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US climate envoy John Kerry visited an overheating Beijing this week, for long-delayed and lengthy talks with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua.
There was no outcome document and no grand announcements. Nothing to impress the Republican congressmen who gave Kerry a grilling over China’s alleged climate failings last week.
But Xie was never going to get up and say that Kerry had talked him into abandoning new coal plants – any more than Kerry would say Beijing had pressured him into giving more climate finance and removing American tariffs on Chinese solar panels.
The gains were more incremental. With expectations low, the meetings were cautiously hailed by experts as a “small win” and “an important step in what will be a complex rescue operation”.
US-China cooperation on climate had long withstood geopolitical tensions, but talks froze after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022. Since then, they have slowly resumed.
Now, the “rescue operation” will continue with two more meetings planned before Cop28. In a press conference, Kerry said they’ll talk about two US priorities – coal and methane.
Success would be if China finally publishes its methane strategy. Or reforms of its electric grid to translate its booming number of solar panels and wind turbines into growth in renewables’ share of China’s electricity, a link that isn’t as automatic as you might think.
But, as China reiterated this week, the talks are still hostage to the wider relationship. Any high-profile US defence of Taiwan’s sovereignty could set them back to square one.
This week's news
- Biden’s union-friendly green jobs pitch meets sceptical response
- Frans Timmermans steps down from EU’s climate leadership
- Dozens of oil & industry lobbyists attended secretive shipping emissions talks
- Under record heatwave, US and China “unstick” climate talks
- EU and Argentina strike gas, hydrogen & renewables deal
- Australia will update the ‘fantasy’ net zero plan it inherited
...and comment
While Kerry and Xie were dining in Beijing, another big hitter was preparing to leave the climate diplomacy stage.
Frans Timmermans has been the straight-talking, passionate face of the EU’s climate policy since 2019.
But now he’s leaving Brussels to try and become the next prime minister of his native Netherlands.
Who will lead the EU at Cop28 is unclear and, with Xie suffering health problems and Kerry considering retirement, it could be all change at the top by Cop29.
To support the launch of the Just Transition Resource Platform created by BSR, The B Team and the We Mean Business Coalition, renewable energy company Iberdrola has shared insights into its ambition for building a fairer and more inclusive energy system and how it implements this vision through its investments, programs and initiatives.
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Click on the image to read this article. Solar water pump in use in Northern Malawi. Image: Charm Impact
Download ESI Africa Issue 1-2023
In this edition, read why African countries are the ideal place to try something new in efforts to support the increasing global demand for affordable, clean and reliable electricity.
SAREM comment sought to flesh out SA masterplan on renewable energy
The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan has been published for stakeholders to review and provide comment.
Nigeria: Agency wants to produce lithium batteries locally
NASENI wants to produce lithium batteries and provide Nigeria with renewable energy solutions via partnerships with the private sector.
Rwanda, Hungary sign agreement to further nuclear know-how
Rwanda is looking to increase its nuclear expertise capabilities after the recent signing of an agreement between it and Hungary.
Consumers and producers urged to ensure security of gas supply
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has transformed the structure of natural gas markets, requiring closer dialogue between producers and consumers.
Productive use of renewable energy roadmap for Uganda
Uganda has formally adopted a roadmap to scale up productive use of renewable energy in the country.
Elizabeth Senatle from Actom on Market Developments
Elizabeth Senatle spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
Find out all about the choice upcoming events in the energy industry
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-3 October 2023 | 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 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, ‘Sustainable Future Through Leadership’.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | 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?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa
Nicolette <nico...@esi-africa.com> Unsubscribe
Kangnas Wind Farm is one of the now completed projects created under bid window 4 of the REIPPP programme.
Image: supplied.
Ed’s note: SAREM, a new impetus but lacklustre at best
The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) is all the rage right now, but cracks in its supposition are already appearing.
According to the document made public last week, SAREM articulates a vision, objectives and an action plan for the country to tap renewables and storage opportunities.
This third instalment is a positive step toward sector sustainability as it raises awareness and signals commitment by the government. Under SAREM, there are four key areas of note: 1) support market demand, 2) drive industrial development, 3) foster inclusive development, and 4) build local supply and demand capabilities.
It is the fourth pillar that will benefit the most people as it speaks to developing local skills and technological innovation capabilities. Imagine a thriving industrial market and what this can do for South Africa’s economy and job market (unemployment in Q1-2023 hit 32.9%). But to achieve this fourth pillar, SAREM must get the localisation aspect exact or face failure.
Taking a pragmatic approach to SA’s renewable energy planning
SAREM facilitator Gaylor Montmasson-Clair says the timing could not be more perfect to launch the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan.
Côte D’Ivoire: Biomass power station to be fuelled by palm tree leaves
A Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company has broken ground on a 46MW biomass power station in Côte D’Ivoire.
Mauritania-Mali power transmission line to transform region’s economy
The project aims to connect 620,000 people to electricity.
Procurement notice for a water conservation project in Morocco
The EBRD has provided financing for the construction of key components of the Saiss water transfer network and the rehabilitation and modernisation of the water distribution network. CLOSING DATE: 31 December 2025
South Sudan: Consultancy services needed for energy transition strategy
South Sudan's Ministry of Finance and Planning seeks consultancy services to support the development of the Energy Transition Strategy for the mining and extractive sector. CLOSING DATE: 2 August 2023
Novgera on Market Developments
Joshua Muschett, MD Novgera, spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
CLICK HERE for the full listing of upcoming industry events
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-3 October 2023 | 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 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme: Sustainable Future Through Leadership.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | 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?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa
Nicolette <nico...@esi-africa.com> Unsubscribe
Click on the image to read the article. The Swartkopdam micro-grid was launched by Eskom on July 22.
Image credit: Eskom Twitter
Angola to build PV electricity infrastructure across rural areas
Angola has received more than a billion US dollars to construct photovoltaic electricity distribution infrastructure for rural villages across the country.
Côte D’Ivoire: Biomass power station to be fuelled by palm tree leaves
A Private Infrastructure Development Group company has broken ground on a 46MW biomass power station in Côte D’Ivoire.
Mauritania-Mali power transmission line to transform region’s economy
Development partners have committed to mobilise funding for a $900 million multinational power transmission line between Mauritania and Mali.
Solar tech company LONGi garners another AAA rating
Congratulations to LONGi being ranked in the highest AAA category in PV-Tech’s PV ModuleTech bankability report for Q2 2023.
Looking at sustainable finance and green bonds
Sustainable financing has become an important part of initiatives to reduce the corrosive effects of the climate crisis. One of the most relevant instruments are green bonds.
Optimising water and energy supply for sustainable development in Africa
A stumbling block perpetually lingering over Africa’s aspirations to optimise resource usage is the adequacy of water and energy strategies, approaches or initiatives.
Aberdare Cables on Market Developments
Mishack Matla spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
Find out all about the choice upcoming events in the energy industry
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-4 October 2023 | 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 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, ‘Sustainable Future Through Leadership’.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infra-investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | 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?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa