South Africa's Energy Landscape in June 2024: A Roundup of New Projects

Renewable Energy Projects Take Center Stage

Renewable energy continues to dominate the South African energy landscape, with new projects and developments emerging across various sectors. Here are some of the key highlights from June 2024:

• Tronox's Second Renewable Energy Project: Building on its commitment to sustainability, Tronox, a leading titanium dioxide pigment manufacturer, announced its second major renewable energy project in South Africa. This power purchase agreement (PPA) with NOA Group will supply ~497GWh of renewable wind and solar power to Tronox's mines and smelters, reducing its Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by an incremental 12% globally and bringing the total share of renewable energy in Tronox's South African operations to 70%.

• Eskom's Renewable Energy Progress: Eskom, South Africa's national electricity utility, made notable progress on its renewable energy projects, aimed at diversifying the country's energy mix. The 147MW Karusa Wind Farm, constructed by Enel Green Power, was successfully connected to the grid in June 2024. Additionally, Eskom is actively exploring various renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and battery storage, to address the country's energy challenges.

• Anglo American's Renewable Energy Pipeline: Anglo American, a multinational mining company, unveiled its ambitious plans to develop a 630MW renewable energy portfolio in South Africa. The projects, encompassing Umsobomvu Wind (140MW), Hartebeesthoek Wind (140MW), and Mooi Plaats Solar (240MW), are expected to make significant contributions to the country's renewable energy goals.

Energy Storage: Addressing Intermittency

Recognizing the intermittency of renewable energy sources, South Africa is also investing in energy storage solutions to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. The country is witnessing the development of several notable energy storage projects, including:

• Top 5 Energy Storage Projects: South Africa boasts a pipeline of promising energy storage projects, with the top five including the Kenhardt Solar PV Park, Ilanga I, Kathu Solar Thermal Park, and Kaxu Solar One. These projects will play a crucial role in storing excess renewable energy during periods of high generation and releasing it when demand peaks.

Additional Projects and Developments

The energy landscape in South Africa is not limited to the projects mentioned above. Here's a glimpse into some additional projects and developments that gained attention in June 2024:

• Small-Scale Renewable Energy Projects: The growth of small-scale renewable energy projects, such as rooftop solar installations, is gaining momentum in South Africa. These projects are empowering communities and businesses to take control of their energy generation and contribute to the country's renewable energy goals.

• Green Hydrogen: A Promising Future: Green hydrogen is emerging as a potential future energy source for South Africa, with several pilot projects underway. The country has abundant renewable energy resources, making it well-positioned for green hydrogen production and its potential applications in various sectors.

June 2024 marked a significant period for South Africa's energy sector, with the announcement, advancement, and completion of numerous projects that are propelling the country towards a more sustainable and secure energy future. 

The commitment to renewable energy, the exploration of innovative technologies like energy storage, and the growing involvement of various stakeholders demonstrate South Africa's determination to address its energy challenges and contribute to a cleaner global energy landscape. As these projects progress and new ones emerge, South Africa is poised to become a leading example of a nation successfully transitioning towards a sustainable energy future.