Issue 253, 9 Nov 2026

Roundup of major energy and electricity news and developments: 26 October to 8 November 2026

1. A failed gas-to-power procurement in South Africa exposes infrastructure paralysis.

2. Renergen plant declares stable helium production, but deliveries still awaited.

3. South Africa’s renewable energy expands with solar, wind and battery projects.

4. Zambia leads regional solar expansion as Mozambique targets 100 new micro-grids.

5. Funding initiatives target renewable energy, industrial growth and energy security.

6. Eskom’s optimistic electricity outlook rests on fragile assumptions.

7. Testing of SAWEM trading platform expands as market launch approaches.

8. Electricity traders break new ground in wheeling and financial markets.

9. NEES 2026-2035 aims to make avoided demand a national energy resource.

10. Eskom CFO retires, NERSA appoints acting CEO, Pele undergoes leadership overhaul.

1. A failed gas-to-power procurement in South Africa exposes infrastructure paralysis.

On 28 October 2026, Electricity & Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed that no preferred bidders had been appointed under Bid Window 1 of the Gas IPP Procurement Programme (GASIPPPP). This latest gas-to-power procurement failure has prompted calls for urgent presidential intervention, while the Department of Electricity & Energy (DEE) prepares further industry consultations before attempting another procurement round. Four bids totalling 2830 MW were received against a 2000 MW target, but none satisfied mandatory requirements, principally because developers could not demonstrate sufficiently assured long-term gas supplies. On 5 November 2026, the DEE confirmed plans for structured consultations with developers, lenders, equipment manufacturers, gas suppliers and infrastructure stakeholders to inform a proposed Bid Window 1.5. However, no timetable or revised procurement framework has been announced. The Industrial Gas Users Association of Southern Africa (IGUA-SA) has criticised the procurement structure, arguing that developers cannot secure gas without import infrastructure, while infrastructure investors cannot commit capital without guaranteed demand. IGUA-SA executive officer Jaco Human has called for presidential intervention to coordinate gas imports, infrastructure development, electricity generation and industrial demand. The urgency is mounting. Existing pipeline gas supplies from Mozambique face significant reductions from June 2028, threatening approximately 300 industrial users and 75,000 direct jobs. The latest setback follows more than eleven years of unsuccessful government initiatives to procure new natural-gas-fired independent power generation, including the abandoned Karpowership projects. With no operational LNG import terminal, unresolved commercial risk allocation and increasing pressure on industrial gas supplies, another procurement round alone cannot resolve the underlying problems. The challenge is now to establish a coordinated, bankable gas infrastructure and electricity procurement strategy before South Africa's looming gas supply cliff becomes an industrial and economic crisis.

2. Renergen’s Virginia plant declares stable helium production, but deliveries awaited.

ASP Isotopes (ASPI), the Nasdaq-listed owner of Renergen, announced on 26 October 2026 that the Virginia Gas Project in the Free State had completed commissioning of its liquid helium plant and achieved “stable production”, with helium accumulating in cryogenic storage ahead of first deliveries to contracted off-takers. Nameplate capacity of 70 Mcf per day of helium (about 350 kg per day of liquid helium) and 2500 GJ per day of LNG is now expected during the fourth quarter of 2026. Renergen first declared itself a liquid helium producer in January 2023, followed by cold-box failures, successive restarts in 2024, a single 52.6 kg sale in March 2025, and a “strategic halt” when feed gas proved insufficient to run the helium train economically. ASP Isotopes, which completed the acquisition of Renergen in January 2026, set September 2026 as the date for first customer deliveries. That date passed without a shipment, and nameplate slipped from the third to the fourth quarter. What has changed is the underlying gas supply. Since April 2025, the company has drilled 15 gas intersections, commissioned a third compressor station, engaged an independent reservoir specialist, and reports gas throughput up about 60%. Phase 2 of the project, at roughly 13 times the scale of Phase 1, with a 4-year construction period, would make Virginia globally significant. ASP Isotope's stated intention was to begin Phase 2 construction in the second half of 2026. With two months remaining, and finance still to be secured, this again does not appear to be realistic. Phase 2 debt of US $750-million from the DFC and Standard Bank, first announced as “secured” in June 2023, remains subject to definitive agreements. A date for first delivery to a named customer is the milestone that now matters.

