In The Spotlight
The break to load shedding has been a welcome relief for South African businesses. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Continued suspension of load shedding is raising hopes that South Africa could be over the worst of its energy troubles which have plagued the country over the last few years
On 12 May, Eskom posted an optimistic update celebrating the “notable and consistent improvements in generation performance that have enabled the continued suspension of load shedding, which has not been implemented for 46 days.”
This streak, it continued, can be attributed to the planned maintenance during the summer period and the implementation of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan which commenced in March 2023. In improving generation performance, Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has reduced from 11,036MW to 10,474MW week-on-week, a performance better than the winter forecast this year which expected unplanned outages to range from 14,000MW to 15,500MW.
The statement also outlined that there has been no increased usage in the Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) this week, and a total of 1,520MW of generating capacity is planned to be returned to service soon.
A positive outlook from the President
President Cyril Ramaphosa, added his own jubilant voice here in newsletter published on 13 May. In the correspondence, the President stated “It is too early to say that load shedding has been brought to an end. However, the sustained improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations – as well as the new generation capacity we have added to our energy system – gives us hope that the end of load shedding is in sight.
“A renewed focus by Eskom on maintenance and the return to service of several units is now showing results. Losses due to unplanned outages have reduced by 9% between April 2023 and March 2024, adding the equivalent of 4,400MW of capacity to our national grid. Better maintained and more reliable power stations have increased the country’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which is the amount of electricity available from our power stations at any given time. The EAF has been above 60% since April, compared to 53% over the same period last year.”
While the risk of load shedding will likely remain in the background for the foreseeable future, these announcements come as a positive step for a country that has been living in the shadow of an energy crisis which has stifled economic prospects and business potential for years. Certainly, announcements such as the onset of Africa’s largest battery energy storage system and new renewable providers entering the market will help the country in its efforts to return to energy stability.
VoltVision is supporting an increasing number of miners in Africa and the Middle East on their journey to becoming more responsible users of power. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
VoltVision, a high-voltage electrical data analytics business, has continued its expansion across the mining sectors of Africa and the Middle East
After conducting successful trials, the company has acquired four new contracts with top-tier miners in a development which proves its capabilities in the digitisation of complex high and medium voltage power grids, according to the company. The contact wins have also been taken as a demonstration of the company’s success in helping mining companies to improve operational efficiencies and accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry. The four contracts include:
Barrick Gold – Lumwana Project: Barrick has partnered with VoltVision to gain a deeper understanding of its power performance at both a site and group level. With its solutions enabling the operations team to monitor the electrical performance of the processing plant, efficiency gains can be captured and it will help manage the relationship with the grid supplier through ongoing monitoring and billing verification.
Centamin – Sukari Mine: VoltVision will digitise three critical areas of the Centamin Sukari mine complex in Egypt. This will include underground operations, the process plant and all power generation units. VoltVision’s solutions will enable Sukari to better operate its Power Management System, maximise solar PV usage, and advance to automated real-time energy reporting.
Resolute Mining – Syama Project: VoltVision will work to provide Resolute with better visibility into Syama’s medium voltage power network. VoltVision has retrofitted its solutions across Syama’s entire MV power network enabling the site management team to monitor diesel generation, power usage and power quality. VoltVision has streamlined the reporting process, guaranteeing accuracy and availability by using its customised reporting feature.
Allied Gold – Sadiola Project: At Allied Gold's site, VoltVision has implemented a monitoring solution, providing site-wide power digitisation. This has given the ExCo team unprecedented access to power usage and quality data across the entire processing plant, allowing them to identify areas for improved efficiency. VoltVision has also built a centralised multi-asset monitoring tool for the site management team.
“We are thrilled to be working with Centamin, Resolute Mining, Allied Gold and Barrick’s Lumwana complex in their respective efforts to improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and address climate change,” remarked Manoli Yannaghas, co-founder and managing director of VoltVision. “VoltVision is proud to be supporting an increasing number of leading miners in Africa and the Middle East on their journey to becoming more responsible users of power, tackling energy wastage and addressing carbon intensity.
