In The Spotlight
Rolls-Royce powers Duisburg Terminal with world’s first 100% hydrogen CHP energy system. (Image source: mtu solutions)
In a major milestone for sustainable infrastructure, Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have inaugurated a fully CO₂-neutral and self-sufficient energy system at the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal
Officially launched at the beginning of July 2025, this pioneering installation sets a new benchmark for integrated green energy solutions in logistics.
At the core of the system are two mtu combined heat and power (CHP) plants, developed for 100% hydrogen operation and deployed here for the first time globally. Supporting technologies include an mtu battery storage system, mtu hydrogen fuel cells, and a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array — all integrated by a sophisticated energy management system.
The installation forms part of the Enerport II lighthouse project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. It is seen as a blueprint for future sustainable energy systems at ports, industrial complexes, and infrastructure facilities. Project collaborators include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.
Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented, “The opening of this CO2-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a milestone on the way to a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we will show how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can contribute concretely to the transformation of critical infrastructures and thus also to the implementation of the energy transition.”
Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG, emphasised, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and thus obligation to act responsibly and forward-looking. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage.”
Hydrogen-powered port
The intelligent microgrid provides energy for the 33-football-field-sized terminal, supplying crane systems, charging stations, and shore power. When solar output from the PV system exceeds demand, the surplus is stored in the mtu EnergyPack. In periods of low sunlight, mtu hydrogen CHP units and fuel cell systems ensure a stable, emission-free supply.
Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at Duisport, noted,“Our microgrid runs reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.”
Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Enerport II project also marks the debut of its newly enhanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines, now running on 100% hydrogen. Each engine delivers 1MW of output and demonstrates impressive performance, efficiency, and emissions results — continuing the legacy of mtu power systems.
Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is collaborating with research centres and industry partners to develop next-generation hydrogen combustion engines capable of reaching power levels of up to 2.5MW, matching today’s larger natural gas CHP plants.
“As part of the expansion of renewable energies, the German government has decided to build further gas-fired power plants with the power plant strategy. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized gas engine systems can compensate for the feed of wind and solar power into the grid, which fluctuates depending on the weather, and efficiently contribute to ensuring security of supply. Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply in many places in Europe. In the UK, even a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas units supports the UK energy transition. Once sufficient availability of green hydrogen is ensured, mtu gas units such as in Duisburg can also contribute significantly to CO2 reduction with 100% hydrogen or even with a hydrogen admixture,” remarked Michael Stipa, senior vice-president of business development and product management for stationary energy solutions at Rolls-Royce.
The project showcases how advanced hydrogen-ready technologies, combined with intelligent systems and public-private collaboration, can power industrial progress while supporting global climate goals.
Also read: Cooper LPG gensets bound for Africa market
New Iveco vehicles at the Madrid truck plant (Image source: Iveco)
The heat-up of Kamoa-Kakula’s state-of-the-art, 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter is expected to start in September 2025. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)
Ivanhoe Mines has released its production results for the second quarter of 2025, along with updates on its operational and project activities
During Q2, the Kamoa-Kakula Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators processed 3.62 million tonnes of ore, resulting in 112,009 tonnes of copper output — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.
The company confirmed that 'Stage One' dewatering measures have been operating according to plan since June 2, 2025. Water levels on the eastern side of the Kakula Mine have started to fall ahead of the 'Stage Two' dewatering phase, scheduled to begin next month. Five high-capacity submersible pumps, currently being assembled in China, are expected to be delivered to site soon.
Mining on the western side of the Kakula Mine resumed in early June. By mid-month, the mining rate reached 300,000 tonnes per month, with copper grades ranging between 3% and 4%.
Consequently, since mid-June, the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators have ramped up to a combined processing rate of 670,000 tonnes per month, equivalent to 8 million tonnes per year.
Ivanhoe also confirmed that underground development of a new mining area on the far eastern side of the Kakula Mine has commenced. Two new access drives are being developed from existing underground infrastructure.
Founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland praised the company’s teams and provided an in-depth outlook: “We commend the hard work and dedication of our management team, mining and engineering crews at Kamoa-Kakula, who continue to work tirelessly to turn around operations at Kakula.
“Operational recovery plans are well underway at Kamoa-Kakula following the decisive and proactive actions undertaken by management in response to the seismic activity first announced on May 20. Safety of our employees and contractors remains our top priority at Kamoa-Kakula and we are now systematically and judiciously increasing development activities to increase the supply of high-grade, fresh ore to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators from mining areas on the western side of the Kakula ore body. We expect to return to mining areas grading approximately 5% copper on the western side of Kakula towards the end of the year, which will drive a further improvement in operating results and efficiency.
“Meanwhile, we have commenced development towards a new high-grade mining area on the far eastern side of Kakula, which is expected to provide additional high-grade ore by Q2 2026. We also expect to transport excess ore from the Kamoa and Kansoko mines, which continue to outperform on all metrics, to further augment feed of fresh material to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators as soon as possible.
“Dewatering efforts of the Kakula Mine are proceeding to plan, which will provide us access to assess additional high-grade ore from the affected workings that can be safely mined to feed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators.
“We also commend our management team at Kipushi for a strong quarterly operating performance. Kipushi is now well on track as one of the world’s largest, highest-grade, and greenest major zinc mines. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are extremely excited for first production at Platreef later this year which will set the stage for a phased expansion that is set to position the operation as the world’s largest, and lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, and gold. Given the current rally in platinum-group metals prices and the rising interest in these metals, we firmly believe Platreef is positioned to emerge at the right moment in the cycle to deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders.”
Also read: Ivanhoe Mines reports strong Q1 progress
Powering Mali's mining industry forward
As Mali’s flagship Bougouni lithium project gears up for its first exports, the mine’s diesel power plant is being put to work
In January, London-listed developer Kodal Minerals announced that the thermal power generation facility was now operational, paving the way for commissioning of the stage 1 Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing plant.
The project is being heavily funded by Hainan Mining, a subsidiary of Chinese investment conglomerate, Fosun International, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The power plant itself is 100% diesel, with the mine site operations drawing around 3MW continuous power from six 1000kW, Cummins KTA50-G3 installed units.
In the company’s annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024, Kodal Minerals stated that with the absence of reticulated power in the Bougouni region, a 5MW diesel power plant was procured from Jiangsu Fukangsi in China, comprising Cummins engines.
“The power solution will include in its design the installation of complementary solar power, however due to the short time frame for project construction the solar circuit will be deferred into the future; likely after 12 months of operation,” the report notes.
The generators arrived on site in southern Mali in mid-December 2024, with the project team moving swiftly to complete the installation, cabling and testing of the equipment to achieve first power by late January 2025.
At the time, Bernard Aylward, CEO of Kodal Minerals, commended his site team, noting that they had “performed fantastically to successfully finish the installation of the power generation plant and achieve the important ‘Power-On’ milestone at Bougouni.”
He added that piping and electrical cabling continued to advance, ahead the commissioning of the DMS processing plant.
In the company’s most recent update, on 30 June, Kodal Minerals announced that an off-take agreement for the spodumene concentrate produced by the stage 1 DMS plant had been signed between its local subsidiary, Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni, and Hainan Mining, the exclusive buyer for a period of four years.
Aylward also added that discussions with the Mali government to secure the export permit for the spodumene concentrate were continuing.
The export of the spodumene, an important source of lithium, will take place via the Port of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, before final export on to China.
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ENGIE completes Africa’s largest wind project ahead of schedule in Egypt’s Ras Ghareb. (Image source: ENGIE)
ENGIE has officially announced the full commissioning of the Red Sea Wind Energy wind farm in Ras Ghareb, Egypt. With a total installed capacity of 650 MW, it now stands as the largest operational wind farm in the Middle East and Africa
This significant milestone follows the completion of a 150MW expansion, delivered four months ahead of schedule. The expansion increased the total capacity from 500MW to 650MW. The project progressed through several commissioning phases: 306MW came online in December 2024, followed by 194MW in April 2025, and the final 150MW in June 2025. Initially slated for the third quarter of 2025, the grid connection of the entire 650MW capacity was successfully achieved by June 2025.
