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SolarAfrica secures R1.5 billion to deliver more reliable, affordable power to South African businesses

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SolarAfrica

By combining utility-scale renewable generation with a more flexible delivery via wheeling, SolarAfrica is helping companies access greener energy without the upfront capital outlay traditionally associated with on-site solar systems

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 10, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • SolarAfrica reaches financial close on SunCentral 2, unlocking the next 114 MW of its utility solar development that will have a total 1 GW at full scale.
  • The R1.5 billion investment, provided by FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) and Investec Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Institutional Banking Division), fast-tracks the delivery of reliable, cost-effective clean energy to SA businesses, with first power expected in 2026.
  • The project strengthens the national grid through continued investment in SunCentral’s Main Transmission Substation.

 

SolarAfrica (https://SolarAfrica.com) has secured financial close on R1.5 billion to build SunCentral 2, the next 114 MW plant of its flagship utility-scale solar development in the Northern Cape. The new funding, provided by RMB and Investec Bank Limited, is another significant step in boosting access to affordable and clean energy for South African businesses, with first power expected in 2026.

SunCentral 2 will follow SunCentral 1, which reached financial close at the end of 2024, also at 114 MW. Together with SunCentral 3, these projects form Phase 1 of the broader SunCentral vision, totalling 342 MW. At full scale, SunCentral is planned to reach 1 GW, positioning it as one of the country’s largest solar initiatives designed specifically for one-to-many, bilateral wheeling.

Businesses want power they can trust – clean, affordable and predictable – and SunCentral is being built exactly for that purpose

David McDonald, CEO at SolarAfrica, says: “Businesses want power they can trust – clean, affordable and predictable – and SunCentral is being built exactly for that purpose. It’s encouraging to see the confidence from our funding partners as we move into the next stage of delivery.

“More than a big solar project, SunCentral is a long-term infrastructure investment that gives companies the ability to manage their costs, cut emissions, and reduce their reliance on utility power that is often vulnerable to unpredictable tariff hikes. This next step gets us closer to bringing that value to even more South African businesses.”

As with the first plant, SunCentral 2 includes dedicated community-upliftment initiatives, ensuring local residents share in the social and economic benefits created by the project. Job creation, education, local procurement and skills development will continue to form a core part of the programme, supporting economic activity around the site in partnership with the project’s principal contractors.

SunCentral is also a key pillar of SolarAfrica’s overall wheeling pipeline – totalling 3 GW – which is currently under development across the country. By combining utility-scale renewable generation with a more flexible delivery via wheeling, SolarAfrica is helping companies access greener energy without the upfront capital outlay traditionally associated with on-site solar systems.

A portion of funding from each SunCentral plant is allocated directly to the development of the project’s Main Transmission Substation (MTS). Engineered for up to 2 GW of green-power evacuation capacity, the MTS strengthens the national grid while enabling future renewable generation to connect more efficiently.

“With wheeling, we have a model that puts control back into the hands of commercial and industrial customers. Instead of just surviving tariff hikes, it allows companies to plan for growth with a cleaner, more dependable energy mix,” says McDonald.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SolarAfrica.

Energy

Mining, manufacturing and property leaders to share how they are cutting water demand through reuse and closed-loop systems at Water Security Africa

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Industry accounts for up to 20% of global water withdrawals, and as municipal supply reliability and tariff pressure increase, more organisations are treating water security as a board-level risk

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –Water Security Africa, co-located with Enlit Africa (19–21 May 2026, CTICC), has released its full programme, featuring commercial and industrial leaders demonstrating how organisations are reducing water demand through reuse, recycling and closed-loop systems.

 

Industry accounts for up to 20% of global water withdrawals, and as municipal supply reliability and tariff pressure increase, more organisations are treating water security as a board-level risk.

The SAICE CPD-accredited programme will showcase practical approaches to reducing demand, improving water governance and building resilient water systems on-site and across supply chains.

