Newsletters Thursday...
Philip Costa
Climate Home News
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Can scientific research be bad? After Oppenheimer’s success, that’s what millions left their local cinemas pondering and it’s what the 13 luminaries of the Overshoot Commission have been mulling over too.
While Oppenheimer put his brains into the nuclear bomb, the Overshoot Commission has been looking at whether humans should deliberately dim the sun to make up for our failure to get emissions down.
We don’t know much about the effects of this but we do know that it can alter rain patterns, causing droughts over some areas and floods in others. So it’s a touchy subject.
For the commission, even looking into this question has been controversial. As Chloé Farand reported in June, some of those involved feel “extremely worried” about the commission’s focus, some feel used and some have quit the commission.
The ones that remained came up with their carefully-phrased conclusions on Thursday. They said that scientists should research solar geoengineering but should not conduct large-scale experiments outdoors.
This week's news...
...and analysis
...and comment
- Leaders must listen to the people and end fossil fuels - Mads Flarup Christensen, Greenpeace International
- Debt relief must break dependence on fossil fuel exports - Sarah Colenbrander, Overseas Development Institute
Scientists are divided on the wisdom of these recommendations but they make sense.
While Oppenheimer’s nuclear bomb couldn’t be built until it had been researched, any fool with some sulphur and a big balloon can perfectly legally give solar geoengineering a shot. So we need research and regulation.
Research into the effects of solar geoengineering doesn’t have to make it more likely, any more than researching the effects of vaping will boost their sales.
The other argument against researching or talking about geoengineering is that it gives polluters an excuse to keep polluting, with the excuse that sun-dimming scientists will save us from their emissions.
But a 2015 study showed that when people were told about geoengineering they became more worried about climate change, not less.
Fossil fuel companies might seize on the excuse but most people want to avoid Dr. Frankenstein messing with the sun and might lay off the beef burgers and flights to avoid that risk.
The commission says the first option should be good old-fashioned emissions reductions, then carbon dioxide removal, with geoengineering as at best a last resort.
We’ve taken stock of corporate climate action and business knows what it needs to deliver the clean energy transition
As nations prepare to meet in Dubai this year for COP28, the culmination of the first UNFCCC Global Stocktake represents a critical moment to course correct and to accelerate climate action where it is most needed. And as nation states take stock, so is business.
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Click on the image to read this article. Powership off the coast of Sierra Leone where Karpowership reportedly shut off electricity. Credit Karpowership SA
The Gambia explores wind energy, hydrogen to achieve energy access
To address achieving universal, clean energy access, the government of The Gambia has signed a MoU with Swiss renewable energy firm NEK.
Electricity distributors in Nigeria to be held to greater account
The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission has put in place measures aimed at addressing customer complaints, including the launch of an app.
Tunisia launches its first solar charging station for electric cars
Tunisia has inaugurated its first solar PV charging station for electric cars at the country’s National Agency for Energy Management.
Latest on Eskom loadshedding – day 256 of 2023
The loss of four generating units and increased planned maintenance had necessitated implementing higher stages of loadshedding in South Africa.
Report: Five off-grid solar technologies that can help millions
A recent report by the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) lists the potential of five off-grid solar technologies to help build climate resilience.
Report: Steps to maximise the impact of sustainable and climate policies
The UN has released a report that outlines steps governments should take to maximise the impact of climate and sustainable development policies and actions.
Matembo Lisimba details ZESCO's plans to diversify Zambia's energy mix
Listen as Matembo Lisimba of ZESCO explains the steps that led to the utility exceeding its energy generation target. Lisimba also expands on ZESCO's plans to diversify its energy mix to mitigate risk.
20-21 September | Africa Renewables Investment Summit, Cape Town, South Africa
This conference and exhibition hosts a project pitching platform, startup pitching platform and AI-powered business matchmaking.
20-21 September | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation, Johannesburg, South Africa
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
27-28 September | Hydrogen-Africa Conference & Expo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Delve into the exciting possibilities offered by hydrogen as a clean, versatile and abundant energy source.
27-29 September | SADC-India LPG Summit 2023, Montecasino Fourways, Johannesburg
Leverage global experiences on the implementation of the LPG roll-out strategies at this event.
28 September | WEBINAR: How South Africa can balance demand and grid stability
Explore how gas-to-power can meet South Africa’s growing energy needs without compromising grid stability.
1-3 October | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October | Windaba, CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October | ESG Africa Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, Sustainable Future Through Leadership.
24 October | WEBINAR: Lessons in reducing C&I and utility-scale solar LCOE and O&M costs
Through this online discussion, you will learn about harnessing the progress achieved thus far and magnifying its impact.
24-26 October | Africa PPP Summit, Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October | CIGRE Southern Africa, CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
31 October - 2 November | World Hydropower Congress, Bali
Bringing together more than 1,000 decision-makers, this event is more than just a platform for discussion.
14-15 November | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?
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Click on the image to view the full article. The African Development Bank has approved $104 million in financing for a transmission project to improve Ethiopia’s electricity supply.
African School of Regulation for electricity taking shape
Mamadou Biteye, ACBF Executive Secretary, says the proposed school will be instrumental in guiding Africa towards a sustainable energy transition.
Locally manufactured electric bus launched in Kenya
EV provider Roam has launched its first locally manufactured electric shuttle bus, fully designed and assembled in Kenya.
Cape Town wheeling pilot project starts generating clean power
Solar energy from a shopping centre is now being exported into CoCT’s electricity grid for use at Growthpoint’s office building on the Foreshore.
