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Energy

SANY is deepening its Africa footprint. (Image source: SANY)

China’s SANY has commenced work on a 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Zimbabwe as part of a mining project

In a statement, it reported that work commenced at the end of June, with the project being “undertaken by a Chinese mining company” working in the country.

It marks SANY’s first solar energy project in Zimbabwe. It also marks the first in Africa to adopt an innovative ‘EP+F’ business model, the statement noted, which integrates engineering, procurement, and financing into a customised solution to meet customers’ financial needs.

“As the first EP+F business model of SANY Silicon Energy, the project offers a replicable framework for future international renewable energy collaborations,” the SANY statement noted.

“By significantly reducing the financial burdens for customers, the model enhances the accessibility and feasibility of clean energy adoption in emerging markets.”

It added that the customer “expressed confidence in future cooperation with SANY in broader areas, including microgrids, e-trucks, and EV charging infrastructure.”

The project itself adopts SANY's self-developed 710 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, paired with advanced inverters and high-strength support brackets and is scheduled for grid connection by the end of 2025.

Once operational, it is expected to generate 18 million kWh annually, easing power shortages and boosting electricity supply for local industries.

The project in Zimbabwe follows a previous solar installation in 2024 in neighbouring Zambia, with the connection to the grid of SANY’s Mining Microgrid Power Project, marking Africa's first and largest single-unit ‘solar + storage + diesel’ project, according to the Chinese group.

The first phase of this project, now in service, can generate 16 million kWh of electricity annually.

It also triggered interest in additional projects, with SANY signing three similar microgrid initiatives in Zambia since last year’s launch.

The deepening involvement in southern Africa’s mining and power industries reflects a change in approach to the continent by SANY, with the shift to projects and away from pure machinery sales.

“After a 23-year friendship with Africa, SANY's cooperation with the continent has evolved beyond only equipment trade [to] a more sustainable collaboration,” it noted.

In Africa, more than 50% of its workforce is now locally hired, contributing over 5,000 local job opportunities.

“Looking ahead, SANY will continue to leverage its technology and management strengths to build a robust local supply chain, supporting Africa's green energy and economy growth,” the statement added.

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Qair tapping into desert power (Image source: AfDB)

Independent renewables developer Qair has received a boost for its 18 MW Dédougou solar energy project in Burkina Faso, securing €6mn (US$6.9mn) in concessional financing from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

It marks a significant milestone towards increasing the country’s energy generation capacity, as Qair unlocks a second phase of its solar power ambitions.

“After commissioning our first 24 MW solar plant in Zano in 2023, this second project in Dédougou reflects our expanding footprint and aligns with Qair’s long-term strategy to accelerate the energy transition across Africa,” said Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa.

SEFA, a multi-donor fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, is managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The latest support for Dédougou comprises a €2.5mn (US$2.9mn) senior concessional loan and a €3.5mn (US4mn) reimbursable grant, complemented by a combination of subordinated and senior loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), facilitated by advisors A&O Shearman and Trinity.

“This new financing from FMO and SEFA marks a significant milestone in Qair’s journey in Burkina Faso,” said Toure.

“We are deeply grateful to both institutions for their continued trust and support, which enable us to deliver impactful renewable energy infrastructure in the region.”

According to the AfDB, the Dédougou solar plant demonstrates the potential for private-sector-led future renewable energy projects not only in Burkina Faso, but across the Sahel region.

In a statement, it said the project aligns with the bank’s Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to turn the Sahel region into the world’s largest solar power zone.

The project is also listed as a priority project in Burkina Faso’s national Desert-to-Power roadmap and among the first independent power producers (IPPs) in the country, operating under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with state utility, Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).

"The Dédougou Solar PV project marks a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region,” said Dr. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s director for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Once operational, the plant will also help diversify Burkina Faso's energy mix, cut electricity costs, and boost access to reliable, affordable electricity.

Dédougou also steps up Qair’s own deepening Africa exposure.

With 1.7 GW of capacity in operation or construction, the group is developing a portfolio pipeline of 34 GW across 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa comprising solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, tidal energy, waste-to-energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen production.

