Category: ENERGY AND POWER

Platinum’s Major Boost in South Africa Through EU Backing of Green Hydrogen Generation

  • March 16, 2025
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South Africa’s abundant platinum group metals (PGMs) have received a significant boost, with the European Union’s backing of green hydrogen generation at the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized clean energy and green hydrogen as key components of the €4.7 billion (R94 billion) investment package announced during the summit.

Zimbabwe Pioneers Global Innovation: President Mnangagwa Hosts Visionary Inventor Maxwell Chikumbutso

  • January 28, 2025
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Zimbabwe stands on the threshold of a technological revolution, with groundbreaking innovation poised to redefine the country’s industrial and energy landscape. On a historic occasion, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa took time off his annual leave to meet with the nation’s very own trailblazer, Maxwell Chikumbutso, at State House. Chikumbutso, an inventor of unparalleled brilliance, presented his revolutionary microsonic energy device, which has already attracted significant international attention and is set to put Zimbabwe on the global map for innovation.

International Day of Clean Energy: Empowering Women and Transforming Lives in Africa

  • January 25, 2025
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International Day of Clean Energy January 26th: African Development Bank promotes women’s empowerment through sustainable energy business development. When Grace Akingurwaruh signed up to become a seller of coal-efficient, improved-cooking stoves, she had no idea that she’d be successful enough to purchase her first smartphone – a godsend which enables her to remain in regular contact with her customers and get new business.

Africa’s Role in Supplying Critical Minerals for the Green Energy Revolution

  • January 14, 2025
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As the global economy pivots towards sustainability, the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs) has surged. These materials are the cornerstone of modern clean energy technologies, powering everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy storage systems. Africa, endowed with vast deposits of these resources, is increasingly at the forefront of the green energy transition. But how can the continent navigate its opportunities and challenges in this burgeoning sector?

Ivanhoe Mines Targets Record Copper Output in the DRC for 2025

  • January 10, 2025
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Ivanhoe Mines, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), has set an ambitious production target for its flagship Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aiming for between 520,000 and 580,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate in 2025. This target builds on the record-breaking success of 2024, where the complex produced 437,061 tonnes, marking a 12% year-on-year increase.

Dangote Refinery Reaches 85% Capacity, Poised to Transform Nigeria’s Fuel Market

  • January 6, 2025
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Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, one of the largest privately-owned oil refineries in Africa, has reached an impressive 85% of its refining capacity, signaling significant progress towards full-scale operations. This milestone was confirmed by Edwin Devakumar, the head of the refinery, who stated that the facility is now refining 550,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. The refinery, which is capable of processing 650,000 bpd, is expected to deliver European-standard refined products by January, further solidifying its position as a major player in the global oil refining market.

Lure of Anglo’s copper mines could test BHP’s spending resolve

  • December 21, 2024
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BHP, the world’s biggest miner, would need to offer a minimum 40% premium over Anglo American’s share price to make a renewed takeover bid now the rival’s value has been boosted by asset sales, two sources close to the matter told Reuters.

Nornickel Eyes Innovation to Sustain Palladium Demand Amid Shifting Global Trends

  • November 28, 2024
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Nornickel, the world’s largest palladium producer, is exploring new technologies to sustain demand for palladium, particularly in China, as the rise of electric vehicles diminishes the need for the metal in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The company is partnering with Chinese universities and industries to develop applications in hydrogen production and water purification, which could generate up to 15 tons of new, long-term palladium demand. As China leads the charge in green technologies, Nornickel is positioning itself to meet the evolving demand and maintain its market dominance through innovation and collaboration.

Ethiopia Bans Non-Electric Car Imports: Leading the Way Toward a Green Future

  • November 8, 2024
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Ethiopia has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first country in the world to ban the import of non-electric private vehicles. This ambitious policy, which took effect in January, aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy. While the country is rapidly increasing its electric vehicle (EV) imports, challenges such as a shortage of infrastructure, skilled technicians, and vehicle reliability issues remain. Despite these hurdles, Ethiopia’s commitment to a green transition, supported by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, sets the stage for a new chapter in global efforts towards cleaner transportation.