The Red Sea Wind Energy project is also notable for its health and safety standards, having completed 7 million hours of work without a lost time injury. Once fully operational, the wind farm is expected to supply renewable electricity to over one million homes, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 1.3 million tons annually.
A 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), ensuring long-term revenue stability for the project.
The development was led by the Red Sea Wind Energy consortium, comprising ENGIE (35%), Orascom Construction PLC (25%), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%), and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (20%). Financing was arranged through the Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC), with coordination from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Norinchukin Bank, Société Générale S.A, under a Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) cover, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Paulo Almirante, ENGIE executive vice-president in charge of renewable & flexible power, stated, "This achievement demonstrates our Group's industrial performance and our ability to develop large-scale renewable projects in record time. It also illustrates the strength of our consortium and its contribution to decarbonizing Egypt's energy mix. With the commissioning of Red Sea Wind Energy, ENGIE now operates nearly 1GW of wind power capacity in Egypt, consolidating our position as a leader in the renewable energy sector in Africa and the Middle East."
ENGIE is also advancing plans for a new wind farm exceeding 900 MW near the Red Sea Wind Energy site, continuing its development efforts with the same consortium.
Volvo CE committed to the shift to circular construction (Image source: Volvo CE)
As Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) dealer Babcock completes its first articulated hauler rebuild in South Africa, Anders Eriksson, service market manager for Africa at Volvo CE, explains why more fleet owners across Africa are turning to machine rebuilds as a smart, sustainable way to maximise value and embrace the circular economy
Earlier this year, in South Africa, our dealer Babcock completed its first full rebuild of a Volvo A40G articulated hauler, stripping the machine to the chassis and building it back to Volvo standard with a new powertrain. It’s a significant step – not just for Babcock, but for the many contractors and fleet operators across Africa who are starting to look at their machines differently.
Instead of asking, “When should I replace this?”, more and more customers are asking, “How much more can I get from it?” And increasingly, the answer is: quite a lot – especially with a Volvo certified rebuild.
Making the economic case for rebuilds
The rebuild process is about protecting your original investment. You already own the asset. You know its history. And with a rebuild, you can restore it to a high-performing, reliable state – without the financial burden of buying new or even used equipment.
For our customers across Africa, that’s an appealing proposition. It lowers your total cost of ownership, reduces downtime, and helps you get more value from every machine in your fleet. Rebuilt machines typically benefit from lower depreciation, more favourable insurance costs, and – thanks to the known history – more predictable operations.
For many businesses, especially in today’s economic climate, that can make a serious difference.
When is the right time to rebuild?
There’s no single answer. The decision depends on the application, the environment, and the maintenance history of the machine. But in general, we see machines become eligible for rebuild between 10,000 and 20,000 operating hours.
Before any rebuild, our trained Volvo technicians carry out a detailed health check of the machine. From there, we work closely with the customer to recommend the right scope of work – whether that’s a powertrain overhaul or a full-scale rebuild with structural restoration, a renewed cab, and retrofitted upgrades.
With proper planning and scheduling, a typical rebuild takes around 12 weeks. We ensure all components and parts are ordered in advance, so there are no surprises or delays once the machine is in the workshop.
Performance without compromise
There are some common misconceptions around machine rebuilds. When completed to Volvo factory-approved standards, rebuilt machines deliver excellent productivity and uptime. You’re not extending a machine’s life by simply fixing or replacing a few components; you’re proactively restoring it to top performance – and often upgrading it in the process.
Just as importantly, rebuilds reduce the risk of unplanned failures. When a rebuild is complete, customers have peace of mind. The machine is known, serviced, and backed by a warranty on all major components. And because the rebuild is planned, site teams can schedule around the downtime instead of reacting to it.