Sector case studies and stewardship sessions include:

Mining: closed-loop tailings systems, high recycling rates and pathways towards zero-liquid-discharge approaches

Many organisations have already proven that major reductions in water demand are possible without compromising operations

Agro-processing: recovering water from production processes, condensate capture and fit-for-purpose reuse

Hospitality and healthcare: greywater recycling, rainwater systems and demand reduction programmes that can be adapted across portfolios

Property: on-site treatment and reuse solutions designed to reduce exposure to supply unreliability across commercial building portfolios

The programme also connects corporate water stewardship to municipal and catchment realities, including how loss reduction and better network performance improve supply stability and reduce system-wide costs.

“Many organisations have already proven that major reductions in water demand are possible without compromising operations,” said Claire Volkwyn, Head of Content, VUKA Group.. “At Water Security Africa, leaders will share the systems, governance and investment cases behind those results so others can replicate them.”

Confirmed speakers include Darshana Myronidis (Virgin Group UK), Petrus Swanepoel (Mediclinic), Molatelo Motau (Heineken), John van Wyk (Harmony Gold), Zomakahle Ndlovu (Inkomathi Usuthu Catchment Management Agency), Desiree Moima (Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs)  and Martjie Cloete (Growthpoint Properties), alongside municipal and utility leaders addressing the broader system context.

Download the programme: https://apo-opa.co/4sIOBGc

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4dNJ10h

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Investment, Fuel Security and Strategy to Take Center Stage Across Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Multi-Track Program

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Energy Capital

With strategic, technical and roundtable discussions, AOG 2026 strengthens its position as Angola’s premier platform for industry dialogue, investment and project development

LUANDA, Angola, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition returns to Luanda this September as a bridge connecting global investors and project developers with Angolan projects and partners. At a time when global supply disruptions and geopolitics are sharpening consumer focus on Africa, Angola offers the stability, resource base and investment appeal needed to support long-term security. Reflecting this focus, AOG will once again feature a multi-track program designed to showcase Angolan opportunities to a global audience.

Across three primary tracks – the Strategic, Technical and Roundtables Track – AOG 2026 will bring together policymakers, operators, financiers and technology providers to address challenges and opportunities across the full investment value chain. The expanded program structure underscores the event’s commitment to facilitating targeted discussions that support project development, strengthen partnerships and address the most pressing challenges facing Angola’s oil and gas sector today.

Strategic Track

As Angola continues to position itself as a leading African investment destination, the AOG 2026 Strategic Track will provide a platform for high-level dialogue between government, operators and investors, focusing on the policies, partnerships and capital frameworks required to sustain production and drive new exploration. Taking place across the two-day main conference, the Strategic Track will address the macro and investment-driven themes shaping Angola’s oil and gas industry.

Sessions will cover investment trends, Angola’s upstream competitiveness, advancing deepwater frontier momentum and opportunities in building an Angolan gas economy. Additional discussions will examine oil trade and the impacts of geopolitics, financing solutions for independents, fuel supply security and refining and the economics of local content success.

Technical Track

Running alongside the Strategic Track, the Technical Track will feature a series of presentations and discussions addressing critical operational and technical challenges across Angola’s oil and gas sector. This track will focus on practical solutions and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.

Topics will include M&A trends and asset transactions, accelerating AI adoption in oil and gas operations, building the next generation workforce and developing decommissioning frameworks for ageing assets. By focusing on operational efficiency, technology deployment and workforce development, the Technical Track will provide valuable insights for companies looking to optimize performance and extend the life of Angola’s producing assets while preparing for the next generation of projects.

Roundtables Track

A strategic feature at AOG, the Roundtables Track will introduce a more interactive discussion format focused on some of the industry’s most complex and strategic issues. These sessions will bring together small groups of stakeholders for targeted discussions on ensuring global compliance, Angola’s licensing landscape, partnerships and the future of upstream development.

Additional topics will include resolving the dollar/kwanza conundrum, the role of local financial institutions in the oil and gas sector and strategies to strengthen collaboration between international investors and local companies. The introduction of the Roundtables Track reflects growing demand for more focused, solution-driven discussions that move beyond traditional conference formats and toward practical problem-solving and partnership building.

