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South Africa’s Ambitious, and Expensive, Energy Transition (By NJ Ayuk)

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3 years ago

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carbon emissions

South Africa has taken a proactive approach to developing its renewable energy sector and attracting investors

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 29, 2023/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) and Author of A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix.

South Africa has great aspirations for its energy industry: Not only has the country committed to significant decreases in carbon emissions, but it is also intent on creating a thriving green economy that creates jobs and business opportunities throughout the country.

And with great ambitions come a great price tag, in this case, an estimated $99 billion.

No doubt about it — this is an optimistic vision. But I do not believe it’s beyond the realm of possibility.

In fact, the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC’s) new report, “The State of South African Energy,” forecasts a considerable increase in South Africa’s power generation mix between now and 2050, one that continues coal usage but adds natural gas and renewables. As a result, our report predicts, South Africa’s energy generation will see its carbon intensity drop from the current 829.38 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) per megawatt hour (MWh—1,000 kilowatts of electricity generated per hour) to 250 kilograms of CO₂e/MWh in 2050.

However, South Africa, like the African continent, will need a pragmatic, multi-pronged approach to raising the necessary investment dollars to fund its energy transition. And that approach will have to include natural gas production and monetization.

A Strong Start

To its credit, South Africa has taken a proactive approach to developing its renewable energy sector and attracting investors. These efforts, in part, have been a response to the country’s decades-long struggle to deliver reliable electricity.

The nation sources more than 80% of its total energy supply from aging coal-powered plants, and Eskom, South Africa’s public utility, supplies more than 90% of the country’s electricity. While South Africa has a running average demand for roughly 27,000 megawatts (MW) of electrical power, Eskom struggles to produce an average of only 21,000 MW, a disparity that has culminated in the need for regular rolling blackouts, or load shedding, and a dire situation that has left South Africa’s population severely underserved.

Since 2007, the need for load shedding has steadily increased at an alarming rate, with 2022 taking the lead as the most load-shedding intensive year on record and December as its harshest month.

We must address these worsening conditions as the evolution of this crisis suggests it’s creeping rapidly toward a single outcome—the complete societal breakdown of Africa’s most industrialized and technologically advanced country.

Estimates for supporting this transition and expanding clean energy infrastructure over the next three decades run as high as $250 billion

To his credit, in February 2023, during his State of the Nation Address, South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster in an effort to stem the tide of his country’s energy troubles. Along with this declaration, Ramaphosa introduced a new Ministry of Electricity, an appointment specifically tasked with decreasing the frequency and duration of load shedding and reversing Eskom’s direction.

These emergency measures come after more than a decade of positive progress toward the introduction of renewables to South Africa’s energy sector and promising investment developments seen in recent years.

Dating back to 2011, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) saw policy adoptions that led to South Africa’s successful procurement of almost 9.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the form of renewables like onshore wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, small hydro, and biopower. The success of the REIPPPP led to a relaunch of the program in 2019 with the goal of furthering the transition to renewables while alleviating energy poverty and creating new jobs.

That was followed by South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP). Unveiled at COP27 in November 2022, JET IP details the amount and extent of the funding required to successfully implement a decarbonization agenda in the country. Starting with an initial $8.5 billion in financing sourced from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with France, Germany, the UK, the U.S., and the European Union, South Africa aims to initiate its transition away from fossil fuels, acknowledging that upwards of $99 billion in funding will be required through 2027.

Estimates for supporting this transition and expanding clean energy infrastructure over the next three decades run as high as $250 billion.

South Africa has exhibited a genuine commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the capacity for meeting the many necessary milestones on the way to those targets, and the understanding that getting there will require substantial outside investment.

Besides the demonstrated recognition that Eskom’s facilities require immediate revitalization to stabilize the country’s existing energy supply, the Ramaphosa administration exhibited its willingness for reform when it announced in August 2021 that it would raise the threshold for unlicensed electricity production from 1 MW to 100 MW. This regulatory adjustment cleared the path for the SOLA Group’s development of projects totaling approximately 4.5 GW while enhancing South Africa’s appeal to other private investors.

While South Africa has shown that it is taking the correct stance to begin combating the current energy crises with a partial focus on the eventual conversion to a low-carbon economy, it is the AEC’s position that the country must first develop and monetize its vast, untapped natural gas resources in the interim.

Reserve estimates for the Luiperd-Brulpadda project off South Africa’s southern coast indicate that 3.4 trillion cubic feet of gas and 192 million barrels of gas condensate await extraction, offering the nation just one of many opportunities to capitalize on its fossil fuel resources while attracting additional interest from the free market. The revenue raised by fast-tracking natural gas projects in the region could fund South Africa’s current efforts to restore its generation facilities and grid infrastructure while offering a consistent, economy-stabilizing income stream and a funding source for future endeavors.