A circular solution that makes practical sense
The environmental benefits of machine rebuilds are also gaining attention – not just in Europe, but in Africa too. By reusing large structural components and restoring major systems, rebuilds dramatically reduce the energy, raw materials, and transport emissions associated with buying new equipment.
To give just one example: rebuilding a used engine saves around 56% in CO2 emissions compared to producing a new one. For a transmission, that figure is closer to 60%. And when you consider how much copper, aluminium and bronze is built into every large machine, the resource efficiency of a rebuild becomes even more compelling.
This matters for customers facing increasing pressure to report on sustainability performance or align with ESG goals – particularly in mining, infrastructure and public-sector projects.
Growing demand across the region
At Volvo CE, we’re seeing increased interest in rebuilds throughout Africa and the Middle East. Articulated haulers, wheel loaders and large excavators are especially well suited for rebuilds – not only because of their durability, but because the cost of full replacement can be significant.
What’s even more encouraging is that many customers who try a rebuild once come back again. They see the benefit – financially, operationally, and environmentally – and begin to integrate rebuilds as a standard part of their fleet management strategy.
With trusted Volvo dealers like Babcock now delivering rebuilds locally, customers in South Africa and beyond can access this service closer to home, with full transparency and support. And we’re proud to support this shift. Because when a machine still has more to give – and the right partner is there to help extend its life – rebuilding isn’t just an option. It’s the right thing to do.
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Kibali mine drives sustainable growth and exploration success. (Image source: Barrick Gold Corporation)
Barrick Gold Corporation has reported encouraging exploration progress along the ARK-KCD corridor, reinforcing the potential for further mineral discoveries at Kibali, the largest and most environmentally conscious gold mine in Africa
The latest drill results show expanding mineralisation across lateral and downward extensions within the ARK-KCD system. This suggests significant opportunity to grow the mine’s reserves within its current footprint, Barrick announced during a media event in Kinshasa.
Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said the new geological insights point to a well-defined structural zone that could support additional high-grade orebodies.
“Kibali was built with a long-term view and has consistently delivered across production, partnerships and reserve growth. We’ve replaced every ounce we’ve mined and more since Kibali poured its first gold in 2013, and the ARK-KCD corridor shows that there’s still much more to come,” he stated.
Since inception, the Kibali operation has invested over US$6.3bn in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with US$3.1bn of that paid directly to local contractors and partners. The mine remains the biggest economic engine in northeastern DRC, spanning the provinces of Haut-Uele and Ituri.
Mining operations at satellite pits — Kalimva, Ikamva, and Ndala — are being conducted through contracts with Congolese businesses. Over 700 local companies benefit from supply chain opportunities and capacity-building initiatives. Procurement processes are managed transparently in collaboration with the DRC’s subcontracting authority, ARSP.
“Kibali is more than a mine. It’s a partnership that anchors the regional economy. It’s Congolese-led, Congolese-supplied and built to last. We’re proud of the model we’ve created here — one that delivers shared value every step of the way,” Bristow added.
Operational enhancements underway in the underground section are expected to yield productivity improvements in Q3, with a focus on cost efficiency and performance optimisation. The site’s renewable energy capacity has also been upgraded with the commissioning of a 16MW solar plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), allowing Kibali to operate on 100% renewables for half the year and lifting its total renewable energy usage to 85%.
“This is what the energy transition looks like in practice. It’s a benchmark not just for Africa but for the global mining industry,” said Bristow.
As part of its broader environmental commitments, Barrick is also deepening its involvement in biodiversity restoration. In collaboration with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation and African Parks, plans are in motion to relocate 64 white rhinos to Garamba National Park by year-end — a continuation of the rewilding initiative that began with 16 rhinos in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Barrick Academy continues to promote local skills development, with 170 employees participating in training programmes during the second quarter.
Community development is also progressing steadily. Of the 44 projects funded via Kibali’s 0.3% community fund, 41 have been completed, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally, US$4.8mn has been invested in executing the mine’s legally mandated social responsibility commitments under the Cahier des Charges framework.