“Our solutions are installed without the need for operational shutdowns and at a fraction of the price of alternatives. The power efficiencies and cost savings recorded by our customers in just a few months is a testament to the effectiveness of power transparency that a digital analytics solution can offer.”
The project was initially awarded to AMEA Power through an international tender programme that was launched by Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry and SMEs. (Image source: AMEA Power)
AMEA Power, a renewable energy company based in the Middle East, has broken ground on the Kairouan Solar PV project in Tunisia, marking yet another development celebrated by the company on the continent
The latest announcement follows notable announcements including the agreement to develop a 25MW solar PV project in Djibouti; breaking ground on a solar power plant in Togo; and signing a concession agreement and 25 PPA for a 50MW solar project in Côte d'Ivoire.
The latest release from AMEA Power regards the official groundbreaking of the 120MW Kairouan Solar PV project which is being implemented by Kairouan Solar Plant, a project company registered in Tunisia and fully-owned by AMEA Power. The ceremony – which follows the financial close of the project last year – was attended by Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy of Tunsia; Eman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; Faiçal Tarifa, director general of STEG; and Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.
Meeting Tunisia's renewables need
“This is a significant milestone for AMEA Power, as we officially announce the groundbreaking for the country’s first privately-financed solar project, paving the way for a greener Tunisia,” Al Nowais remarked. “By taking advantage of its renewable energy resources, and its strategic location between North Africa and Europe, Tunisia can become a prime location for green energy and trade. This groundbreaking project is a beacon for future renewable energy projects in the country, supporting the government’s goal of achieving 35% of renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030.”
The US$86mn project is being financed by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, and the African Development Bank. It will be built under a Build-Own-Operate model and is the first project under the concession regime to reach financial close.
Once commissioned – expected in Q4 2025 – it will be AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Tunisia and is expected to power more than 43,000 households while offsetting 117,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the project’s life. It will also support the country’s efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and gas imports.
According to Danfoss, BOCK’s renowned compressors are a natural fit for its existing solutions range. (Image source: Danfoss)
Danfoss, an engineering group providing solutions to increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and enable electrification, has finalised the acquisition of BOCK GmbH to firm up its position in Africa as a preferred provider of energy-efficient solutions
Demica has been working with Afreximbank to provide payables finance across Africa as part of Afreximbank’s strategy to boost Africa’s share of global trade. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The supply chain finance solutions from Demica, a leading fintech, has been selected by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Sterling Bank to provide approved payables finance to Nigerian businesses and suppliers
The SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox offering allows for a plug and play solution on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, presenting a valuable and unique concept to the local agricultural sector. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)
SEW-EURODRIVE has brought its quality products and support as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) closer to Africa’s farming sector, offering a complete gear solution for centre pivot irrigation systems
Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. (Image source: Brady)
Brady Corporation showcases its latest RFID products, which include new technology to streamline processes and better ways to track assets
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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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The break to load shedding has been a welcome relief for South African businesses. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Continued suspension of load shedding is raising hopes that South Africa could be over the worst of its energy troubles which have plagued the country over the last few years
On 12 May, Eskom posted an optimistic update celebrating the “notable and consistent improvements in generation performance that have enabled the continued suspension of load shedding, which has not been implemented for 46 days.”
This streak, it continued, can be attributed to the planned maintenance during the summer period and the implementation of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan which commenced in March 2023. In improving generation performance, Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has reduced from 11,036MW to 10,474MW week-on-week, a performance better than the winter forecast this year which expected unplanned outages to range from 14,000MW to 15,500MW.
The statement also outlined that there has been no increased usage in the Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) this week, and a total of 1,520MW of generating capacity is planned to be returned to service soon.
A positive outlook from the President
President Cyril Ramaphosa, added his own jubilant voice here in newsletter published on 13 May. In the correspondence, the President stated “It is too early to say that load shedding has been brought to an end. However, the sustained improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations – as well as the new generation capacity we have added to our energy system – gives us hope that the end of load shedding is in sight.