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Johan Helberg, head of sales, Africa, Aggreko

Africa’s mining sector requires power reliability as a matter of survival, making it critical that companies invest in solutions that deliver longevity and reliability, says Johan Helberg, head of sales, Africa, Aggreko

According to the International Monetary Fund, global demand for critical minerals is set to increase significantly. For nickel, demand will double between 2022 and 2050, cobalt will triple, and lithium will increase tenfold says the International Energy Agency – and sub-Saharan Africa has an estimated 30% of these minerals in reserves. The region has immense potential, but realising the potential requires reliable energy solutions, particularly as mining operations across the continent continue to grapple with unstable power grids, rising energy costs, and increased pressure to meet sustainability goals.

As the Boston Consulting Group pointed out in its 2024 Africa Mining Outlook analysis, mining is not an easy business, but its complexity is compounded by energy instability, demand for cleaner energy supplies, and costs.

The impact of unreliable energy on the mining sector is extensive. Energy supply shortages have a direct impact on a mining organisation’s bottom line as companies have to invest in alternative solutions and failovers that can cost upwards of 30% of their total cash operating costs. The industry is reliant on continuous operations to remain profitable which makes reliable power crucial to remaining operational and financially stable. A study undertaken by Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, for example, found that loadshedding has a long-term negative impact on mining equity returns and impacts on stock viability for international investors.

The cost of energy unreliability makes a compelling case for hybrid energy solutions designed to not just mitigate the risks but to provide mining organisations with the tools they need to build resilient power infrastructure. These hybrid systems combine traditional power sources with renewable energy and battery storage to create robust energy platforms that ensure mines can maintain operations even when the grid fails. By blending multiple energy sources, they offer immediate fail-over energy provision within a single, intelligent system that prioritises both reliability and efficiency.

Hybrid also allows companies to distance themselves from the complexities that continue to plague power management, generation and infrastructure on the continent. Regulatory and policy uncertainty is affecting approvals and generating uncertainty when it comes to establishing independent power solutions, and there remain financial and infrastructural challenges that inhibit investment and growth.

Three key pillars

The effectiveness of hybrid systems lies in three key pillars:

The first is that hybrid systems offer mining organisations redundancy through multiple power sources. When one fails, others can compensate which ensures continuous operations and reduced risks and costs. This is particularly useful in remote mining locations where grid connections are weak or non-existent.

The second is that these systems incorporate battery storage technology which acts as a buffer against power fluctuations while providing immediate access to power on demand. Battery storage systems have the added benefit of improving overall plant efficiencies while reducing fuel consumption and maintaining power quality. This technology can help mining operations prioritise stable power supply during peak demand periods or when renewable sources are temporarily unavailable.

Finally, hybrid brings a new level of scalability and flexibility to operations. These are critical when considering how rapidly a mine’s power needs can change thanks to both internal and external factors. Modern hybrid systems offer mines the ability to adjust and scale energy provision and structure according to demand and to create a power infrastructure that fits their operations as they evolve.

However, implementing an effective hybrid solution needs to be strategic and well engineered, finding the optimal balance between sustainability, cost and reliability. This balance is particularly important within the African context where operational challenges can be more pronounced due to infrastructure limitations and operating in rural locations. Success means customising each hybrid solution to meet the unique power requirements, environmental conditions and operational constraints of each mining operation, and to partner with an energy provider that understands these constraints and knows how to develop relevant, tailored solutions.

The financial aspect of hybrid systems is also important. While the initial investment appears to be costly, the long-term benefits across operational stability, reduced downtime and reliable output can outweigh these. There are financing solutions that have evolved to support the sector in its move towards sustainable and reliable energy as well. The Build Own Operate Maintain (BOOM) model, for example, is a modern financing option that allows for the mining company to access reliable power without substantial upfront capital expenditure.

Aggreko solutions

Aggreko's hybrid solutions seamlessly integrate cutting-edge solar power and battery technology with traditional fuels like diesel, offering a blend of low emissions and high reliability. These systems are designed to prioritise solar power, maximising efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. During periods of high sunlight, batteries store solar energy to be used throughout the day, while generators automatically step in only when solar power is insufficient to prevent disruptions. Aggreko's advanced diesel and gas generators are engineered to minimise pollutants, ensuring that emissions remain as low as possible when in use. An intelligent energy management control system oversees the entire process, guaranteeing uninterrupted energy supply while reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, the adoption of hybrid energy systems in African mining operations will become increasingly attractive to companies as the technology continues to evolve and costs come down. These hybrid solutions offer a practical solution to the ongoing power reliability challenge and enable mining companies to maintain continuous operations and build the resilience they need to thrive. The key to success lies in choosing the right energy partner who has deep industry expertise and a proven track record in implementing hybrid solutions in challenging environments.

