Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: South Africa

  • China rolling into U.S. backyard

    Canada is making significant strides in the clean energy transition by focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), with a goal for EVs to make up 90 percent of new car sales by 2040. Africa is experiencing a surge in solar growth, led by countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria. The industry is shifting towards supplier-led climate solutions, with India committing $2.4 billion to scale carbon capture solutions. A breakthrough in sodium-sulfur battery technology has made energy storage cheaper and easier to scale, while investment in next-generation geothermal energy has surpassed $2 billion. Vietnam has launched a $102 million climate finance initiative to protect forests and support climate-smart livelihoods.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/china-rolling-into-u-s-backyard/

  • NOA Group seals 401GWh-a-year renewable deal with Sibanye

    NOA Group has formalized a renewable energy supply agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater, providing around 401GWh annually through fixed allocations and an additional 100GWh per year through a flexible contract. This deal will help Sibanye-Stillwater reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 433,080t of CO2 equivalent starting in 2028. By 2028, renewable energy will make up approximately 56% of Sibanye-Stillwater's total energy demand in South Africa, with costs expected to be 20-30% lower than Eskom's wholesale tariffs. The agreement aims to support Sibanye-Stillwater's goal of carbon neutrality by 2040 and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable energy practices in the mining sector.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/noa-group-401gwh-a-year-deal-sibanye/

  • SolarAfrica raises $94m for 114MW SunCentral 2 solar project

    SolarAfrica has secured financing for its SunCentral 2 solar project in South Africa, expected to deliver electricity by 2026 as part of a larger initiative to expand access to clean energy through utility-scale renewable generation and a flexible wheeling delivery system. SunCentral 2 is one of several projects aiming to reach a total capacity of 1GW, making it one of the largest solar initiatives in South Africa. The project includes community upliftment initiatives focused on job creation, education, and skills development, with SolarAfrica's overall wheeling pipeline spanning 3GW under development nationwide to enhance the strength of the national grid and support future renewable energy connections. This highlights the importance of industry leaders implementing sustainable practices to combat climate change, emphasizing the potential for renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and the need for companies to prioritize environmental responsibility in driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/solarafrica-raises-94m-suncentral-2-project/

  • Mpumalanga’s Just Energy Transition Can Succeed—But Only With Communities at the Centre

    South Africa's transition to renewable energy in Mpumalanga, a coal-centric region, is gaining momentum with the Just Energy Transition Partnership promising investment and green jobs. However, research warns that without intentional design, benefits may not reach coal-affected communities. Renewable energy projects mainly offer short-term construction jobs, with few permanent roles filled by non-local workers due to skills gaps and distance from coal towns. To ensure a just transition, initiatives like local hiring, training, apprenticeships, and community involvement are crucial. Key actions include requiring community impact plans, strengthening training programs, supporting coal workers, and tracking outcomes to ensure shared prosperity and fairness in the transition.

    https://southsouthnorth.org/mpumalangas-just-energy-transition-can-succeed-but-only-with-communities-at-the-centre-2/

  • India Poised To Become World’s First Electrostate?

    China's economic growth was fueled by coal-fired thermal generating stations, leading to severe air pollution. Despite still relying on coal for electricity, China is now a leader in renewable energy technologies. In contrast, India is following a different path by embracing renewables to meet its growing energy needs. India aims to become the world's first electrostate, diverging from China's reliance on coal for industrial development. India is rapidly transitioning to a cleaner energy future with the help of cheap solar and batteries, avoiding the fossil fuel dependency seen in the West and China. Solar generation has increased significantly, with coal demand approaching its peak. The country is also leading in electric vehicle sales and reducing road oil demand. India's electrification rate is growing steadily, positioning the country to supply electrotech to the world. In contrast, the US is pushing for a more expensive and dirtier energy pathway. India is making significant progress in transitioning to clean electricity sources, outpacing China in electrification and reducing fossil fuel consumption per capita. The country is on track to achieve economic growth without relying heavily on coal generation. The availability of affordable solar panels and electric cars is driving this shift towards clean energy. India is moving towards becoming an "electrostate" that meets most of its energy needs through electricity generated from clean sources. Other developing countries are likely to follow suit as the cost of electricity technologies continues to decrease. Countries like Pakistan and South Africa are utilizing low-cost solar panels from China to transition away from fossil fuel electricity generation. China is also financing these transitions to expand its clean energy market. However, there are risks involved, such as India's reliance on Chinese equipment for lithium-ion battery production. The dominance of one country in clean energy industries, like China's control over rare earth materials, can impact the global transition to clean energy technologies. International trade dynamics play a significant role in the speed and success of electrification efforts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/25/india-poised-to-become-worlds-first-electrostate/

  • Marine conservation must begin on land

    Secure coastal land rights are essential for sustainable ocean governance, as shown by examples from Fiji, Madagascar, and South Africa. Meaningful consultation with local communities is crucial for sustainable conservation efforts. Governments can pass and implement environmental impact assessment regulations that ensure community participation and access to information. The solution lies in recognizing and respecting secure tenure as the foundation of community-based management. Blue Ventures supports communities in advocating for their land rights and embedding tenure safeguards into policies related to development and marine conservation. Marine conservation begins on land, with communities that have secure land rights.

    https://blueventures.org/marine-conservation-must-begin-on-land/

  • Kiira Motors Kayoola Electric Coach Embarks On A 13,000km Trip From Uganda To South Africa

    Uganda's Kiira Motors Corporation is embarking on a 30-day journey across six African nations to showcase their new electric coach, the Kayoola Electric Coach 13M, with a 500 km range and top speed of 100 km/hr. The expedition aims to demonstrate the reliability and scalability of locally-designed technology for long-distance travel and promote African solutions for climate action and industrial growth. Electric road trips across several countries are becoming more feasible with the increasing investment in charging infrastructure and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), showcasing the potential of African innovation in sustainable transportation. The project highlights the endless roads, landscapes, and natural environments of South Africa, as well as the diverse mix of cultures and interests in the country, proving the viability of EVs for travel in the region.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/21/kiira-motors-kayoola-electric-coach-embarks-on-a-13000km-trip-from-uganda-to-south-africa/