabwe
A subsidiary of Industrial Exchange Group (IEG) network of companies, Machinery Exchange has been appointed by Rokbak to provide full sales and service support for its trucks in the country from its headquarters in Harare and further branches in Bulawayo and Hwange. According to Rokbak, ongoing growth in the country’s infrastructure and mining sectors means that interest is already high and the company expects the newly-available RA30 and RA40 trucks to prove popular there.
"The partnership with Rokbak will help us meet the growing demands of our customers in the mining and construction industry, and further solidify our position as a leading earthmoving equipment supplier in the region," remarked Irene Khumalo, IEG head of marketing and PR.
Zimbabwe’s ripe market
"Mining and infrastructure are the backbone of Zimbabwe," explained Chetan Samji, IEG commercial manager. "The country’s industries are growing domestically and we’re also seeing increased investment from overseas, especially from economic superpowers such as China and India. It means we see positive opportunities for Rokbak trucks in the near term."
As part of the partnership with Rokbak, Machinery Exchange will provide comprehensive aftersales support, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service and maintenance. This support will be vital in maintaining the high performance and longevity of Rokbak haulers in Zimbabwe's demanding operational environments.
"We’ve been keen to develop our presence in Zimbabwe and foster relationships with customers through an established dealer," commented Paul Culliford, Rokbak regional sales manager EMEA. "Partnering with Machinery Exchange makes perfect sense. It’s a company that shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, and benefits from the support of IEG's extensive expertise and service network."
The expansion of operations to Zimbabwe closely follows Rokbak bolsering its presence in Wet Africa through a partnership with Heavy Machinery Dealership. Click here for more information.
The project team consists of GoMetro, Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics alongside various entities within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering. (Image source: GoMetro)
A consortium led by GoMetro, a transport technology platform, has launched eKamva, South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi model
Revealed at the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, the announcement was made alongside the launch of an integrated new electric vehicle business model and charging infrastructure product called flx EV.
The unveiling of eKamva comes at a time when South African commuters are reportedly spending up to 40% of their income on transport and minibus taxis contributing an estimated 30mn tonnes of CO2 in South Africa alone.
The flx EV website will allow minibus taxi owners and operators to apply to be added to the waiting list for the solution. flx EV is in the process of developing charging hubs with partners across South Africa, with the first hubs slated for development in Century City and Stellenbosch in the next 12 months. The flx EV app will let taxi owners manage their fleets, see each vehicle’s status and prepay for recharging, while drivers will be directed to their closest charging hub.
“This is a new approach to electrifying the smaller-vehicle public transport industry,” remarked GoMetro CEO Justin Coetzee. “We believe it will spark an entirely new economic sector and is socio-economically very important for the automotive sector.”
The benefits of electric
Switching electric will bring numerous advantages to taxi owners and, of course, to the environment. According to GoMetro, replacing urban taxi and shuffle fleets with eKamvas could reduce CO2 emissions by 13.7 tonnes per vehicle per annum.
“Most taxis spend up to three hours a day between morning and evening peak hours at the ranks we have analysed, more than sufficient time to fast-charge an eKwamva,” commented project lead Rudi Kriel. “EVs have fewer breakdowns than internal combustion vehicles, and are cheaper to run, which leads to increased profitability per vehicle – and they have a longer life expectancy. EVs also reduce nitrous oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter (known as PM2.5 particles) in the air, improving community health, a major cost factor for the Government.”
With a range of more than 200 km, the 15-seated eKamva is able to fast-charge within 75 minutes via a 60kW DC charger. Alternatively, it can be slow-charged overnight for 10 hours. An estimated 40-70% running cost savings are achieved by using the eKamva over traditional vehicles.
“The minibus taxi has long been a cornerstone of South Africa’s public transport system, reliably moving millions of people — from families to daily commuters— every day,” said Mario Maio, founder and CEO of ACDC Dynamics. “As the demand for sustainability grows, it is clear that the transportation industry must evolve. At ACDC Dynamics, we are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformation by providing EV charging solutions and sustainable energy products. By integrating electric-powered taxis and expanding charging networks, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint of this essential industry but also helping to create a greener, more responsible South Africa for future generations.”
E-mobility is certainly taking off on the continent, led by a number of innovative companies. Ampersand, for example, has targeted expansion into East Africa following the raising of significant capital over the last year.
In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects
Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.
“A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”
Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets.
In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.
Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.
Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers.
Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention.
By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.
Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.
“Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”
Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue.
There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.
Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets.
Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations.
Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.
Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.
Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session.
Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality.
As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement.
Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.
COP29 will build on the COP28 agreement by advancing initiatives and priorities that accelerate the development of renewable energy potential and remove barriers to its expansion. (Image source: IRENA)
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a new report assessing the feasibility of achieving the COP28 target of tripling renewables by 2030
In pursuit of meeting the collective goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming well below 2°C global leaders set a target of tripling renewables by 2030 at Cop28 in UAE. Nearly one year on from the conference, IRENA has assessed the progress made, stating that, despite an unprecedented acceleration in renewable energy deployment in 2023, the world will likely fall short of the target.
