Zambia's Copperbelt to invest $500m in energy

• The drought that severely affected hydropower generation in Zambia has been a great lesson for the country. It is now moving quickly to strike deals in generation and cross-border electricity trades to guarantee a steady supply for its population.

• The country is key to the World Bank's mission to provide electricity to 300 million people by 2030. In January, it received a $292 million grant from the Bank for its Tanzania power interconnector.

• Our take: Energy companies such as CEC rightly explore new funding mechanisms including green bonds to tap eco-investors… Read more (2 min)

Mauritania inks $83m energy systems upgrade

• Mauritania's economy is dependent on the mining sector, which accounts for 45% of GDP. Mining operations require a constant and reliable source of power to function effectively. Battery storage facilities will help ensure a consistent power supply.

• The DREAM project also features one of Africa’s first hydrogen-specific regulations that provide tax incentives for electrolyser deployment while mandating 20% local content in hydrogen projects. The framework can serve as a blueprint for other African countries seeking to develop their green hydrogen potential.

• Our take: Mauritania's vast renewable potential clashes with stark infrastructural realities… Read more (2 min)

Op-ed: SA renewables procurement needs urgent fix

• Dr Kruger argues that the initial bid windows were highly effective, driving down costs for solar and wind energy. However, subsequent delays and uncertainties have hampered progress. Recent bid windows have been particularly affected by transmission bottlenecks, preventing the awarding of wind projects and stranding solar projects.

• Dr Kruger’s research expertise spans more than two decades. He has written or contributed to over 19 scholarly publications.

• For his full opinion … Read more (2 min)