France finances 42.5 MW power plant in Kenya
The French Development Agency has provided a confidential amount of financing for the construction of a ground-mounted solar power plant to be operated by Kenya’s national electricity company, KenGen, at the site of the Seven Forks dams, which together have a combined 600 MW of hydro power capacity.
Consultants requested for business support to solar SMEs in Uganda
A tender has begun in Uganda seeking consultants to support a business development programme aimed at supporting small to medium-sized enterprises in solar and cooking. The deadline for applications is August 13.
Nigeria breaks ground on solar module assembling plant
Nigeria’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology has said the country is committed to replicating similar solar module assembling plants across all its geopolitical zones.
Eswatini kicks off minigrid tender
The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) is searching for private minigrid developers to design, construct, operate and maintain a minigrid system that will electrify a remote community in the south of the country. The closing date for applications is August 23.
Liberia seeks consultants for 20 MW solar project
Liberia Electricity Corporation is searching for consultants to support the construction of a 20 MW solar plant, to be located alongside an existing 88 MW hydropower facility.
Engie, Pele Green building 75 MW of solar in South Africa
Engie says it has begun construction on a 75 MW solar plant in South Africa’s Free State province. The project is one of two installations it is building in partnership with Pele Green Energy.
Ramaphosa reveals 22,500 MW renewables pipeline in South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his first speech since forming a coalition government in May, said the nation is experiencing a “renewable energy revolution,” with upcoming projects expected to attract around ZAR 400 billion ($21.9 million) in private investment.
South Africa commissions largest wheeling project to date
South Africa has commissioned its largest wheeling project, with SOLA Group supplying more than 200 MW of solar power to Tronox Mineral Sands via the Eskom network.
Somalia opens tender for off-grid solar-plus-storage plants
Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources has launched a tender for off-grid solar-plus-storage power plants to serve 46 education facilities in the southeast of the country. The deadline for bids is August 1.
South Africa imposes 10% import tariff on solar panels
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has imposed a 10% import tariff on solar panels to protect local manufacturers, attract investment, and deepen the value chain. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association has questioned the lack of formal industry engagement, calling the timing “not ideal.”
