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The above image depicts WPIC director of research Edward Sterck

Published: 06 Dec 24

Platinum group metals (PGMs) are crucial for hydrogen-energy-enabled decarbonisation, especially when employed in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology used in electrolysers and fuel cells, reports London-based global authority on platinum investment, the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC). Hydrogen’s crucial role in the energy transition is largely a result of its versatility as a fuel, chemical feedstock and energy carrier, particularly in the form of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable-energy resources such as wind or solar PV.

Namibian refined copper plant restarted after four years

Published: 06 Dec 24

The only refined copper processing plant in Namibia – Tschudi – has been restarted and is currently producing London Metals Exchange (LME) grade-A copper cathode in Namibia for the first time in four years. Constructed in 2015, Tschudi is host to Namibia’s only LME-grade refined copper processing facility, having produced over 80 000 t of LME grade-A copper cathode up until 2020, when it was placed on care and maintenance.

VALUE IN VERSATILITY
The Hoeflon compact cranes are just as effective outdoors as they are indoors, capable of navigating various terrains

Hoeflon electric compact cranes lifting South African emissions compliance

Published: 06 Dec 24

Fastlift Cranes is confident that South Africa will be responsive to the powerful Hoeflon versatile, silent, fully electric, remote-controlled compact cranes from Dutch manufacturer Hoeflon, as the country grows to adopt more environment-friendly, carbon neutral equipment in response to climate change. Consequently, Fastlift Cranes, which was appointed the official dealer of Hoeflon in South Africa in November 2023, is increasing its stock of electric cranes.

An image of Workforce Staffing Namibia country manager Julien Karambua

Growth drives job creation, skills development

Published: 06 Dec 24

Namibia is undergoing a transformative period in energy development, with significant developments in the traditional and renewable-energy sectors. Recent oil and gas discoveries in the Orange basin, together with green hydrogen and renewable-energy projects, offer strategic opportunities for economic growth, job creation and skills development, says technical recruitment specialist Workforce Staffing Namibia country manager Julien Karambua.

An image of the Daures Green Hydrogen Village

Green hydrogen project aims to advance sustainability goals

Published: 06 Dec 24

The Daures Green Hydrogen Village (DGHV) project, in the Erongo region of Namibia, has the potential to produce 5.6 GW of renewable energy comprising 5.1 GW solar and 427 MW wind power. Of this generated power, about 700 MW will be curtailed power, a further 70 MW of which will be fed into the national grid, says DGHV business development manager Dr Lutz-Heiner Otto.

Gauteng water crisis won’t be solved without infrastructure and demand interventions

Published: 06 Dec 24

Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province and economic hub, eagerly anticipates a significant inflow of additional water in 2028 from the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) to plug demand gaps in its water network. However, it is not a silver bullet for Gauteng’s water woes, as no intervention or solution will ensure the province is water secure, unless local reticulation systems are fixed and water demand reduced.

Macpherson wants frank debate on the 30% local procurement rule being abused by construction mafia

Published: 06 Dec 24

The country must have a frank discussion about the 30% local procurement rule, which has been abused by the so-called construction mafia, says Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. Macpherson spoke at the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites, held in Durban in November.

Kariega plant solar array expanded to over 12 000 panels

Published: 06 Dec 24

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWA) has added a further 3 MW of solar power to its local grid, bringing the total output of renewable energy to 5.9 MW. This is enough energy to power at least 2 000 two-bedroom houses with geysers and electrical appliances.

World’s largest car-carrier calls at Durban and PE ports, vessel super-sizing to continue

Published: 06 Dec 24

The Höegh Aurora, the world’s newly crowned largest car carrier, in November called at both the Durban and Port Elizabeth ports as she makes her way around the world. The Aurora started operations in August.

Extend sugar tax moratorium, says SASA

Published: 06 Dec 24

Industry association, the South African Sugar Association (SASA), asserts that the sugar tax, since its introduction in 2019, has had a devastating impact on both sugarcane farmers and milling companies. The ramifications of this tax have been multibillion-rand revenue losses, thousands of job losses and the permanent closure of two sugar mills (Darnall and Umzimkulu) in KwaZulu-Natal. Darnall, towards the north of the province, in particular, has become a ghost town, with poverty levels increasing and the crime rate skyrocketing. Any increases to this tax or lowering of the threshold would decimate the industry, adds the association.