These findings were published in its newly released ‘Delivering on the UAE Consensus: tracking progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030’. Produced in partnership with COP28, Cop29, COP30 host Brazil and the Global Renewables Alliance today at Pre-COP, it provides accurate inputs to future COP decisions including COP29 in Baku.
The findings demonstrate that current national plans and targets are set to deliver only half of the required growth in renewable power by 2030. According to the organisation, annual investment in renewable capacity would have to triple, from a record high of US$570bn in 2023 to US$1.5 trillion every year between 2024 and 2030.
Global shortfalls
To meet the global goals, installed renewable capacity would have to grow from 3.9TW today to 11.2TW by 2030, requiring an additional 7.3 TW in less than six years. Yet, current national plans are projected to leave a global collective gap of 3.8TW by 2030, falling short of the goal by 34%. In addition, the annual energy intensity improvement rate must increase from 2% in 2022 to 4% on a yearly base up to 2030.
According to IRENA, these shortfalls highlight the inadequacy of existing policies and plans to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, underscoring the need for urgent policy interventions and massive investment. The third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement in 2025 must close the gap towards 2030.
“Today, we’re raising the alarm,” Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s director-general. “As the custodian for tracking progress of the UAE Consensus energy goals, we must flag significant gaps. The COP28 goals of tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency are key enablers for our global efforts to keep 1.5°C within reach but we risk missing them. The next NDCs must mark a turning point and bring the world back on track.”
The progress report concludes that to deliver the UAE Consensus goals on the ground, significant advances will be required across the key enablers of the energy transition, namely: infrastructure and system operation, policy and regulation, supply chains, skills and capacities, finance, and international collaboration.
Emerging and developing economies continue to face financing gaps that undermine access to capital-intensive energy transition technologies. Renewable power investments in Africa declined by 47% between 2022 and 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa received 40 times less than the world average per capita transition-related investment.
The solution empowers customers to maximise operational performance and accelerate net-zero goals. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
More than 5,500GW of new renewable energy capacity is expected to be added between 2024 and 2030. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The RogueX2 features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. (Image source: Bobcat)
Bobcat, a global manufacturer of compact equipment, has received the Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader
The Red Dot Design Award is an annual international competition recognising excellence in design and business. Around 20,000 entries are submitted per year, making it one of the biggest design competitions in the world. The Design Concept category is bestowed upon new innovations that are precursors of tomorrow’s great products.
This year, that honour has gone to the RogueX2, a powerful, smart machine from Bobcat that produces zero emissions. Features include a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. The most striking of the solution, however, is the lack of cab. The fully-autonomous concept loader has been designed to work without need of an operator and explores the idea of how work machines of the future can be designed and optimised for new technologies. In this way, it provides a glimpse at an entirely new work experience.
“We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” remarked Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.
Key to the machine’s development was the Bobcat Global Design Studio, which supported the project in collaboration with the Bobcat Global Innovation team. The solution is currently in the research and development stage, and is not commercially available.
“To build a smarter, more sustainable and connected future, we must ask the questions no one else has thought to ask before and invent new solutions that previously did not exist,” concluded Honeyman.
14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)
The new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. (Image source: Volvo CE)
Machinery Exchange will now supply Rokbak trucks to customers in Zimbabwe. (Image source: Rokbak)
Rokbak, a manufacturer of off-highway haulers for the mining, quarrying and construction sectors and member of the Volvo Group, has appointed Machinery Exchange as its new dealer in Zimbabwe
A subsidiary of Industrial Exchange Group (IEG) network of companies, Machinery Exchange has been appointed by Rokbak to provide full sales and service support for its trucks in the country from its headquarters in Harare and further branches in Bulawayo and Hwange. According to Rokbak, ongoing growth in the country’s infrastructure and mining sectors means that interest is already high and the company expects the newly-available RA30 and RA40 trucks to prove popular there.
"The partnership with Rokbak will help us meet the growing demands of our customers in the mining and construction industry, and further solidify our position as a leading earthmoving equipment supplier in the region," remarked Irene Khumalo, IEG head of marketing and PR.
Zimbabwe’s ripe market
"Mining and infrastructure are the backbone of Zimbabwe," explained Chetan Samji, IEG commercial manager. "The country’s industries are growing domestically and we’re also seeing increased investment from overseas, especially from economic superpowers such as China and India. It means we see positive opportunities for Rokbak trucks in the near term."
As part of the partnership with Rokbak, Machinery Exchange will provide comprehensive aftersales support, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service and maintenance. This support will be vital in maintaining the high performance and longevity of Rokbak haulers in Zimbabwe's demanding operational environments.
"We’ve been keen to develop our presence in Zimbabwe and foster relationships with customers through an established dealer," commented Paul Culliford, Rokbak regional sales manager EMEA. "Partnering with Machinery Exchange makes perfect sense. It’s a company that shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, and benefits from the support of IEG's extensive expertise and service network."