“A renewed focus by Eskom on maintenance and the return to service of several units is now showing results. Losses due to unplanned outages have reduced by 9% between April 2023 and March 2024, adding the equivalent of 4,400MW of capacity to our national grid. Better maintained and more reliable power stations have increased the country’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which is the amount of electricity available from our power stations at any given time. The EAF has been above 60% since April, compared to 53% over the same period last year.”
While the risk of load shedding will likely remain in the background for the foreseeable future, these announcements come as a positive step for a country that has been living in the shadow of an energy crisis which has stifled economic prospects and business potential for years. Certainly, announcements such as the onset of Africa’s largest battery energy storage system and new renewable providers entering the market will help the country in its efforts to return to energy stability.
The project was initially awarded to AMEA Power through an international tender programme that was launched by Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry and SMEs. (Image source: AMEA Power)
The new facility, powered by Wärtsilä, will help address Nigeria’s increasing demand for cement. (Image source: Wärtsilä)
The project prioritises the development of climate resilient infrastructure. (Image source: AFC)
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an infrastructure solutions provider, is leading a significant commercial funding package in order to finance much-needed enhancements of infrastructure in Angola
The innovative formula of Watershield cement offers enhanced water resistance and durability. (Image source: Lafarge Africa)
GB Auto has been providing contractors in Egypt with Volvo machines for a quarter of a century. (Image source: Volvo CE)
VoltVision is supporting an increasing number of miners in Africa and the Middle East on their journey to becoming more responsible users of power. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
VoltVision, a high-voltage electrical data analytics business, has continued its expansion across the mining sectors of Africa and the Middle East
After conducting successful trials, the company has acquired four new contracts with top-tier miners in a development which proves its capabilities in the digitisation of complex high and medium voltage power grids, according to the company. The contact wins have also been taken as a demonstration of the company’s success in helping mining companies to improve operational efficiencies and accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry. The four contracts include:
Barrick Gold – Lumwana Project: Barrick has partnered with VoltVision to gain a deeper understanding of its power performance at both a site and group level. With its solutions enabling the operations team to monitor the electrical performance of the processing plant, efficiency gains can be captured and it will help manage the relationship with the grid supplier through ongoing monitoring and billing verification.
Centamin – Sukari Mine: VoltVision will digitise three critical areas of the Centamin Sukari mine complex in Egypt. This will include underground operations, the process plant and all power generation units. VoltVision’s solutions will enable Sukari to better operate its Power Management System, maximise solar PV usage, and advance to automated real-time energy reporting.
Resolute Mining – Syama Project: VoltVision will work to provide Resolute with better visibility into Syama’s medium voltage power network. VoltVision has retrofitted its solutions across Syama’s entire MV power network enabling the site management team to monitor diesel generation, power usage and power quality. VoltVision has streamlined the reporting process, guaranteeing accuracy and availability by using its customised reporting feature.
Allied Gold – Sadiola Project: At Allied Gold's site, VoltVision has implemented a monitoring solution, providing site-wide power digitisation. This has given the ExCo team unprecedented access to power usage and quality data across the entire processing plant, allowing them to identify areas for improved efficiency. VoltVision has also built a centralised multi-asset monitoring tool for the site management team.
“We are thrilled to be working with Centamin, Resolute Mining, Allied Gold and Barrick’s Lumwana complex in their respective efforts to improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and address climate change,” remarked Manoli Yannaghas, co-founder and managing director of VoltVision. “VoltVision is proud to be supporting an increasing number of leading miners in Africa and the Middle East on their journey to becoming more responsible users of power, tackling energy wastage and addressing carbon intensity.
“Our solutions are installed without the need for operational shutdowns and at a fraction of the price of alternatives. The power efficiencies and cost savings recorded by our customers in just a few months is a testament to the effectiveness of power transparency that a digital analytics solution can offer.”
