Energy

Eco Wave Power enters South Africa’s Ngqura Port

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 plans first oil refinery, power plant

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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Industrial on-site power for Guinea metal factory

The new industrial power plant at Kouriah (Image source: Himoinsa)

Himoinsa has completed a project to supply a comprehensive power solution for a metal factory in Kouriah, Guinea

The 24 MW power plant, located close to the capital, Conakry, will mitigate the effects of power cuts that have historically undermined industries in the area, and guarantee the supply of electricity

Himoinsa provided a comprehensive solution that includes 12 diesel generator sets, eight fuel tanks, medium-voltage switches, step-down transformers, synchronisation and fuel automation systems, among other equipment.

It will serve a large industrial plant dedicated to metallurgy, with a focus on process efficiency and optimum fuel consumption.

“The system has been designed to operate with parallel synchronisation between the 12 HTW 2030 T5 diesel generator sets,” Himoinsa said in a statement.

It added that the gensets are particularly suitable for high volume industrial applications due to their efficiency and ease of maintenance, which has allowed a balanced load and an effective response to peak demand.

“The 0.4/20 kV step-up transformers and medium-voltage switchgear are configured to ensure safe and efficient electricity distribution,” it noted.

“Fuel automation is key to optimising the use of resources and ensuring that the system operates continuously without interruption.”

Himoinsa added that the facilities have enabled the industrial plant to operate continuously thanks to automation and remote monitoring system.

A SCADA system allows operators to efficiently monitor and control the performance of the generator sets from any location, which has improved their ability to respond to any eventuality.

Local technical support has also been available during the set up of the project.

Yanmar Turkey also played a key role in the project, working with Himoinsa in the supply of medium voltage material through to the commissioning and installation work.

“Their experience and technical support have been essential to the correct integration and operation of the system,” Himoinsa added.

Key challenges faced during implementation included high-temperature operating conditions and high humidity, especially during the rainy season, and logistical challenges due to the limited infrastructure and the location of the plant, which hampered the delivery and assembly of heavy and bulky equipment.

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South Africa awards Kroonstad PV cluster to Scatec

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Scatec lands Kroonstad PV cluster

Norwegian-based energy developer Scatec ASA has been awarded preferred bidder status on a new 846 MW solar power project by South Africa

It covers the so-called Kroonstad PV cluster, awarded by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), under the seventh round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Located in Free State province, the ‘cluster’ will comprise three solar power plants: Oslaagte Solar 2 (293 MW), Oslaagte Solar 3 (293 MW) and Leeuwspruit Solar (260 MW).

The award follows a re-allocation of megawatts under the seventh bid window from onshore wind to solar PV, Scatec noted in a statement.

Once operational, the various projects will provide clean and reliable energy under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog called it another significant milestone for the company in South Africa, and one that marks its largest megawatt award to date in the country.

“The Kroonstad PV Cluster represents a significant addition to Scatec’s growing renewable energy footprint in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

“South Africa is one of our core markets and we are dedicated to continuing to grow our renewables capacity in the country in alignment with the nation’s energy transition agenda.”

Scatec entered the South African market in 2010, and with 730 MW in solar operation already, it is a leading player in the country's renewable energy space.

Cape Town is also where it maintains its engineering hub, a control and monitoring centre, and where it develops other new projects across Africa.

The estimated total project cost for the Kroonstad PV cluster project is ZAR 13 billion (US$735mn).

This will be financed with up to 90% non-recourse project debt and the remaining by equity from the owners.

Scatec will own 50.90% of the equity in the project with Stanlib’s infrastructure fund (through its renewable energy platform, Greenstreet), along with Redstreet owning 46.50% and a Community Trust holding 2.6%.

Scatec will provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), operations and maintenance (O&M), and asset management (AM) services to the project, with financial close expected next year.

“We are now looking forward to reaching financial close and start construction of the PV cluster during 2026,” said Alberto Gambacorta, Scatec’s executive vice-president and general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

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MTN boosts Gauteng network with major upgrades

Infrastructure push to expand 5G, enhance site security, and improve service during load shedding

MTN South Africa is investing R300 million (approx. US$17mn) to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, one of the most populous and economically vital provinces in the country

This initiative is part of a broader national investment plan, with MTN committing R4.5 billion (US$251mn) to its infrastructure rollout, set for completion in 2025. The Gauteng investment includes the addition of new base stations and enhancements to MTN’s digital backbone. Over 70 sites will receive capacity upgrades, modernisation, and energy improvements. The rollout will also bring 5G access and enhancements to existing LTE services, helping to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“The R300 million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities, including the availability of generators across the province,” said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA.

According to Dlamini, the development includes network strengthening strategies to maintain service continuity during load shedding and other potential disruptions.

While Gauteng is a focal point, MTN’s upgrade plans extend to other provinces. An additional R480 million (US$27mn) has been allocated for upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company will build new sites and increase rural access to 4G and 5G services.

MTN South Africa was recently recognised as the country’s top-performing mobile network for Q1 2025, according to MyBroadband Insights. The company aims to retain that position by continuing to expand its physical network infrastructure.

Gauteng contributes around 34% to South Africa’s GDP, making it a strategic priority for the telco. As Dlamini explained, “Our investment in the network infrastructure is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa.”