By keeping its primary focus on addressing the immediate needs of its population, South Africa will remain on course toward manifesting its vision of a carbon-neutral future supported by renewables while attracting crucial investments and generating the necessary wealth to get there in time.

South Africa’s energy challenges will be front and center at African Energy Week scheduled to take place on 16-20 October in Cape Town.  To read more about South Africa’s energy ambitions, download the chamber’s full report (https://apo-opa.info/42oP0Ra).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Delivers on Responsible Scaling, Surpassing 2028 Carbon Intensity Target Three Years Early with Renewables at 83.2%

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July 21, 2026

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ST Telemedia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) today published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, setting out how the Singapore-headquartered global data centre provider is meeting accelerating demand, including from AI-driven workloads, through infrastructure that is more resilient, efficient and sustainable by design. The report highlights 83.2% renewable energy usage, a 70.5% reduction in carbon intensity from its 2021 baseline, 41.2% improvement in water usage effectiveness (WUE) from the 2020 baseline, and continued progress in embedding ESG considerations into how STT GDC designs, builds, finances and operates its data centres at scale.

The report positions responsible growth as a core business discipline for STT GDC, linking sustainability performance to long-term asset resilience, customer trust and operational excellence. Across its global platform, STT GDC is integrating ESG considerations into capital allocation, site selection, design, operations, risk management and workforce development to support reliable digital infrastructure at scale.

Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, says, “The next phase of digital growth will be defined by how the industry resolves the tension between rising demand — particularly from AI — and the finite nature of energy, water and land. Responsible scaling is therefore not a sustainability commitment alone; it is a commercial and operational imperative that shapes where we build, how we design, and how we run our data centre platform. Our 2025 progress reflects disciplined execution of a strategy we have been advancing for years, delivering meaningful improvements in energy efficiency, emissions and resource management across our global platform. As we scale further, we will continue to advance with the same discipline — in the infrastructure we build, the governance that underpins it, and the positive impact we create for the communities and ecosystems we are part of.”

Scaling efficient, lower-carbon infrastructure

STT GDC continued to advance its decarbonisation strategy in 2025, delivering measurable reductions in emissions and improvements in resource efficiency while scaling its global data centre platform to meet rising digital demand. The Group’s approach focuses on embedding sustainability into the design and operation of its infrastructure, enabling long-term performance while managing growing energy and resource requirements. Key environmental achievements include:

Furthered renewable energy adoption, with 83.2% of electricity consumption sourced from renewables, supporting STT GDC’s transition towards carbon-neutral operations by 2030.
Reduced carbon intensity by 70.5% from the 2021 baseline, surpassing STT GDC’s 2028 target three years ahead of schedule, alongside a 15.2% year-on-year reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Improved energy efficiency across operations, achieving an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.44, a 13.0% improvement from the 2020 baseline, reflecting continued optimisation of data centre design and operations.
Enhanced water stewardship, with Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) improving by 41.2% from the 2020 baseline, supported by a balanced approach to managing energy and water use in cooling systems.
Continued progress in sustainable infrastructure, with 48% of its data centres achieving green building certification, reflecting the integration of sustainability considerations across the lifecycle of its facilities.
Building a safe and future-ready workforce

As STT GDC continues to scale its global data centre platform, investing in people, safety and workforce capabilities remains central to delivering reliable and sustainable operations. In 2025, the Group maintained a strong focus on safeguarding its workforce, strengthening organisational capability and supporting the development of future-ready talent to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. Key social achievements include:

Maintained strong safety performance, with zero work-related fatalities and a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.1 across more than 41 million hours worked, reflecting robust health and safety management across construction and operations.
Strengthened workforce capability, with an average of 18 training hours per employee, supporting the development of technical, operational and leadership skills across the organisation.
Advanced diversity and inclusion, with 21.7% women representation across the Group, reinforcing ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and balanced workforce.
Expanded talent development initiatives, including the DC Power Up programme and partnerships with 10 Institutes of Higher Learning across our markets, helping to build a pipeline of industry-ready talent for the growing digital infrastructure sector.
Deepened community and workforce engagement, through skills development programmes and industry-academic partnerships that support long-term talent development and contribute to local economic growth.
Strengthening Governance and Resilience at Scale

Strong governance, disciplined risk management and robust operational controls underpin STT GDC’s ability to scale responsibly in an increasingly complex digital environment. In 2025, the Group continued to strengthen its enterprise-wide approach to governance, embedding ESG considerations into decision-making, risk management and day-to-day operations to support long-term resilience and performance. Key achievements include:

Strengthened governance and ethical business practices, with 100% of employees completing anti-corruption training, reinforcing STT GDC’s commitment to integrity and accountability across its global operations.
Enhanced enterprise-wide risk management, incorporating climate, cybersecurity and operational risks into planning and decision-making, ensuring infrastructure resilience as the Group scales.
Advanced cybersecurity and operational resilience, including strengthened governance, technical controls and preparedness through initiatives such as executive-level cyber exercises and risk assessments across key facilities.
Improved supply chain governance, embedding ESG criteria into procurement processes and reinforcing responsible sourcing practices across its global vendor network.
Strengthened organisational alignment and execution, through the inaugural Group ESG Summit, supporting capability building and consistent application of ESG priorities across markets.
These efforts come as data centre operators face growing expectations to deliver capacity while managing energy, water, climate and cybersecurity risks with greater transparency and accountability.

