The all-electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country becomes the first fully electric vehicle to conquer South Africa’s Sani Pass, powered by the country’s highest solar-powered charger installed by CHARGE at Premier Resort Sani Pass.
Tag: Energy
The trust gap in energy transitions
As South Africa accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a growing trust gap is emerging in the solar energy sector. Many businesses have fallen victim to poorly executed installations, unreliable providers, and unclear financing models. Brandon Horn, Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica, argues that the issue lies not just in the technology but in the people behind it. Successful energy partnerships require in-house expertise, consistent quality, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. SolarAfrica’s integrated approach, managing everything from design to asset management, offers a trustworthy solution, ensuring long-term performance and customer confidence.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis – A Township Economy Perspective
The Competition Commission’s Cost of Living Report highlights the severe pressure South African households face, with township entrepreneurs experiencing the hardest blow. Rising food, energy, transport, and education costs not only erode family budgets but also undermine small business survival. Township businesses face a double burden: shrinking consumer spending and escalating operating expenses, creating a cycle that stifles growth and innovation. The Township Entrepreneurs Agency (TEA) calls for urgent reforms—fair pricing, affordable utilities, and stronger support systems—to unlock the township economy’s potential. As TEA prepares for the 7th Annual National Township Economy Summit 2025 under the theme Inclusive Economic Future, the focus turns to building resilience, equity, and opportunity for South Africa’s most dynamic but vulnerable economic sector.
Powering the future: Unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential
Africa holds vast renewable energy resources, yet over half a billion people on the continent still lack electricity access. This article by Izaak Coetzee, Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at Absa Group, outlines the strategic actions required to bridge Africa’s energy gap—ranging from modernising infrastructure and regulatory reform to unlocking blended finance solutions. With coordinated investment and policy, Africa can emerge as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
Available and Affordable Municipal Electricity: Shifting Generation to Point of Consumption through Smart Nano-Grid Deployments
In response to energy insecurity and centralized grid limitations, municipalities can take charge by deploying Smart Nano-Grids with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This article outlines how decentralized, local generation transforms financial and operational dynamics, enabling more reliable, affordable, and self-sufficient electricity provision at municipal level.
Building Green Industries To Scale Green Economies: How Namibia Has Set The Pace For Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution
As the global energy landscape shifts under the pressures of climate change, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical instability, Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of a green industrial revolution. Driven by renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable policy frameworks like Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA, the continent is seizing the moment to redefine industrialisation, empower inclusive development, and lead global efforts toward a just and climate-resilient future. Namibia, in particular, emerges as a leader, hosting the Global African Hydrogen Summit 2025 to accelerate this transformation.
Kofa Closes $8.1 Million Pre-Series A Round to Expand Energy Access in Urban Africa
Kofa, an innovative technology-driven energy company, has successfully closed an $8.1 million pre-Series A funding round to expand its AI-powered battery-swapping network in urban Africa. The investment will accelerate the company’s clean energy solutions, starting in Ghana and Kenya, and help optimize the distribution of batteries for motorcycles, households, and businesses. With the backing of prominent investors like E3 Capital, Injaro Investment Advisors, and the Shell Foundation, Kofa is on track to scale its network and drive sustainable energy adoption across the continent.
Hatch spearheads essential dialogue on Africa’s Energy Transition at the Africa Energy Indaba 2025
Hatch, a leader in Africa’s energy sector, participated in the Africa Energy Indaba 2025, spearheading critical dialogue on balancing Africa’s energy development and transition. Peter Viljoen, Hatch’s Regional Director for Energy, highlighted the complexities of Africa’s energy future, focusing on equitable electrification, renewable energy, and the economic potential of sustainable power systems.
South African Startup Sensor Networks Partners with Global Geyser Leader Ariston
In a significant milestone for local innovation, South African startup Sensor Networks has secured a groundbreaking partnership with Ariston, the world’s largest geyser manufacturer, headquartered in Italy. This collaboration will introduce state-of-the-art smart water heating solutions to South African homes in 2025, marking a major achievement for homegrown technology on the global stage.
Commercial Energy Storage Systems: A Guide to Liquid-Cooled and Modular Solutions
This article explores advanced commercial energy storage systems (ESS), focusing on liquid-cooled and modular solutions. It outlines the benefits of each technology, including enhanced thermal management, extended battery lifespan, scalability, and improved operational efficiency. The article also highlights key performance metrics, such as round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, and cycle life, and discusses Sungrow’s industry-leading ESS solutions. By integrating these technologies, businesses can optimize energy usage, reduce operational costs, and support sustainability efforts.