“Kibali is our blueprint for sustainable growth in the DRC. Built on a foundation that is technically sound, socially rooted, and environmentally responsible, it reflects our long-term vision. The experience and lessons gained here in one of the world’s toughest mining environments will guide us as we look to expand our in-country portfolio to include not just more gold but also copper projects,” Bristow concluded.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Rolls-Royce powers Duisburg Terminal with world’s first 100% hydrogen CHP energy system. (Image source: mtu solutions)
In a major milestone for sustainable infrastructure, Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have inaugurated a fully CO₂-neutral and self-sufficient energy system at the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal
Officially launched at the beginning of July 2025, this pioneering installation sets a new benchmark for integrated green energy solutions in logistics.
At the core of the system are two mtu combined heat and power (CHP) plants, developed for 100% hydrogen operation and deployed here for the first time globally. Supporting technologies include an mtu battery storage system, mtu hydrogen fuel cells, and a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array — all integrated by a sophisticated energy management system.
The installation forms part of the Enerport II lighthouse project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. It is seen as a blueprint for future sustainable energy systems at ports, industrial complexes, and infrastructure facilities. Project collaborators include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.
Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented, “The opening of this CO2-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a milestone on the way to a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we will show how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can contribute concretely to the transformation of critical infrastructures and thus also to the implementation of the energy transition.”
Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG, emphasised, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and thus obligation to act responsibly and forward-looking. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage.”
Hydrogen-powered port
The intelligent microgrid provides energy for the 33-football-field-sized terminal, supplying crane systems, charging stations, and shore power. When solar output from the PV system exceeds demand, the surplus is stored in the mtu EnergyPack. In periods of low sunlight, mtu hydrogen CHP units and fuel cell systems ensure a stable, emission-free supply.
Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at Duisport, noted,“Our microgrid runs reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.”
Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Enerport II project also marks the debut of its newly enhanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines, now running on 100% hydrogen. Each engine delivers 1MW of output and demonstrates impressive performance, efficiency, and emissions results — continuing the legacy of mtu power systems.
Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is collaborating with research centres and industry partners to develop next-generation hydrogen combustion engines capable of reaching power levels of up to 2.5MW, matching today’s larger natural gas CHP plants.
“As part of the expansion of renewable energies, the German government has decided to build further gas-fired power plants with the power plant strategy. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized gas engine systems can compensate for the feed of wind and solar power into the grid, which fluctuates depending on the weather, and efficiently contribute to ensuring security of supply. Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply in many places in Europe. In the UK, even a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas units supports the UK energy transition. Once sufficient availability of green hydrogen is ensured, mtu gas units such as in Duisburg can also contribute significantly to CO2 reduction with 100% hydrogen or even with a hydrogen admixture,” remarked Michael Stipa, senior vice-president of business development and product management for stationary energy solutions at Rolls-Royce.
The project showcases how advanced hydrogen-ready technologies, combined with intelligent systems and public-private collaboration, can power industrial progress while supporting global climate goals.
Also read: Cooper LPG gensets bound for Africa market
REA and NCC form joint committee to boost rural power and digital access
Powering Mali's mining industry forward
It is expected to launch in the second half of 2025. (Image source: Siemens)
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has partnered with Microsoft to enhance access to building IoT data through greater interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft’s Azure IoT Operations, powered by Azure Arc
This collaboration aims to simplify how organisations connect, manage, and analyse data from various building systems such as HVAC, valves, and actuators, enabling faster onboarding and improved operational insights.
By combining Building X with Microsoft’s adaptive cloud framework, large enterprises across sectors like commercial real estate, data centres, and education can now tap into real-time data such as temperature, pressure, and indoor air quality directly in the cloud.
This paves the way for in-house applications like energy monitoring and space utilisation, supporting more efficient and sustainable building management.
Advancing digitalisation
The integration is built on open standards like the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web of Things (WoT) and the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA), ensuring interoperability and flexibility beyond proprietary ecosystems. Customers benefit from a simplified, vendor-neutral IoT architecture, reinforcing a shared commitment to openness, accessibility, and data security.
Expected to launch in the second half of 2025, the solution is one of the first to offer cross-provider IoT data integration based purely on open standards. It is part of Siemens Xcelerator, Siemens’ open digital platform designed to accelerate digital transformation in the built environment.
“This collaboration with Microsoft reflects our shared vision of enabling customers to harness the full potential of IoT through open standards and interoperability,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings. “The improved data access will provide portfolio managers with granular visibility into critical metrics such as energy efficiency and consumption. With IoT data often being siloed, this level of transparency is a game-changer for an industry seeking to optimise building operations and meet sustainability targets.”
“Siemens shares Microsoft’s focus on interoperability and open IoT standards. This collaboration is a significant step forward in making IoT data more actionable,” said Erich Barnstedt, senior director & architect, Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft. “Microsoft’s strategy underscores our commitment to partnering with industry leaders to empower customers with greater choice and control over their IoT solutions.”
Also read:
Volvo CE committed to the shift to circular construction (Image source: Volvo CE)
Pictured (left to right): Général Birame Diop, Armed Forces Minister (Defence), with Franziska Cusumano, CEO Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks at Daimler Truck and Cheikh Ibrahima Cisse, President GTS Senegal. (Image source: Daimler Truck)
The heat-up of Kamoa-Kakula’s state-of-the-art, 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter is expected to start in September 2025. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)
Ivanhoe Mines has released its production results for the second quarter of 2025, along with updates on its operational and project activities
During Q2, the Kamoa-Kakula Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators processed 3.62 million tonnes of ore, resulting in 112,009 tonnes of copper output — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.
The company confirmed that 'Stage One' dewatering measures have been operating according to plan since June 2, 2025. Water levels on the eastern side of the Kakula Mine have started to fall ahead of the 'Stage Two' dewatering phase, scheduled to begin next month. Five high-capacity submersible pumps, currently being assembled in China, are expected to be delivered to site soon.
Mining on the western side of the Kakula Mine resumed in early June. By mid-month, the mining rate reached 300,000 tonnes per month, with copper grades ranging between 3% and 4%.
Consequently, since mid-June, the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators have ramped up to a combined processing rate of 670,000 tonnes per month, equivalent to 8 million tonnes per year.
Ivanhoe also confirmed that underground development of a new mining area on the far eastern side of the Kakula Mine has commenced. Two new access drives are being developed from existing underground infrastructure.
Founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland praised the company’s teams and provided an in-depth outlook: “We commend the hard work and dedication of our management team, mining and engineering crews at Kamoa-Kakula, who continue to work tirelessly to turn around operations at Kakula.
“Operational recovery plans are well underway at Kamoa-Kakula following the decisive and proactive actions undertaken by management in response to the seismic activity first announced on May 20. Safety of our employees and contractors remains our top priority at Kamoa-Kakula and we are now systematically and judiciously increasing development activities to increase the supply of high-grade, fresh ore to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators from mining areas on the western side of the Kakula ore body. We expect to return to mining areas grading approximately 5% copper on the western side of Kakula towards the end of the year, which will drive a further improvement in operating results and efficiency.
“Meanwhile, we have commenced development towards a new high-grade mining area on the far eastern side of Kakula, which is expected to provide additional high-grade ore by Q2 2026. We also expect to transport excess ore from the Kamoa and Kansoko mines, which continue to outperform on all metrics, to further augment feed of fresh material to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators as soon as possible.
“Dewatering efforts of the Kakula Mine are proceeding to plan, which will provide us access to assess additional high-grade ore from the affected workings that can be safely mined to feed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators.
“We also commend our management team at Kipushi for a strong quarterly operating performance. Kipushi is now well on track as one of the world’s largest, highest-grade, and greenest major zinc mines. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are extremely excited for first production at Platreef later this year which will set the stage for a phased expansion that is set to position the operation as the world’s largest, and lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, and gold. Given the current rally in platinum-group metals prices and the rising interest in these metals, we firmly believe Platreef is positioned to emerge at the right moment in the cycle to deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders.”