Global Shifts in Battery Manufacturing: Africa’s Role in the Future of Clean Energy

  • November 8, 2024
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Africa stands on the cusp of becoming a global leader in battery manufacturing, thanks to its rich reserves of lithium, nickel, manganese, and copper. With the US and EU diversifying supply chains away from China, Africa’s cost-competitive advantage in refining – up to 40% lower costs by 2030 – positions the continent to transition from a raw material exporter to a producer of high-value battery components. Strategic investments, supportive policies, and a focus on sustainability could enable African nations to power the global shift to clean energy while creating jobs and economic growth across the region.

Electric vs Diesel-Powered Pumps

  • October 27, 2024
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Both diesel and electric pumps have their uses in mining applications, but which type is best suited to which type of project? By Rodney Weidemann […]

Mission 300: A Global Coalition’s Ambitious Plan to Electrify 300 Million Africans by 2030

  • September 29, 2024
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Ahead of Climate Week NYC, a global coalition of organizations, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and The Rockefeller Foundation, launched “Mission 300” to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. The initiative, supported by the African Development Bank and World Bank, aims to mobilize private sector financing and technical assistance across 11 African nations, transforming energy access and fostering economic growth across the continent.

Atlantic Lithium Secures Environmental Permit for Ghana’s First Lithium Mine

  • September 14, 2024
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Atlantic Lithium Limited has received an environmental permit from Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Ewoyaa Lithium Project, marking a pivotal step towards establishing Ghana’s first lithium mine. The permit, following extensive community engagement and regulatory review, clears the way for the project’s advancement. Atlantic Lithium’s Executive Chairman, Neil Herbert, hailed the approval as a major milestone in the development of Ghana’s lithium industry, which is poised to play a key role in the global clean energy transition.

Copper 360 Reignites O’Kiep Copper District Amid Global Supply Crisis

  • August 11, 2024
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Copper 360 has reignited copper mining in South Africa’s historic O’Kiep Copper District after more than 40 years, with the reopening of the Rietberg mine. As global demand for copper surges, this development is poised to bolster both the local economy and the global copper supply, marking a new era for the region and the company.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage: A Beacon for South Africa’s Energy Future

  • July 2, 2024
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Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) offers South Africa a crucial solution to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The Council for Geoscience’s (CGS) dedication to advancing CCUS technology, in partnership with various stakeholders, is a positive move. Integrating CCUS with renewable energy, creating supportive policies, and increasing public awareness can lead to a resilient, sustainable energy future. South Africa’s proactive efforts in CCUS can become a model for other coal-dependent countries, demonstrating that with determination, innovation, and collaboration, it is possible to meet climate goals and ensure a prosperous future.

Africa’s Clean Energy Surge: A Beacon of Hope in Declining Foreign Investments

  • June 23, 2024
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Despite a slight decline in overall foreign investment flows to Africa in 2023, the continent’s clean energy sector has seen a remarkable surge, attracting significant global interest. Noteworthy investments include a $34 billion green hydrogen project in Mauritania and over $10 billion for wind and solar projects in Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. These developments highlight Africa’s growing commitment to sustainability and its potential to lead in renewable energy, driving economic growth and environmental progress.

The Fascinating Journey of Turning Mechanical Energy into Electrical Power

  • June 16, 2024
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The process of turning mechanical energy into electrical power is a marvel of modern engineering. From school experiments with magnets and coils to massive power plants with turbines spinning at high speeds, the principles remain the same but the scale is astounding. This article delves into the key components of power generators—rotor, stator, and core—and explores how they work together to produce the electricity that powers millions of homes. Discover the fascinating mechanics behind the scenes of our electrical grid and the challenges engineers face in this high-stakes industry.

Sonatrach Expands Energy Projects in Algeria, Boosts Gas Supplies to Europe

  • June 2, 2024
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Sonatrach, Algeria’s state-owned energy giant, has forged pivotal partnerships with Baker Hughes and Tecnimont to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure. The collaboration aims to enhance gas production at the renowned Hassi R’Mel gas field, positioning Algeria as a key player in Europe’s energy supply chain.

Energizing Namibia: A Vision for Sustainable Prosperity

  • April 19, 2024
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In the vast expanse of Africa lies Namibia, a nation brimming with untapped energy potential and boundless opportunities for growth. At the forefront of this energy revolution stands the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), an annual gathering that serves as a nexus for government officials, industry leaders, investors, and visionaries to converge and chart the course for Namibia’s energy future.