Additional Features: Pre-Conference

In addition to the main conference program, AOG 2026 will include a dedicated pre-conference agenda on September 8, setting the tone ahead of the main conference discussions. Pre-conference sessions will cover subsurface imaging and structural analysis, Angola’s fiscals in a global context and strategies for strengthening Angolan institutions.

Several industry-led workshops will also take place, with companies offering insights into the technologies, solutions and tools that are transforming Angola’s oil and gas sector. These sessions are designed to provide practical knowledge sharing while highlighting the role of technology and innovation in improving efficiency and supporting new project development.

With an expanded multi-track program and the introduction of the Roundtables Track, AOG 2026 continues to evolve into a platform designed to drive investment, strengthen partnerships and support the next phase of Angola’s oil and gas growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Minister Ernesto Kesar Joins Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 as Trinidad and Tobago Accelerates Upstream Momentum

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Energy Capital

The participation of Minister Ernesto Kesar at Caribbean Energy Week comes as the country advances new upstream projects, gas developments and regional energy cooperation

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad and Tobago, has officially joined the upcoming Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), reinforcing the country’s commitment to upstream growth at a time of renewed momentum in the oil and gas sector.

 

As the twin-island country advances new gas supply projects, encourages exploration and strengthens regional energy ties, Minister Kesar’s participation at CEW 2026 is expected to serve as a launchpad for strengthened regional ties.

Minister Kesar’s participation comes amid a multi-billion-dollar investment surge in Trinidad and Tobago as operators advance projects, regional energy ties and strategic partnerships. At the helm of these efforts, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries continues to prioritize upstream investment, deepwater exploration and cross-border gas projects, positioning the country as a regional hub for natural gas production and LNG exports.

Recent milestones reflect this momentum, with several projects starting production and exploration kicking off across key basins. The bpTT-led Cypre gas project achieved first gas in April 2025, with peak production estimated at 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) – translating to around 250 million standard cubic feet of gas. The project comprised seven wells and will enhance the country’s overall export capacity. In partnership with EOG Resources, the company also started production at the Mento field in 2025, featuring a 12-slot, attended facility.

Looking ahead, bp’s Ginger gas development is on track for first gas production in 2027 following FID reached in 2025. With an expected capacity of 62,000 bpd, the project will feature four subsea wells tied back to the company’s existing Mahogany B platform. The company is also evaluating development options for its Frangipani exploration well which identified multiple stacked gas reservoirs in 2025. These initiatives will not only bring additional volumes online to support LNG exports and domestic capacity, but strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for oil and gas.

Beyond projects, Trinidad and Tobago is advancing exploration efforts with a view to strengthen its reserves. The company awarded an ultra-deepwater exploration block to ExxonMobil in 2025, signaling the company’s return to the market after nearly two decades. The milestone not only paves the way for the development of Block TTUD-1, but opens the door to nearly $20 billion in potential investment. The move follows a 2025 licensing round launched by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries in 2025, aligning with national goals of revitalizing exploration across deepwater margins.

On a regional front, Trinidad and Tobago is streamlining cross-border collaboration. The country recently secured a license from the United States authorizing oil and gas activities with Venezuela. The approval allows Trinidad-based companies to pursue cross-border gas developments, paving the way for Venezuela to feed new gas volumes into Trinidad and Tobago’s existing LNG and processing infrastructure. The move will not only sustain gas exports but accelerate long-delayed projects such as the Dragon gas field – situated near the maritime border of the two countries.

Trinidad and Tobago is also assessing options to restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, which has been closed since 2018 following the restructuring of state-owned Petrotrin. The government is currently in talks with various partners as well as Guyana to reopen the facility. If brought back online successfully, the facility would support regional energy security efforts, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global and regional investors.

As upstream momentum continues to build, the upcoming CEW 2026 offers a strategic platform to advance dialogue on regional gas monetization, energy security and investment opportunities. Minister Kesar’s participation reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to strengthening Caribbean energy ties, paving the way for new collaborations and sustained investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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