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Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) chief commercial officer Frikkie Malan

Smart metering to drive energy efficiency

Published: 24 May 24

The age-old practice of monthly meter readings is drawing to a close in the face of the modern world’s dynamic and fluctuating energy demands says utility metering management solutions provider Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) chief commercial officer Frikkie Malan. He explains that traditional methods and legacy systems no longer meet the demand of capturing the complete picture of energy consumption and building operations, necessitating a shift towards real-time load profile consumption data enabled by smart metering.

A cardboard cut out of the design of a modular building with a hand hovering over it

Wood pushed as viable construction material

Published: 24 May 24

Engineered wood has emerged as a viable alternative to concrete and steel in the construction industry, owing to its low-carbon footprint and technical performance as a structural material, says tertiary education institution University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Graduate School of Technology Management senior lecturer Dr Schalk Grobbelaar. However, the adoption of this solution in the industry is still notably low, he says.

BMW 7 Series clinches 2024 Car of the Year title

Published: 24 May 24

The luxurious BMW 7 Series has been awarded the 2024 South African Car of the Year (COTY) title. In a competition run by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), the the Suzuki Fronx secured second place, with the BMW M2 claiming the bronze medal.

Auto shipments to foreign markets hit new high, but shift to electric vehicles sees drop in catalytic converter numbers

Published: 24 May 24

Despite a tough domestic economy undermining a recovery in new-vehicle sales to prepandemic levels, record vehicle exports in 2023 ensured that the South African automotive sector still managed to outperform the rest of the manufacturing sector, says Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council chief trade and research officer Dr Norman Lamprecht. The value of vehicles and automotive components exported from South Africa last year increased by R43.5-billion, or 19.1%, from the R227.3-billion recorded in 2022, to a record R270.8-billion – taking it to 14.7% of total South African exports.

A microscope view of a lichen spore which is a complex life form comprising a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms; a fungus and an algae

Algae offers new carbon emissions solution

Published: 24 May 24

Based on the concept that algae are a carbon-capture powerhouse, Austin, Texas biotech company Reactive Surfaces has invested over $2-million in the research and development of an algae-infused paint and surface area treatment, to not only capture but also sequester carbon emissions. Lichen is a complex life form which comprises a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms - a fungus and an algae.

TNPA signs terminal operator agreement with Mnambithi Terminals in transformation deal

Published: 23 May 24

State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a terminal operator agreement (TOA) with Mnambithi Terminals for the development of a liquid bulk facility at the port’s Maydon Wharf precinct, in KwaZulu-Natal. The project is expected to result in improved operational efficiencies at the Maydon Precinct as Transnet pursues several tactical initiatives to drive volume recovery and improve efficiencies across its divisions through the business-wide recovery plan.

TFR operating company head raises concern over ‘high tariff’ signalled in draft Network Statement

Published: 23 May 24

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) CEO Russell Baatjies has added his voice to industry-wide concerns being expressed about the high rail tariffs that would arise should the methodology included in a draft Network Statement be implemented. The Network Statement was released for public comment in March by Transnet’s interim Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), which is being separated from the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company, or TFROC, which Baatjies oversees.

Image of Eskom Transmission CEO Segomoco Scheppers

Plans for acceleration of Eskom’s transmission expansion falling into place – Scheppers

Published: 23 May 24

Eskom Transmission CEO Segomoco Scheppers says he believes the “pieces are falling into place” that will allow the power utility to “ramp up and move faster” in expanding the country’s constrained power grid. Grid expansion will enable Eskom and independent power producers to bring much-needed new generation capacity online.

Schneider launches local EV charging solution

Published: 23 May 24

Energy management and automation company Schneider Electric has launched a local electric vehicle (EV) charging solution, to cater for African countries’ transition away from fossil fuel-powered cars. The solution, called EVLink, is part of Schneider’s EcoStructure eMobility offering and was developed in response to the lack of supporting infrastructure for EV charging on the continent.

Things looking up for Stefanutti following y/y uptick in profits, contract revenue

Published: 23 May 24

JSE-listed multidisciplinary construction group Stefanutti Stocks has reported an improvement in contract revenue to R7.1-billion for the 12 months ended February 29, up from R6.1-billion in the prior financial year. The group also reported an improvement in operating profit from continuing operations from R101-million in the 2023 financial year to R210-million in the year under review.