Demo nuclear reactor to be built in Rwanda
Rwanda has signed an agreement with a Canadian-German nuclear technology company to develop an experimental nuclear reactor in the East African country.
Evolving service delivery in Uganda’s informal settlements
Achieving universal access to electricity in Uganda’s cities is challenged by the country’s rapid urbanisation.
Lessons on how to improve resilience plans for power systems
Testing the ability of utilities to respond to and contain the impact of otherwise typical disturbances on interconnected power systems.
Can Africa hold sway with local battery value chains?
As the global demand for battery energy storage systems ramps up, should Africa develop local battery value chains?
Humam Fadel from Bluewave AI on market developments
In this interview, Fadel speaks with ESI Africa about industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa’s energy transition.
ESI Africa News Highlights | Week 37 of 2023
Watch the latest news highlights with ESI Africa content specialist Nasi Hako and catch up on energy and power news from around Africa.
CLICK HERE for the full listing of upcoming industry events
20-21 September | Africa Renewables Investment Summit, Cape Town, South Africa
This conference and exhibition hosts a project pitching platform, startup pitching platform and AI-powered business matchmaking.
20-21 September | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation, Johannesburg, South Africa
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
27-28 September | Hydrogen-Africa Conference & Expo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Delve into the exciting possibilities offered by hydrogen as a clean, versatile and abundant energy source.
27-29 September | SADC-India LPG Summit 2023, Montecasino Fourways, Johannesburg
Leverage global experiences on the implementation of the LPG roll-out strategies at this event.
28 September | WEBINAR: How South Africa can balance demand and grid stability
Explore how gas-to-power can meet South Africa’s growing energy needs without compromising grid stability.
1-3 October | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October | Windaba, CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October | ESG Africa Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, Sustainable Future Through Leadership.
24 October | WEBINAR: Lessons in reducing C&I and utility-scale solar LCOE and O&M costs
Through this online discussion, you will learn about harnessing the progress achieved thus far and magnifying its impact.
24-26 October | Africa PPP Summit, Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October | CIGRE Southern Africa, CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
31 October - 2 November | World Hydropower Congress, Bali
Bringing together more than 1,000 decision-makers, this event is more than just a platform for discussion.
14-15 November | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?
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Click on the image to read the full article. MyHydro's inaugural DRC project will deliver four 1.9-metre diameter turbines to build into the first hydro plant on the Lubi River.
Ed's note: Rail transportation, moving goods and people across Africa
Globally, much movement is underway in transitioning the transportation sector to cleaner fuel sources, and even more so across Africa. Of note is continent-wide efforts to resuscitate the rail sector.
Due to its energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower cost per ton kilometre, rail transportation can play a crucial role in Africa’s industrialisation efforts. This market is vital to delivering on the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Here is a snapshot of four projects addressing the need for rail transport infrastructure development this year so far.
SA, Nigerian clean energy companies to launch EV project in Cape Town
Two clean energy focused companies – based in Cape Town and Lagos – have partnered to develop an electric vehicle ecosystem project in the Mother City.
Hydrogen train by Siemens Mobility changing passenger rail in Europe
Siemens Mobility has completed the first test runs with the Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered train in Bavaria, Germany.
Hydrogen fleet of cars put through its paces in the UAE heat
Vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, which launched in February, have completed a round of hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time.
The Gambia explores wind energy, hydrogen to achieve energy access
To address achieving universal, clean energy access, the government of The Gambia has signed a MoU with Swiss renewable energy firm NEK.
Tender: Concentrated Solar Power and potable water for Egypt
The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company has released a tender for five CSP stations to generate electric power and produce drinking water at the northwest coast by the BOO system. DEADLINE: 27 September 2023.
Job opportunity: TFE seeks an Associate in Distributed Renewable Energy
TFE is looking for a professional in the early stages of their career to take up the role of an Associate in Distributed Renewable Energy. DEADLINE: 31 October 2023.
Tender: Consultancy services needed for Wind Power Promotion Project
The Ministry of Energy for the Republic of Zambia invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing consultancy services for the preparation of the 40MW Wind Power Promotion Project under the Scaling-up Renewable Energy Program. DEADLINE: 22 September 2023.
Martin Mikhabela From WSP on Market Developments
Watch this ESI Africa interview with Martin Mikhabela, Regional Director of Power Generation, recorded from Enlit Africa 2023.
Find out all about the choice upcoming events in the energy industry
Starts today | Africa Renewables Investment Summit, Cape Town, South Africa
This conference and exhibition hosts a project pitching platform, startup pitching platform and AI-powered business matchmaking.
Starts today | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation, Johannesburg, South Africa
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
27-29 September | SADC-India LPG Summit 2023, Montecasino Fourways, Johannesburg
Leverage global experiences on the implementation of the LPG roll-out strategies at this event.
28 September | WEBINAR: How South Africa can balance demand and grid stability
Explore how gas-to-power can meet South Africa’s growing energy needs without compromising grid stability.
28-29 September | Hydrogen-Africa Conference & Expo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Delve into the exciting possibilities offered by hydrogen as a clean, versatile and abundant energy source.
1-3 October | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October | Windaba, CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October | ESG Africa Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, Sustainable Future Through Leadership.
24 October | WEBINAR: Lessons in reducing C&I and utility-scale solar LCOE and O&M costs
Through this online discussion, you will learn about harnessing the progress achieved thus far and magnifying its impact.
24-26 October | Africa PPP Summit, Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October | CIGRE Southern Africa, CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
31 October - 2 November | World Hydropower Congress, Bali
Bringing together more than 1,000 decision-makers, this event is more than just a platform for discussion.
14-15 November | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit, CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?