Global wind power continues to propel forward in 2017

China is surging ahead in wind power, blowing away the US – the world’s second-largest wind power market – by a long margin, while African countries are making more inroads despite facing... 

Wind energy industry optimistic despite frustrations

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is confident that the tide will turn and that Eskom will soon, and finally, sign the outstanding power purchase agreements (PPAs) that have delayed... 

Oil prices still struggling but huge potential ahead for Africa

Experts from UK-based Standard Chartered Bank expect the oil price will remain in the $45/bl to $60/bl-plus range. “We are in a lower for a longer cycle,” Standard Chartered Bank global head of... 

Perry defends US stance on nuclear and coal

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry has defended the US government’s suggested pivot towards clean coal and nuclear energy, saying nuclear and coal producers had been discriminated against in the Obama... 

US to strengthen energy partnerships in Africa, says Energy Secretary

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry says his government is committed to strengthening its energy partnerships with African countries, but has called for a clear and transparent regulatory environment.... 

Outa accuses Eskom consultants of ‘gambling’ with public money

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has alleged that Eskom consultants Trillian Capital Partners have been “dabbling” in derivatives and losing billions of rands in the process. “Trillian has... 

Evidence of blatant corruption at Eskom unpacked as Parliament’s inquiry moves ahead

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has kicked off its inquiry into alleged State capture with a report revealing “overwhelming evidence of grand corruption”, governance failure... 

‘Disturbing’ allegations of State capture need to be brought into the open

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has started its keenly awaited inquiry into allegations of State capture, with a warning that key witnesses will not be allowed to shy away... 

Angry former Eskom CEO gives State capture testimony

Former Eskom CEO Brian Dames has revealed that he faced a breakdown in communication between the board and management, as well as death threats during his time at the state utility.  He has also... 

Oil prices still struggling but huge potential ahead for Africa

Experts from UK-based Standard Chartered Bank expect the oil price will remain in the $45/bl to $60/bl-plus range. “We are in a lower for a longer cycle,” Standard Chartered Bank global head of... 

Outa accuses Eskom consultants of ‘gambling’ with public money

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has alleged that Eskom consultants Trillian Capital Partners have been “dabbling” in derivatives and losing billions of rands in the process. “Trillian has... 

Evidence of blatant corruption at Eskom unpacked at Parliament’s inquiry into State capture

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has kicked off its inquiry into alleged State capture with a report revealing “overwhelming evidence of grand corruption”, governance failure... 

Key witnesses in State capture inquiry will need to face the music, warns parliamentary committee chair

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has started its keenly awaited inquiry into allegations of State capture, with a warning that key witnesses will not be allowed to shy away... 

Transforming V&A’s grain silos into Africa’s largest contemporary art museum

After four years of cutting, carving and engineering what at times seemed near impossible, the V&A Waterfront’s giant, historic grain silo has been transformed into the world’s largest museum... 

World’s largest museum dedicated to African art unveiled in Cape Town

The world’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora has been unveiled at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and has officially opened its doors to the public. The... 

PetroSA upbeat about gas exploration

Despite a slowdown in exploration and an underinvested industry, South Africa still holds great prospects for exploration in gas, believes PetroSA chief geophysicist Peter Dekker. He told delegates... 

Geophysicists urged to innovate amid tough times for exploration

The state of exploration for oil and gas as well as mining is in a fix, with exploration spending having decreased by 69% in the last four years, delegates attending the South African Geophysical... 

Companies urged to join the digital revolution

Companies have been advised to join the digital revolution, as innovations and technology start to change the nature of jobs and work in the rail and other industries. Siemens Mining and Freight... 

Don’t leave people behind as the pace of technology speeds up

It is crucial not to leave people behind amid the hurtling speed of changes in technology, Transnet Group CE Siyabonga Gama has warned. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is going to create better... 

China Railway shares its experience in operating heavy haul trains

China’s national rail operator China Railway has outlined its experience in safety and technology tests in developing a 30 000 t heavy haul train, which passes through 13 cities on the country’s... 