Also read: Ivanhoe Mines reports strong Q1 progress
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South Africa has entered into a US$1.5bn loan agreement with the World Bank to support the revitalisation of its transport and energy infrastructure and stimulate economic recovery, the National Treasury announced recently
For over ten years, Africa’s most industrialised economy has faced stagnation, hindered by ongoing power outages that have reduced productivity and deteriorating rail systems and port congestion that have impacted key industries like mining and automotive manufacturing.
The government expects the loan to help alleviate transport constraints and bolster energy security, although it has not disclosed which specific projects the World Bank funds will support.
The loan is expected to help manage the country’s rising debt-service burden by offering more favourable conditions than those available in commercial markets, including a three-year grace period.
State-run utilities Eskom and Transnet, responsible for energy and transport respectively, have faced long-standing operational and financial difficulties, contributing to the country’s sluggish growth, which stood at only 0.1% in the first quarter.
The Treasury stated that the interest rate on the 16-year loan from the World Bank is the six-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 1.49%.
This facility is distinct from another US$500mn in funding that the World Bank Group is considering to help mobilise private investment in South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure, which needs to be expanded to accommodate more renewable energy projects.
Last month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined a budget that includes over 1 trillion rand (US$55.5bn) in investment across sectors including transport, energy, water and sanitation, aimed at driving growth and improving public services.
It aimed for public debt to peak at 77.4% of gross domestic product in the current fiscal year, slowly declining after that.
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Jumia opens 27,000 sq m smart warehouse to boost Egypt e-commerce logistics
Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has taken a significant step in reinforcing its presence in Egypt with the inauguration of a new integrated warehouse on Suez Road, Cairo
This development marks one of Jumia’s largest investments in the country and demonstrates its continued confidence in Egypt’s strategic role in Africa’s economic and logistical landscape.
Spanning over 27,000 sq m, the new facility is designed to optimise Jumia’s logistics capabilities by improving storage efficiency and speeding up deliveries, particularly to Upper Egypt. The warehouse is equipped with advanced smart systems that enhance order processing and customer satisfaction. As a key component of Jumia’s logistics infrastructure, the centre supports the company’s future expansion and aims to better serve merchants and consumers across the country.
This investment aligns with Jumia’s mission to boost Egypt’s digital economy and enhance its service offerings. It will also provide tailored logistics solutions for local manufacturers and merchants, reinforcing the platform’s support for domestic production.
The warehouse is projected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years, solidifying Jumia’s contribution to national economic development and youth empowerment.
Prime minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly commended the initiative, remarked, "We welcome this move by Jumia, which reflects the trust that major global companies have in Egypt’s investment climate. We look forward to more partnerships that support the state's goals in digital transformation, the development of logistics infrastructure, and the provision of job opportunities for Egyptian youth."
Abdel Latif Olama, CEO of Jumia Egypt, expressed his appreciation for the government’s support, stated, "We are proud of this achievement, which reflects Jumia’s long-term investment commitment in Egypt. We view Egypt as a strategic hub for our operations in the region. This warehouse represents a qualitative leap in the level of services we provide to our customers and partners, and it supports our vision of becoming an integrated platform that combines technology and logistics across the continent. It will also contribute to our growth in the Egyptian market."
Egypt also plays a critical role in Jumia’s tech ecosystem, hosting one of its largest technology hubs on the continent. This centre is home to a skilled team of engineers and developers who are building digital tools and logistics solutions to support operations across Africa.
During the inauguration, Olama delivered a presentation detailing Jumia’s impact in both Egypt and broader African markets. He also outlined plans for future expansion, reaffirming Egypt’s strategic importance to the company.
The launch of this facility is part of Jumia’s wider expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its infrastructure across Africa. Similar logistics centre s have already been established in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing digital commerce and economic development across the continent.
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