South Africa’s sixth renewables auction concludes with lowest bid of $0.02689/kWh
South Africa selected five solar projects with a combined capacity of 860 MW in its latest auction. However, the authorities did not select any wind projects from the 4.1 GW of bids that were submitted. The final average price for PV was ZAR 0.490 ($0.02808)/kWh.
The Hydrogen Stream: Ultra-stable platinum-lanthanum for more efficient fuel cells
Tsinghua University researchers have developed a way to combine high-cost platinum and a rare earth element, lanthanum, to serve as a catalyst in fuel cells. Meanwhile, SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall have revealed plans to launch industrial production of hydrogen direct reduced sponge iron (H-DRI) by the end of this decade.
Financial close for 200 MW of solar in South Africa
Sola Group and Tronox have finally reached financial close on two 100 MW solar projects in South Africa, roughly six months after signing power purchase agreements.
South Africa increases capacity of sixth renewables procurement round, leaves solar quota unchanged
The South African authorities have increased the total capacity of the next round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) from 3.6 GW to 4.2 GW.
South Africa to introduce feed-in tariffs for rooftop PV
The country’s troubled power utility Eskom is currently developing the new incentive scheme. President Cyril Rampahosa said the program may also include some unspecified tax incentives.
South Africa approves 200 MW of PV under new distributed-generation rules
Sola Group plans to build two 100 MW siolar projects in South Africa’s North West province. It will sell the electricity under power purchase agreements to US-based titanium products provider Tronox, which operates several mines and smelters in the region.
South Africa postpones commercial close timelines for projects selected in fifth REIPPPP round
The fifth round of South Africa’s REIPPPP scheme was launched in March 2021. The authorities allocated 2.6 GW of renewable energy capacity across 25 projects ranging in size from 75 MW to 140 MW.
South Africa launches tender for 1GW of PV
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has kicked off the sixth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). It aims to procure 1 GW of PV and 1.6 GW of wind power.
South African utility Eskom allocates land for renewable energy producers
The land will be available for lease in a competitive bidding process. Selected developers will be offered a 20-year contract and the possibility of deploying solar parks with a capacity of up to 100 MW. Eskom says the move will help alleviate South Africa’s energy crisis.
Floating PV tested at water treatment plant in South Africa
The pilot system was built with the Hydrelio floating platforms developed by French specialist Ciel&Terre. The project performance will be evaluated during a full seasonal weather cycle.
