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NTCSA begins consultations on market code to govern shift towards competitive electricity industry

Published: 19 Apr 24

With the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) currently scheduled to be operationalised in July and efforts under way to ensure that the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) Amendment Bill is passed by the current Parliament, work is now advancing on the market code for the future multimarket architecture that will progressively replace the vertically integrated structure that has prevailed for over a century. Eskom transmission MD Segomoco Scheppers will lead the NTCSA once it begins trade after addressing the remaining Companies Act requirements, having already met the key conditions of board independence, licensing and lender consent.

Jaguar Land Rover develops portable charger using second-life batteries

Published: 19 Apr 24

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed a portable battery energy storage system (Bess) using second-life Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) batteries. The unit, built in collaboration with energy storage startup Allye Energy, is the first Bess to be commercially available with JLR battery packs.

Conditions challenging, but some green shoots emerging – MBA North

Published: 19 Apr 24

Last year was one of the most challenging years the Master Builders Association (MBA) North has ever experienced, with many of its long-standing members entering business rescue or closing their doors, says MBA North executive director Mohau Mphomela. The 120-year-old employers’ body serves the construction industry in Gauteng, North-West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Many of its members are smaller, family owned businesses.

Decarbonised iron production possible using sodium, company says

Published: 19 Apr 24

A new process being pioneered by energy companies such as Israel-based Helios and Netherlands-based Alkalium proposes the use of sodium metal rather than coal or hydrogen to refine iron-ore into direct reduced iron (DRI). Traditionally, iron is beneficiated by mixing iron-ore fines with coal. The iron oxide (Fe2O3), when heated in a furnace, undergoes a chemical transformation whereby the oxygen molecules from the Fe2O3 bind with the carbon molecules in the coal, creating carbon dioxide (CO2) as a by-product and leaving pure iron behind.

JSE plans overhaul to encourage smaller listings

Published: 19 Apr 24

The operator of the JSE has proposed easing some listing requirements in a bid to encourage smaller companies to the bourse, removing some of the red tape it says has become an obstacle. The exchange intends to split its main board into two — what it called a Prime Segment and a General Segment — as part of efforts to streamline regulations to better suit the needs of smaller firms, the JSE said in a statement.

Efforts to boost local manufacture of renewable energy components

Published: 19 Apr 24

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses South Africa's plans to stimulate local manufacturing around solar, wind and batteries.

Leeudoringstad solar photovoltaic project, South Africa

Published: 19 Apr 24

Yellow Door announced the successful completion of the development phase for the solar plant in February 2024.

Company highlights innovative product offering

Published: 19 Apr 24

Amid the country’s water crisis, packaged wastewater treatment plant service provider Calcamite highlights the importance of treating wastewater and reintroducing it to the environment. Calcamite, as a subsidiary of JoJo, adds that water placed back into municipal systems should be of the highest standard.

Tank supplier intends to help S Africa navigate water crisis

Published: 19 Apr 24

Leading water and storage solutions company JoJo asserts that its agility to innovate rapidly – stemming from in-house research and development capacity, 40 years of experience and deep local knowledge – will support South Africans as they face the current water crisis amid the significant decay of water infrastructure. With eight factories across the country, the company says it is well-positioned to supply and distribute its products quickly and cost-effectively.

Robotics, AI beneficial for business

Published: 19 Apr 24

The manufacturing industry is currently at the doorstep of a transformational era, one marked by the seamless integration of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR), says GridRaster co-founder and COO Dijam Panigrahi. This fusion is “not merely a technological trend” but a paradigm shift reshaping how materials are produced, processes are optimised, and workers interact with machinery – and is likely to continue beyond 2024.