Heavy haul rail industry urged to improve efficiencies

The heavy haul industry should work hard to improve the efficiency of rail operations, cut costs of doing business and create internationally competitive supply chains, says Transnet Group CE... 

Revolutionary industrial changes set to shift the heavy haul industry

Heavy haul rail operators across the world have been urged to adapt to rapid advances in technology and improvements in cybersecurity. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution will change everything. The... 

Big interest in Cape Town water supply tender

Companies have expressed a resounding interest in the City of Cape Town’s call to boost its dwindling water supply. In a media release published Thursday, the City of Cape Town noted that tender... 

Recycling wastewater an option to counter water scarcity

Recycling sewage into potable, drinking water is an extensive and complicated process, but it could be part of the solution for water-scarce South Africa in future. The issue has come into the... 

Experts unpack their experience in desalination solutions

Water experts offered their experience and insight, at the recent Water Desalination Symposium Africa 2017, into building and operating desalination plants in South Africa, with some saying the... 

Cape Town unveils plans to mitigate impending water crisis

Emergency contingency plans to roll out temporary desalination plants, drastically tighten water restrictions and draw water from groundwater sources are likely to take hold in Cape Town soon in a... 

PetroSA upbeat about gas exploration

Despite a slowdown in exploration and an underinvested industry, South Africa still holds great prospects for exploration in gas, believes PetroSA chief geophysicist Peter Dekker. He told delegates... 

Geophysicists urged to innovate amid tough times for exploration

The state of exploration for oil and gas as well as mining is in a fix, with exploration spending having decreased by 69% in the last four years, delegates attending the South African Geophysical... 

Faced with shifts in technology, the mining industry will need to adapt

The mining industry will need to adapt to ongoing changes in technology and involve all players in each step of the process, suggests change management analyst Petro du Pisani. Du Pisani from... 

South African robotics surgeon says scale key to lowering costs

As the field of robotics advances, South Africans are increasingly opting for robotics surgery for prostate cancer as an alternative to conventional procedures. Urological and robotics surgeon Dr... 

Heavy haul rail industry urged to improve efficiencies

The heavy haul industry should work hard to improve the efficiency of rail operations, cut costs of doing business and create internationally competitive supply chains, says Transnet Group CE... 

Discovery CE scoops innovation award

Discovery Group CE Adrian Gore has been awarded the 2017 Growth, Innovation and Leadership (GIL) Visionary Innovation Award: Africa 2017. He received the award from global research and consulting... 

Blockchain could provide answer to some of Africa’s problems

Despite major global challenges, including global trade, Africa has the opportunity to step up to global change and benefit from the volatility that is shaking up the world, says Thomson Reuters... 

Businesses urged to adopt open models as digital wave swells

Business leaders are urgently trying to keep pace with the surging pace of digital transformation globally.   Frost & Sullivan senior partner Dorman Followwill told delegates at the Growth,... 

Budding local wind technicians graduate on Global Wind Day

After seven months of intense training, 18 young South Africans graduated from the internationally recognised Wind Turbine Service Technician programme, in Cape Town, on Thursday, which also... 

Experts ponder the effect electric cars could have on oil market

Climate change policies, green investment and changes in consumer behaviour are beginning to bite and are expected to have a major impact on oil consumption throughout the world, a special seminar... 

Prepare well for a digital future, advises Pragma

Leaders in the management of buildings, machinery and assets have been advised to prepare well for a future in which digital solutions will take centre stage. Engineering company Pragma CEO Adriaan... 

Desalination the way to go in water-scarce South Africa – Turton

With South Africa facing even more dire water shortages than expected, the need for desalination is vital and should be at the forefront of government plans, according to local water expert and... 

Eskom says revamped PBMR design will lower costs, raise efficiencies

Advances have been made in the new Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) design, which show promise for being both cheaper and less complicated than previous designs, says Eskom. The design for PBMRs... 

Thyspunt plant would bring regional benefits

The Eastern Cape is holding out hope that the planned Thyspunt nuclear power plant will be built in the province despite the nuclear deal being put on ice for now. Coega Development Corporation...