ENERGY BOX MENA

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 is gearing up for another huge year !! Register to see confirmed speakers and attend:  https://lnkd.in/gC8fQp2C 

South Africa’s solar industry powers forward to 2025 As 2024 comes to a close, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) celebrates a year of resilience, milestones, and progress in advancing the country’s solar energy future. 📈 Key Achievements in 2024: - 961 MW of new private-sector solar PV capacity added. - Total installed solar PV capacity surged to 8.97 GW, an 11.9% increase from 2023. - 2.8 GW from public procurement programs (e.g., REIPPPP). - 6.1 GW from private-sector contributions. - 500 MW of utility-scale projects under construction, with 375 MW scheduled to come online in 2025. ⚡ Policy Advocacy & Industry Leadership: South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) played a pivotal role in driving growth through contributions to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) draft 2023 and advocacy for the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM). 🤝 Economic Impact & Community Contributions: Creation of jobs and skills development through initiatives like South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)’s partnership with NBI and Absa Group, which trained 100 installation companies. Members like SOLA advanced private-sector renewable energy projects, driving economic growth and energy independence. 🚧 Overcoming Challenges: - Despite regulatory delays, grid connection backlogs, and SME financing hurdles, SAPVIA launched initiatives to: - Streamline processes with Department of Mineral Resources and Energy NERSA - RSA. - Connect SMEs with funding opportunities and foster partnerships. 🔮 Shaping the Future: - Accelerated adoption of solar-plus-storage systems to address intermittency. - Growing popularity of microgrids in rural areas. - Expanded use of rooftop solar as electricity prices rise. - Collaboration on a comprehensive grid upgrade plan, including smart grids and energy storage. 🌍 Solar’s Role in Energy Independence: In 2024, solar energy contributed significantly to 300 days of uninterrupted electricity, displacing 4,260 tons of CO2 and supplying 5.2 TWh of energy. SAPVIA remains committed to ensuring every South African has access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Together, we’re building a sustainable future for all. Read more : https://lnkd.in/g-izcsCh #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SAPVIA #EnergyIndependence #Sustainability #SouthAfrica #GreenEnergy #EnergyTransition

📉 ESKOM Reports R25.5bn Loss Amidst Operational Challenges and Recovery Efforts 📉 Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd has announced a R25.5 billion pre-tax loss for the financial year ending March 31, 2024, largely due to operational setbacks, systemic inefficiencies, and financial strain. With 329 days of load-shedding and rising municipal debt, the state-owned utility faces significant hurdles. Despite these challenges, Eskom’s leadership, led by Group CEO Dan Marokane, is optimistic about the future, citing early signs of recovery in the current financial year. The utility has laid a solid foundation for a turnaround in 2025, focusing on improving plant availability, reducing reliance on costly diesel-fired turbines, and addressing municipal arrears and electricity theft. 🔴 Key takeaways from Eskom's 2024 financial results: - Revenue increased by 14%, reaching R295.8 billion, bolstered by an 18.65% tariff increase. - Diesel costs decreased by R11.9 billion year-on-year, reflecting reduced reliance on open-cycle gas turbines. - Plant availability improved to 62.97%, with an expected after-tax profit of over R10 billion. - 2,500 MW of capacity expected to be added to the grid by March 2025, driven by the return to service of key power stations. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd is also making strides in combating corruption, with 304 arrests and 17 convictions secured. Additionally, the unbundling of the utility into Generation, Transmission, and Distribution entities is expected to improve governance and attract private investment. As Eskom works toward a sustainable future, the focus remains on improving operational efficiency, addressing financial challenges, and ensuring reliable energy supply for South Africa and the Southern African Development Community Secretariat (SADC). Read more : https://lnkd.in/gXmUAmvB #Eskom #Energy #RenewableEnergy #SouthAfrica #EnergyTransition #FinancialRecovery #Sustainability #PowerGeneration #Electricity

InfraCredit Mobilises £10m Green Sukuk for Solar Powered Rural Infrastructure Project in Nigeria InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’-rated infrastructure credit guarantee institution, has successfully enhanced the credit of Prado Power Limited’s Guaranteed Fixed-Rate Senior Green Infrastructure Forward Ijarah Lease Sukuk with a £10 million contribution from the UK’s Climate Finance Blending Facility. This project represents the fourth transaction under the Climate Facility and the first local currency Green Infrastructure Sukuk for a solar-powered rural infrastructure project in Nigeria. Through this innovative financing model, InfraCredit is supporting the development of four solar hybrid mini-grids in Benue and Akwa Ibom states, which will provide electricity to 15,801 unserved households and small businesses. The partnership highlights the collaborative efforts of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), InfraCredit, Prado Power, and FSD Africa, all of whom have played key roles in bringing this project to life. Their combined efforts are instrumental in driving the growth of sustainable energy solutions and supporting the transition to clean, affordable energy in Nigeria. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2ceVsMv #GreenFinance #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Nigeria #Infrastructure #CleanEnergy #GreenSukuk #MiniGrids

Envision Energy to deliver Battery Storage Solutions for EDF's 1GWh Oasis Portfolio in South Africa Key Developers: - EDF Group – The lead developer and a global leader in nuclear and renewable energy, overseeing the Oasis 1 cluster. - Mulilo-sponsor in the development of the Oasis projects. - Pele Energy Group – Equity partner in the Oasis Consortium. - Gibb-Crede – Equity partner in the Oasis Consortium. Key Numbers: - Total Capacity: #257MW - Total Storage: #1028MWh - Project Locations: Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi, and Oasis Nieuwehoop power plants in the Northern Cape Province. - Financial Close: November 20, 2024 - Operational Date: Expected by the end of 2026 Envision Energy's Contribution: Supply of BESS, including 20-foot, 5 MWh storage units powered by high-safety, high-performance 315Ah cells, and 15 years of O&M services. This project is part of South Africa’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and is a significant step toward enhancing the country’s grid stability and renewable energy integration. Read more : https://lnkd.in/gKRBEjnY #BatteryStorage #SouthAfrica #EnvisionEnergy #EDF #EnergyTransition #GridStability #BESS #SouthAfricaEnergy

Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)-backed Renewable Energy Developer Is Eyeing an IPO in Abu Dhabi Infinity Power, a leading renewable energy developer with a 49% stake owned by Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), is exploring a potential IPO on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange within the next two to three years, according to Chairman Mohamed Ismail Mansour. 🔑 Key Highlights: - IPO Plans: The company may list 20-30% of its shares, with Abu Dhabi as the preferred location, though other markets like Dubai, Johannesburg, London, and Cairo are also under consideration. - Green Bonds: Infinity Power is working toward a credit rating, aiming to issue its first green bond by early 2026. - Market Conditions: The timeline for listing will depend on evolving market dynamics. 💡 Mansour stated, “If we’re going to list today, our preference would be Abu Dhabi. Maybe that changes in a year or two. It depends on how the markets evolve.” The Middle East continues to be a global hotspot for IPOs, with the UAE leading the region in listing volumes, raising over $12 billion this year. Read more : https://lnkd.in/gizjPWWv #RenewableEnergy #IPO #GreenBonds #Sustainability #Masdar #InfinityPower #CleanEnergy

GoSolr raises concerns about Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd's plan to impose higher tariffs on solar users. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd’s latest tariff proposals have sparked intense debate, raising significant concerns for solar users and the broader energy landscape in South Africa. At GoSolr, we believe that South Africa’s electricity system needs tariff reviews to ensure efficiency and fairness. However, there’s a fine line between reform and risk. 🔍 The Challenges - Eskom's proposed 183% increase in connection fees for some households feels more like a desperate attempt to protect revenues than progress. Solar users would be placed on a specific tariff with a similarly high fixed charge. - Higher fixed charges discourage energy efficiency and green technology adoption, threatening South Africa’s renewable energy goals. - Solar customers are singled out in a specific tariff. Why ignore the value these users can create for the system and adjust the tariff such that additional value is unlocked? If this tariff is better for the future of the SA energy infrastructure, why not make it available to all who wish to be part of it? 🔑 GoSolr’s Recommendations: 1️⃣ Spread tariff changes fairly across all users. 2️⃣ Tie fixed fees to peak usage for a more equitable approach. 3️⃣ Focus on reducing infrastructure costs, boosting energy efficiency, and driving renewable innovation. 💡 As GoSolr co-founder Patrick Narbel, PhD puts it: “A transparent, forward-thinking tariff structure could energise South Africa’s grid and economic prospects. Let’s ensure reforms protect progress, not monopolies, and give all South Africans a fair shot at powering their future.” Read more : https://lnkd.in/g2H7hyYU #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyEfficiency #TariffReform #Sustainability

World's Largest Battery Project Secures New Financial Backing Spanish developer Grenergy LLC has secured $299 million in financing for the third phase of its Oasis de Atacama project in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The funding comes from BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, Natixis Investment Managers, Canada’s Bank of Nova Scotia Power, and Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation – SMBC Group. ⭐️Project Highlights: - Total Capacity: #11GWh storage and #2GW solar - Current Phase: #230MW solar and 1.3GWh storage - Total Investment: $2.3 billion - Timeline: First phase connects in weeks; full completion by 2026 Once completed, Oasis de Atacama will be the world’s largest battery energy storage system, far exceeding California’s Moss Landing facility (#3GWh). Read more ：https://lnkd.in/ggn7iAPS #EnergyStorage #RenewableEnergy #Chile #SolarPower #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy

🔋 Nordex Group Secures 40 MW Wind Order for Ukraine 🌬️ Nordex Group has received a 40 MW order from Eco Optimal Cleaning for a wind farm near Lviv, Ukraine. The project will feature seven N163/5.X turbines with a 5.7 MW output each, helping to strengthen Ukraine’s energy independence. Read more : https://lnkd.in/gfejyZtq #WindEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Ukraine #Nordex #EcoOptima

Tesla's $300Million Solar and Energy Storage Project in #California 🔋 Tesla’s new #Megapack energy storage system is now live in California, paired with one of the largest solar installations in the U.S. The 384 MW solar project combines 150 MW/600 MWh of Tesla storage. The second phase, Eland 2, is under construction and expected to be operational in Q1 2025. Together, the two phases will cost $2+ billion and reach 758 MW of solar and 300 MW/1,200 MWh of storage. Key innovation: ⚡ Tesla's new site-level controls regulate power output, ensuring grid stability and reducing costly solar curtailment. This project is a major step in California’s clean energy transition. 🌱 #SolarEnergy #EnergyStorage #Tesla #CleanEnergy #Renewables #Sustainability