Energy

Namibia’s Zhero green ammonia project boost

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Namibia is keen to lead Africa’s nascent green ammonia sector (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A flagship green ammonia project in Namibia, led by Zhero, a European clean energy developer, has received a US$5.15mn funding boost from SDG Namibia One Fund

Namibia’s energy transition and green hydrogen fund is supporting the Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay Project through funding provided by the European Union’s Global Gateway and Invest International.

Expected to start commercial operations in 2030, the project aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, avoiding an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

“Namibia has the natural resources, strategic location and national vision to become a global leader in green ammonia and hydrogen,” said Paolo Gallieri, Zhero’s chief operating officer.

“With this support, we are strengthening our ability to deliver a world-class facility that can attract long-term investment, create economic opportunities for the country and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.”

Zhero Molecule Walvis Bay is the company’s flagship project in green molecules.

The project will be powered by an integrated renewable energy system comprising 3 GW of solar PV, 2.2 GWh of battery energy storage, a 1.6 GW electrolyser system and 110 km of new transmission infrastructure.

A desalination plant is planned as part of the project’s water supply solution.

Green ammonia produced by the project is expected to serve global decarbonisation markets, including fertilisers, maritime fuels and industrial feedstocks.

SDG Namibia One Fund (also known as Climate Investor Three Namibia) is managed by Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused blended finance investment manager, in partnership with Dutch development finance institution, Invest International, and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF).

“Zhero’s project aligns strongly with Namibia’s ambition to build a competitive green hydrogen and ammonia industry, as well as with the mandate of our SDG Namibia One Fund,” said Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM.

“The site benefits from exceptional solar resources, ample land and direct access to deep-water export infrastructure at Walvis Bay, making it well-suited for industrial-scale green ammonia production. Through its blended finance structure, SDG Namibia One is providing early-stage development capital alongside Zhero needed to de-risk the project and prepare it for financial close, creating the conditions for private capital to invest at scale in the construction phase. We look forward to working with Zhero to bring this important project from development, through construction and into operation.”

Green ammonia is produced by combining green hydrogen, generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, with nitrogen extracted from the air.

It is a zero-carbon fuel and chemical feedstock with applications across sectors including fertiliser production, maritime shipping and industrial processes; green ammonia is seen as important for decarbonising these hard-to-abate industries, where few alternative zero-carbon solutions currently exist.

The industrial-scale green ammonia facility, located near Walvis Bay in the Erongo region on Namibia’s central coast, is expected to create 6,000 jobs during the construction phase and around 500 permanent roles.

A final investment decision is targeted for 2027, with commercial operation expected in 2030.

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EDF, Adani, among seven shortlisted for SA transmission upgrade

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International companies are lining up to expand South Africa’s transmission grid (Image source: Adobe Stock)

South Africa has pre-qualified seven international groups under the first phase of its multi-year Independent Transmission Procurement (ITP) mega project

The shortlist includes an intriguing mix of global players from across the continents, including India, China, Europe and the Middle East, with familiar names such as Adani Power, Electricite de France (EDF) and China’s State Grid International.

The transmission project is estimated to cost around R440bn (US$26bn) over the next 10 years and will play an integral role in shoring up South Africa’s beleaguered power sector.

The finalists from the list will assist in the construction of a 14-000 kilometre power transmission line, to be built in stages, under a strategic public-private partnership.

Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said that out of the 17 responses to its pre-qualification documents, seven had now been shortlisted under the first phase of the ITP project.

Final requests for proposals are anticipated to be released by the third quarter of the 2026/27 calendar year, he added.

The seven pre-qualified companies are:

• Adani Power Middle East Ltd – Momentous Energy (Pty) Ltd Consortium (Lead member: Adani Power Middle East Limited)

• AREF Cobra Transmission Consortium (Lead member: Grupo Cobra South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd)

• Consortium Pulse Infrastructure (Lead member: Celeo Redes S.L.)

• EITP Consortium (Lead member: Okavango Projects SA (Pty) Ltd)

• State Grid Consortium (Lead member: State Grid International Development Co., Ltd)

• The Hyperion Consortium (Lead member: EDF EN South Africa (Pty) Ltd)

• Transmission Africa Consortium (Lead member: China Southern Power Grid International (HK) Co., Ltd)

The ITP project forms a critical — and costly — part of South Africa’s attempts to rebuild its once-illustrious power sector and to connect about 1.6 million households that still have no access to electricity.

The government is now relying on private sector collaboration to rapidly expand and modernise the country’s transmission infrastructure, an area once the domain of state-owned power utility, Eskom.

A core part of the strategy is to include a policy of localisation and industrialisation, which now sits at the centre of South Africa’s energy infrastructure programme.

“Through the ITP programme, large-scale infrastructure investment is being aligned with clear industrial policy objectives to ensure that growth in the electricity sector translates into tangible economic and developmental outcomes,” an Energy Ministry statement read.

“By prioritising local production, skills development, enterprise participation and technology transfer, the programme seeks to ‘crowd in’ private investment while simultaneously supporting local industry, expanding industrial capability, and securing long-term economic value for the country.”

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Benin electricity distribution boost after EBRD loan

EBRD loan to boost electrical distribution in Benin (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has made its first investment in sub-Saharan Africa with a pledge to boost Benin’s electricity sector

The bank will provide a €30mn sovereign loan to Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (SBEE), the national power distribution utility.

It forms part of part of a €173mn programme, with planned co-financing by the Agence Française de Développement (AFC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), that also benefits from a grant under the EU’s Africa Investment Platform.

It will support Benin’s efforts to expand reliable electricity access to underserved communities in the Mono, Couffo and Borgou regions, strengthening the national grid and connecting 600,000 people.

