AfrElec - Africa Power Monitor

Mainstream starts commercial operations at 50-MW Ilikwa solar plant in South Africa

Mainstream Renewable Power has started commercial operations at its 50-MW Ilikwa solar photovoltaic plant in South Africa’s Free State province, supplying electricity through the grid to multiple commercial and industrial customers.

Malawi commissions first 20-MW standalone grid battery

Malawi has commissioned its first standalone utility-scale battery energy storage system, a 20-MW/40-MWh facility designed to stabilise the national grid and allow greater use of renewable electricity.

Morocco to build $1.5bn waste-to-energy plant in Casablanca

An international consortium, led by Japanese trading major Itochu Corporation, has signed a landmark concession agreement to build a $1.5bn integrated energy-from-waste plant in Casablanca

DRC’s Manono lithium project dispatches first 2,000-tonne export cargo

The concentrate was produced by Manono Lithium, the company developing the northeastern section of the wider Manono deposit. China’s Zijin Mining (SHA:601899; HKG:2899) controls the venture.

South Africa’s Seriti Green launches first phase of 900MW renewable project

Seriti Green formally launched commercial operations on July 31 at the 155MW first phase of its Ummbila Emoyeni renewable energy development in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Protests and road closures erupt in Sudan over acute power and water crises

DRC cobalt exports to China may have contained up to 5,000 tonnes of uranium, study finds

The peer-reviewed study raises concerns over weak monitoring and undeclared radioactive material in the global mineral supply chain.

Egypt increases electricity exports to Libya to 100MW

Tunisia faces water supply crisis despite dams reaching 60% capacity

UAE-based Alcazar Energy signs deal to build 407 MW wind farm in Egypt’s Zafarana

Zambia accelerates solar expansion to strengthen power security

Zambia is rapidly expanding solar generation capacity as it seeks to overcome climate-induced electricity shortages, diversify its energy mix and support long-term economic growth.

Afreximbank extends $190mn financing package to Zimbabwe’s CBZ Bank

Nigeria energy map identifies 750,000 communities for power investment

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed an energy-mapping exercise that identified more than 750,000 communities and their electricity needs.

South Africa’s Eskom to give final diesel-contract probe update by August 31

South Africa’s Eskom will issue a final update on its diesel procurement and storage contract investigation by August 31 after ordering further document analysis, interviews and legal work.

Egypt increases household electricity tariffs by 12% while freezing first bracket

Nigeria regulators warn fragmented state electricity rules threaten investment, consumers

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that inconsistent regulations across emerging state electricity markets could weaken consumer protection and create uncertainty for investors.

Mozambique's Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project targets $14bn in lifetime revenue

Mozambique's planned Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project is expected to generate about $13.98bn in public revenue over its lifetime while creating up to 7,000 jobs during construction, AIM reported on July 30.

Oppenheimer Partners exits Ghana-focused Genser Energy after five-year investment

Genser Energy Investments has redeemed the entire shareholding held by OP Energy Holdings, completing Oppenheimer Partners' exit from the West African energy firm after a five-year investment.

Fitch affirms Mauritius-based Clean Renewable Power’s $363mn notes at ‘BB-’

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the ‘BB-’ rating on Clean Renewable Power (Mauritius) Pte Ltd’s $363mn senior secured notes due in 2027, maintaining a Stable Outlook.

South Africa’s NTCSA streamlines claims process to clear $91mn backlog owed renewable firms

South Africa’s National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has streamlined its curtailment-claims process as it seeks to clear a $91mn backlog in payments to renewable-energy producers by the end of August.

NGO criticism of Perenco risks deterring energy investment in DRC, says AEC

NGO-led smear campaigns against independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco are threatening energy sector development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Plentify, Deye plan 2.7-GWh South African virtual power plant

South African energy-technology company Plentify has partnered with Chinese solar-inverter and battery manufacturer Deye to coordinate more than 160,000 residential batteries.

ArcelorMittal South Africa looks to cheaper power as first-half loss widens

South Africa’s largest primary steel producer, ArcelorMittal South Africa (JSE:ACL), reported a wider first-half loss as weak demand, imports and high electricity costs continued to weigh on its remaining flat-steel operations.

Egypt and Libya discuss expanding energy partnership, infrastructure projects

Ghana grid collapse plunges Accra and other major cities into darkness

A major fault on Ghana's national power grid has triggered widespread blackouts, leaving the capital Accra, the commercial hub Kumasi and much of the north without electricity.