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Eco Wave Power and AGFDL launch feasibility study for clean energy at strategic South African deep-water port. (Image source: Eco Wave Power)

Eco Wave Power Global AB, a leading developer of onshore wave energy technology, has entered the African renewable energy space by signing an agreement with Africa Great Future Development Ltd (AGFDL)

The agreement outlines a feasibility study for establishing a wave energy power station at the Port of Ngqura in South Africa.

This initiative is Eco Wave Power’s inaugural venture into Africa and supports its broader objective of expanding into regions with strong coastal energy potential and growing renewable energy needs.

South Africa currently relies heavily on coal, with more than 80% of its electricity derived from coal-fired power plants. Widespread energy shortages and environmental issues point to an urgent need for clean and dependable alternatives. With over 2,800 kilometers of coastline, the country offers considerable wave energy potential to diversify its energy sources.

“Eco Wave Power is excited to explore South Africa’s wave energy potential in partnership with AGFDL,” said Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power. “This feasibility study represents a meaningful step toward addressing energy access and sustainability in Africa, while advancing our global mission to commercialise wave energy technology.”

Wave Energy potential 

The Port of Ngqura, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and operated by Transnet National Ports Authority, lies adjacent to the Coega Special Economic Zone—the largest SEZ in Southern Africa. With its strong breakwater infrastructure and direct ocean exposure, the port is well-positioned for a wave energy installation.

“This collaboration represents an important opportunity to support Africa’s clean energy transition,” said Wilfred Emmanuel-Gottlieb, CEO of AGFDL. “Wave energy has the potential to play a key role in delivering sustainable, reliable power to underserved communities and industries.”

“This project is about delivering practical, long-term impact,” added Alphonsus Ukah, co-founder and chairman of AGFDL. “We believe this technology could become a critical part of Africa’s renewable energy future, and we are pleased to begin this journey with Eco Wave Power.”

The feasibility study in South Africa expands Eco Wave Power’s growing international project pipeline. The company already operates a grid-connected wave energy station at Jaffa Port in Israel, developed with EDF Renewables IL. It is also nearing the launch of its first U.S. wave power station at the Port of Los Angeles in September 2025, developed in collaboration with Shell Marine Renewable Energy (MRE).

Further projects in the pipeline include a megawatt-scale installation in Portugal, pilot initiatives in Taiwan with I-Ke, and in India with Bharat Petroleum, a Fortune 500 firm.

“These developments reflect our strategy to demonstrate the scalability and viability of wave energy across diverse global markets,” Braverman added. “Africa’s energy challenges require bold innovation, and we are proud to take this first step toward delivering real solutions on the continent.”

Zambia to get its first crude oil refinery

Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has signed an initial agreement with China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation to build the country’s first oil refinery, as well as a 130 MW power plant, as part of an integrated energy complex worth around US$1.1bn

The crude oil refinery and energy complex in Ndola would provide additional electricity for the national grid and the country’s strategic Copperbelt mining region.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties was witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Han Jing.

The planned facility will have the capacity to process three million metric tonnes of crude oil per year — equivalent to approximately 60,000 barrels per day — sufficient to meet Zambia’s entire current fuel demand and creating potential for exports to neighbouring countries, IDC said in a statement.

It also outlined an aggressive project delivery schedule, with work commencing this year.

“Groundbreaking for the project is targeted for the third quarter of 2025, with the first phase of commercial operations anticipated to commence in 2026,” IDC noted.

Beyond fuel production, the refinery will also include facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling, bitumen production, lubricant blending, and a 130 MW generation plant, IDC added.

This will contribute 100 MW of electricity to the national grid, with some power supply being utilised to run the new energy complex and refinery set up.

“The project is further expected to stimulate investments in new storage infrastructure, rail upgrades and provide feedstock for industries such as plastics, fertilisers, synthetic materials and asphalt manufacturing,” IDC added.

Potentially, self-sufficiency in fuel could save the nation millions of dollars annually in imports.

An IDC spokesperson told Reuters the refinery would source crude from the Middle East and that it would be imported through the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one potential export market, with Congo Petrol unveiling plans for an oil storage depot in Lubumbashi earlier this year.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate about 2,200 jobs across civil works, mechanical and electrical installations, and logistics.

Once operational, it will sustain around 600 direct jobs and more than 2,000 indirect jobs in plant operations, supply chain services, maintenance, and support roles.

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