In a statement, EBRD said the loan to SBEE “marks a significant step in strengthening Benin’s national grid, modernising its distribution infrastructure and improving the daily lives of rural communities and vulnerable households, particularly women.”

This rural electrification project is expected to enhance energy reliability and connect to the grid 120,000 new households, across 750 rural villages and towns.

The project involves extending, modernising and increasing the density of the medium- and low-voltage distribution network across the various regions, paired with modern grid enhancements such as improved fault-detection systems and stronger cybersecurity capabilities for SBEE.

“I am delighted to sign our first financing in sub-Saharan Africa only a few months after Benin became a recipient country,” said Dasha Dougans, EBRD’s head of Benin.

“This transformative investment will help expand access to reliable electricity for thousands of families. It will also strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Benin’s energy infrastructure, which is fundamental to accelerating rural development and unlocking economic potential.”

Benin became an EBRD shareholder in 2024 and a country of operation in July 2025.

The bank added that it plans to invest in “sustainable critical infrastructure” in the West African country “that underpins private-sector development” and supports the modernisation and efficiency of enterprises and strengthening of the economic governance of institutions.

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Perkins names Katanga Engineering DRC distributor

Katanga Engineering CEO Nadeem Merchant. (Image source: Caterpillar, Perkins, Katanga Engineering)

Perkins Engines Company has named Katanga Engineering SAS as an authorised Perkins distributor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Based in Lubumbashi, Katanga Engineering has been appointed thanks to its deep understanding of the DRC, extensive engines experience and a strong alignment with Perkins' values and commitment to excellence, noted Jaz Gill, vice-president of global sales, marketing, service and parts at Perkins.

“There is significant potential for Perkins products and services to provide reliable power for end users in the DRC,” said Gill.

“Our products are ideally suited to the power requirements of the country’s key sectors including mining, construction, and power generation.”

The largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a landmass comparable to Western Europe, the mining sector is a cornerstone of the DRC’s economy, driving much of its economic growth.

“The appointment of Katanga Engineering will enable us to better serve our manufacturing and end user customers,” added Gill.

“Katanga Engineering already has an established presence in the DRC, with a strong network of facilities and personnel strategically located to ensure comprehensive coverage across key regions. Their national expertise also allows them to effectively reach and serve customers throughout the country, providing timely support and minimising downtime.”

To provide Perkins-powered customers with both regional coverage and localised support, Katanga Engineering also has branches in Kinshasa, Kolwezi, Kalemi and Likasi.

Led by its CEO Nadeem Merchant, the Katanga management team possesses extensive experience in the industry, with a proven track record of success in sales, service, and operations.

To support their growth ambitions for the DRC, the team will be actively recruiting more professionals in sales and product support.

“The Katanga Engineering team is proud to have been appointed as an authorised Perkins distributor in the DRC,” said Merchant.

“The Perkins brand is known for its reliability and productivity, and we’re excited by the opportunity to work with original manufacturers in the mining, construction and power generation sectors and help solve their power needs.”

The distributor agreement is effective January 1, 2026.

“We will be continuing to invest in our business across the DRC and look forward to delivering a portfolio of engine, service and support solutions to help Perkins-powered customers be successful,” added Merchant.

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Hinen launches H15000T three-phase hybrid inverter

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Three phase hybrid inverter for residential solar. (Image source: Hinen)

Hinen has unveiled the H15000T, a 15kW three-phase low-voltage hybrid inverter designed as a next-generation energy solution for Europe and Africa’s three-phase residential and light commercial markets

Developed to meet rising demand for integrated solar, storage and dependable backup power, the H15000T targets large homes and small commercial sites in regions where three-phase systems are common.

In Europe, the inverter aligns well with markets such as Poland, where escalating electricity prices and the push for energy independence are accelerating uptake of high-capacity hybrid solutions. Across Africa, it is positioned for high-end residential customers and small enterprises that require reliable power in areas affected by frequent grid interruptions and heavy dependence on diesel generators.

With electricity tariffs fluctuating and grid reliability under increasing pressure, users in both regions are seeking systems that provide higher output, greater adaptability and stronger backup performance. The H15000T responds with a durable, future-ready architecture built to deliver consistent performance under real-world conditions.

Engineered for practical three-phase applications, the H15000T supports 100% three-phase unbalanced output, enabling each phase to supply up to 50% of rated power independently. This capability ensures stable operation even when loads are unevenly distributed, a typical scenario in large residences, farms, workshops and small commercial facilities.

The inverter incorporates three independent MPPTs and allows 150% PV oversizing, supporting up to 22.5kW of solar input. This configuration maximises energy yield from complex rooftop installations. A low PV startup voltage of 120V allows earlier daily generation, helping users harvest more solar energy and enhance overall system returns.

For backup-intensive applications, the H15000T offers 100–110% continuous overload capacity and can handle close to 200% overload for up to 10 seconds, ensuring critical loads remain operational during sudden demand spikes. A 45A high-capacity bypass current enables peak output of up to 30kW, supporting power-hungry appliances, machinery and commercial equipment. With a backup switching time of no more than 10ms, the system provides seamless transitions during grid outages, protecting sensitive devices and maintaining uninterrupted operations.

The H15000T also delivers rapid charging and intelligent energy control, featuring a 290A ultra-fast battery charge and discharge capability for quicker energy storage and enhanced load support. It is compatible with multiple energy sources, including solar PV, the grid and diesel generators, offering resilience across varied energy environments.

Smart load management is enabled through a dedicated secondary output, allowing users to prioritise essential circuits, while dry contacts support automatic diesel generator start and stop. Multiple operating modes can be configured via a mobile app, giving users the flexibility to tailor energy strategies and optimise efficiency according to their specific needs.

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