Despite Africa holding 30% of the world’s minerals, less than 5% of global development funding is directed towards projects on the continent. (Image source: AFC)
The BIOX Expansion is expected to achieve commercial production in Q2 2024 and ramp up to its stable nameplate capacity of 1.2 Mtpa in Q3. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Ayman Ashour, CEO of Siemens Mobility Turnkey MEA. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
The Middle East Rail took place from 30 April to 1 May this year. The event was packed with panel sessions discussing sustainability and better railway systems. Sania Aziz reports:
Advantages of MSC solutions include one-stop shop convenience, an efficient claim process, and tailored competitive rates. (Image source: MSC)
The extension is expected to strengthen Rwanda’ position as a logistics hub in the region. (Image source: AGL)
Demica has been working with Afreximbank to provide payables finance across Africa as part of Afreximbank’s strategy to boost Africa’s share of global trade. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The supply chain finance solutions from Demica, a leading fintech, has been selected by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Sterling Bank to provide approved payables finance to Nigerian businesses and suppliers
The TIDE Africa Fund II is believed to be the continent’s largest early-stage venture capital fund. (Image source: TLCom Capital)
According to Novare, recent anti-corruption measures have significantly improved Angola's investment environment. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
According to Danfoss, BOCK’s renowned compressors are a natural fit for its existing solutions range. (Image source: Danfoss)
Danfoss, an engineering group providing solutions to increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and enable electrification, has finalised the acquisition of BOCK GmbH to firm up its position in Africa as a preferred provider of energy-efficient solutions
AVEVA’s hybrid MES solution provides ready-to-use cloud services, so companies can quickly start visualizing and analysing manufacturing execution. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)
GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)
The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)
ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)
The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)
Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)
Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)
IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)
The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)
Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Latest news
The break to load shedding has been a welcome relief for South African businesses. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The project prioritises the development of climate resilient infrastructure. (Image source: AFC)
The project was initially awarded to AMEA Power through an international tender programme that was launched by Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry and SMEs. (Image source: AMEA Power)
According to Danfoss, BOCK’s renowned compressors are a natural fit for its existing solutions range. (Image source: Danfoss)
The SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox offering allows for a plug and play solution on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, presenting a valuable and unique concept to the local agricultural sector. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)
The new facility, powered by Wärtsilä, will help address Nigeria’s increasing demand for cement. (Image source: Wärtsilä)
Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. (Image source: Brady)
Ayman Ashour, CEO of Siemens Mobility Turnkey MEA. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
Advantages of MSC solutions include one-stop shop convenience, an efficient claim process, and tailored competitive rates. (Image source: MSC)
The innovative formula of Watershield cement offers enhanced water resistance and durability. (Image source: Lafarge Africa)
The project was awarded through Bid Window 6 of Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP). (Image source: AMEA Power)
GB Auto has been providing contractors in Egypt with Volvo machines for a quarter of a century. (Image source: Volvo CE)
According to Rajah, African countries have been building sophisticated electronic trading capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
AVEVA’s hybrid MES solution provides ready-to-use cloud services, so companies can quickly start visualizing and analysing manufacturing execution. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Entrepreneur Hilaria Paschal, Madukani, Tanzania. (Image source: Erica Baker / Solar Sister)
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The SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox offering allows for a plug and play solution on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, presenting a valuable and unique concept to the local agricultural sector. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)
Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. (Image source: Brady)
According to Rajah, African countries have been building sophisticated electronic trading capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The report explores the continent’s evolving data centre landscape, analysing regulatory frameworks, broadband expansion, and infrastructure development. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The runtime can be extended with up to eight external battery cabinets. (Image source: Vertiv)
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AMN activates first base station with Starlink LEO backhaul, expanding rural connectivity in Nigeria and beyond. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Sedna & Haivision join forces to revolutionise industrial monitoring in Africa, enhancing safety and operational excellence. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)
Through the innovative solution, each vessel can fill two tank containers on average between two ports. (Image source: Maersk)
With RFID, assets can be given unique digital identities that enable users to identify and locate them all at once, from a distance, in real time. (Image source: Brady)
SEW-EURODRIVE is aggressively driving its African resource expansion by focusing this year on Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. (Image source: SEW EURODRIVE)