STT GDC’s 2025 ESG Report reflects a continued evolution in how the Group approaches sustainable growth, with a stronger focus on disciplined execution, operational resilience and long-term performance as it scales its global platform. As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical to economies and societies, STT GDC will continue to embed sustainability, risk management and governance into how it designs, builds and operates its data centres.

By working closely with customers, partners and communities, the Group aims to deliver infrastructure that is not only efficient and resilient, but also capable of supporting the next phase of digital growth, including AI-driven workloads, in a responsible and sustainable way.

The full 2025 ESG Report is available at https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/about-us/our-esg-progress

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/

 

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Energy

London Showcase to Bring Venezuela’s Energy Opportunities to Global Investors Ahead of 2026 Summit

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July 21, 2026

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A high-level London industry showcase on July 30 will bring together UK and European investors, financiers and energy leaders to explore emerging opportunities across Venezuela’s oil, gas and power sectors ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 17, 2026/APO Group/ –As Venezuela accelerates efforts to revitalize its energy sector and attract international investment, Venezuela Energy Week 2026 will host an exclusive Industry Showcase in London on July 30, bringing together investors, financial institutions, international oil companies, commodity traders and energy executives for market intelligence, networking and partnership development ahead of the flagship conference taking place this October in Caracas.

 

Designed as a strategic preview of the main event, the London showcase will provide UK and European stakeholders with first-hand insight into Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape while creating opportunities for commercial dialogue with industry leaders, potential partners and key decision-makers.

Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves and significant natural gas resources, Venezuela is entering a new phase of energy development focused on increasing production, expanding gas commercialization and modernizing critical infrastructure. Ongoing reforms and renewed international engagement are creating opportunities for companies able to provide capital, technology and technical expertise.

The timing is particularly significant as several UK and European energy companies continue to strengthen their presence in Venezuela. UK-based majors Shell and BP are advancing key natural gas developments, with Shell preparing for 2027 drilling at the Dragon offshore gas project and BP signing agreements in April to develop the Cocuina-Manakin offshore gas field, marking its return to the Venezuelan market. Spain’s Repsol recently announced plans to increase production from its Venezuelan assets, while Italy’s Eni is relaunching a heavy crude project in the Orinoco Belt. France’s Maurel & Prom, meanwhile, remains a key partner in strategic assets such as the Urdaneta Oeste field. On the trading and commercialization front, Geneva-headquartered energy trader Vitol has renewed its engagement with Venezuelan crude exports, reflecting broader international interest in reconnecting the country’s resources with global markets.

Against this backdrop, the London Industry Showcase will highlight Venezuela’s re-emerging investment potential while creating a platform for strategic networking and direct engagement with government leaders, national energy companies, regulators and private sector partners.

The event is expected to attract representatives from investment funds, export credit agencies, commercial banks, private equity firms, commodity traders, engineering companies, technology providers and UK-based independent energy companies exploring opportunities across Venezuela’s energy value chain.

The showcase will also provide an exclusive preview of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, including ministerial dialogues, executive forums, technical conferences and dedicated business-to-business networking sessions designed to connect international investors with the decision-makers shaping the country’s energy future.

Taking place on October 26–29, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela Energy Week serves as the country’s premier platform for advancing investment across the oil, gas and power sectors. By bringing the conversation to London – one of the world’s leading financial and energy centers – the Industry Showcase builds momentum ahead of the flagship event while strengthening ties between international capital and one of the world’s most resource-rich energy markets.

To participate in the London Industry Showcase on July 30 or secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com to learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/3RKKqfz).

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

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Events

October 2-4, 2026, Announced as New Date for the Inaugural Alamein Africa Forum

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3 hours ago

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July 21, 2026

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The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time

CAIRO, Egypt, July 17, 2026/APO Group/ —

The Government of Egypt and the African Union Commission alongside other key stakeholders and partners are pleased to announce new dates for the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (www.AlameinForum.com).

 

The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time.

The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum will now be held between October 2-4, 2026, in Alamein, Egypt following consultations between the relevant stakeholders. It will be held in parallel with the African Union mid-year Summit which will take place in Alamein on 4 October 2026.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for your understanding, flexibility and continued support.

The Forum presents a unique opportunity to engage key policy makers, including African Heads of State and Government, as well as senior leaders from finance, industry and institutional investors to advance Africa’s private sector agenda.

Additional information regarding accommodation and logistics as well as the Forum programme will be made available on the Forum website as soon as next week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alamein Africa Forum.

 

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