The expansion of operations to Zimbabwe closely follows Rokbak bolsering its presence in Wet Africa through a partnership with Heavy Machinery Dealership. Click here for more information.
The Kabanga Nickel Project camp. (Image source: Lifezone Metals)
According to Karambua, there are opportunities for growth and innovation amongst the challenges facing Namibia’s mining sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The project is part of the Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway and Transport Facilitation Programme. (Image source: ECOWAS)
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in collaboration with the African Development Bank, have sought to transform the border crossing at Ekok/Mufum between Cameroon and Nigeria
A modern joint border post has which was introduced in November 2022 has now been fully completed with an arsenal of modern upgrades to raise efficiency. The list of improvements now installed include a cargo scanner, baggage & walkthrough metal detectors, and weighbridge.
The security scanner will assist border officials – who have all now received training on the use of the equipment – by allowing them to more efficiently examine and screen cargos along the corridor. This will help to reduce the process time and enhance the security of all goods. Similarly, the weighbridge helps customs to check the gross weight of trucks and detect excessive loading of trucks. It is hoped that this will reduce road decoration, thereby saving future investment.
Recently, ECOWAS officially commenced the construction of a bridge over the Cavally River, helping to connect Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. Click here to discover more.
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Falcon Aerospace offers of aviation services including private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, sales and fractional ownership. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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British International Investment, a development finance institution and impact investor, has sought to boost private sector growth in high-impact sectors through the launch of a US$25mn risk sharing facility with Ecobank Sierra Leone
Currently, SMEs provide employment for about 70% of Sierra Leone’s population. Despite representing a crucial component of the country’s economy, BII has noted that these businesses still struggle to gain access to capital due to a number of factors such as limited availability of suitable financial products, high collateral requirements, high interest rates and the prevalence of short-term loans.
The risk sharing facility, which includes a comprehensive technical assistance programme, will therefore support Ecobank to increase lending to ambitious businesses in a frontier market where economic growth is hampered by lack of capital and investment.
“The signing of this agreement with Ecobank Sierra Leone underscores BII’s pioneering role to lead investments in countries that are often overlooked by investors,” remarked Samir Abhyankar, MD and head of financial services, BII. “The facility will be a game-changer for Sierra Leone, providing much-needed capital for ambitious local businesses to accelerate their growth, spur job creation and deepen impact. It’s an example of BII innovating and working with partners to help address pressing challenges where it matters the most.”
Growing Sierra Leone business
Building on US$50mn trade finance facility between the two entities in 2021 (which helped the bank to deepen its reach across Africa), the new facility will support local currency lending. According to BII, it will demonstrate its ability to act as the first mover in frontier markets and drive impact through risk navigation strategies.
Sebastian Ashong-Katai, managing director, Ecobank Sierra Leone, remarked, “We are delighted to have secured the support of British International Investment in boosting Ecobank’s vital lending capacity for Sierra Leone businesses who are the engine room for our country’s growth, economic development and employment. This further strengthens our intent to be the bank of choice for Sierra Leone’s businesses and leverages our delivery of world-class products, services, solutions, borderless digital pan-African platform and business skills training which are designed to support them in further growing their businesses.”
The investment will help Ecobank Sierra Leone to grow its loan book by increasing credit limits and extend lending tenors to up to five years. This is expected to boost business growth, create more jobs and increase private sector contribution to Sierra Leone’s economy.
The investment is anticipated to strengthen Africa's position in global value chains. (Image source: Afreximbank)
John Humphrey ringing the trading bell alongside leaders from MOBILIST, NSE, FSD Africa, AIB-AXYs and Capital Markets Authority. (Image source: MOBILISE)
Up to 880 jobs are expected to be created through the new plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
TOYO, a solar solution company, has unveiled plans to build a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Hawassa, Ethiopia
With an expected annual capacity of 2GW, the facility will be delivered through an estimated US$60mn investment from the company which has just signed a lease agreement for the new site of 31,500 sq m.
“We are thrilled to embark on this ambitious project, which will enable us to rapidly scale up solar cell production to meet the needs of our planned module facility in the United States,” said Junsei Ryu, CEO of TOYO.
“Establishing this manufacturing plant is a key step in our strategic vision to diversify our supply chain and enhance our sourcing capabilities for solar solutions in the global market.”
A strategic decision
Hanwassa has been strategically selected by TOYO as it will allow the company to take advantage of the country’s favourable investment policies, tariff status, and ample hydropower supply. The latter will be critical in TOYO’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. This is becoming increasingly important to utility-scale developers in the US, Europe and other markets.
Fitting out of the new plant is expected to begin in November, before the start of production at the end of Q1 2025 – if all goes to plan. The facility will be modified to meet the needs of modern, automated cell production and, according to TOYO, will enhance the company’s production capabilities and increase efficiency, reduce costs, and allow it to respond more swiftly to market demands.
While this will help to position TOYO as a competitive key player in the renewable energy sector, local benefits will also be abundant, with TOYO expecting up to 880 jobs to be created as the new facility is brought online.
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