3. South Africa’s renewable energy expands with solar, wind and battery projects.

South Africa’s renewable energy pipeline continues to expand, with new registrations, major project completions and battery storage construction highlighting growing private-sector investment. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) registered 144 generation facilities totalling 3129 MW from July to September 2026, representing estimated investment of R78.16-billion. Solar PV dominated applications. Since 2018, registrations have reached 23,260 MW across 2763 facilities. However, registration does not mean projects have been built or commissioned. Envusa Energy, the EDF / Anglo American joint venture, has fully commissioned its 520 MW Koruson 2 cluster, comprising the 240 MW Mooi Plaats solar plant and two 140 MW wind farms, Umsobomvu and Hartebeesthoek. Electricity is wheeled to industrial customers under long-term power purchase agreements. Pele Green Energy holds 20% in each project company. In the Free State, JA Solar has been selected as exclusive module supplier for Teraco’s 120 MW Sediba solar project near Parys. Scheduled to begin operating by year-end, the facility will supply renewable electricity to Teraco’s data centres through wheeling arrangements. In Mpumalanga, MPower, in partnership with SolarAfrica, has secured a 300 ha site where it plans to build a 184 MW solar PV plant with 210 MWh of storage. Meanwhile, Globeleq reports active construction at its 153 MW / 612 MWh Red Sands battery project in the Northern Cape, developed with African Rainbow Energy. Once operational, it is expected to be Africa’s largest standalone battery installation. The announcements demonstrate investment momentum across utility-scale renewables, corporate supply and storage, although grid access, transmission constraints and turning registered capacity into operating plants remain significant challenges for developers and investors.

4. Zambia leads regional solar expansion as Mozambique targets 100 new micro-grids.

Electricity projects across Southern Africa are advancing, with new solar generation in Zambia, rural electrification plans in Mozambique and a major regional transmission link moving forward. In Zambia, Sunshare Energy’s 120 MW Mumbwa solar plant reached initial grid connection in October 2026, with about 70 MW now connected to the national network. Full commercial operation remains unconfirmed. Mumbwa forms part of the larger Nambala development, planned to reach 350 MW through further investment. Solarcentury Africa is also developing the 112 MW Kusoka solar project to supply First Quantum Minerals’ Sentinel copper and Enterprise nickel mines in Zambia’s North-Western Province. The merchant plant, to be built by contractor YEO, could sell surplus electricity to other customers or through the Southern African Power Pool. In neighbouring Mozambique, state energy fund FUNAE plans to begin constructing 100 solar micro-grids in 2027, backed by approximately US $50-million. Targeting communities without grid access in Zambézia, Tete and Niassa, the programme will use Green Climate Fund resources mobilised with Belgian development agency Enabel, with private companies building and operating the systems. Regional integration is also progressing. Zambia expects its 613 km transmission interconnector with Tanzania to enter service in the second quarter of 2029, linking Southern and Eastern African power markets. The Zambian section has US $292-million in grant backing and could enable electricity imports and exports of up to 500 MW. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts renewables additions in sub-Saharan Africa to nearly triple between 2026 and 2031 compared with the previous six years, driven increasingly by energy security. However, generation projects will deliver their full benefits only if transmission investment, grid connections and regional trading arrangements keep pace.

5. Funding initiatives target renewable energy, industrial growth and energy security.

Energy financing across Southern Africa is diversifying, with new development-bank lending, private renewable-energy investments and commercial banks expanding beyond conventional project finance. The African Export-Import Bank and African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation have formally established the Africa Energy Bank in Abuja, Nigeria, with $5-billion in authorised capital. Led by inaugural president Helmy Ghazi, it aims to finance oil and gas production, transport and refining as traditional lenders retreat from hydrocarbons. Authorised capital does not represent funds already available for lending. In South Africa, FirstRand subsidiaries FNB, Rand Merchant Bank and WesBank have launched nav.energy, consolidating renewable-energy financing and services for households and businesses. FirstRand says it has already financed more than R5-billion in on-site generation and is exploring electricity trading alongside solar and battery storage offerings. Meanwhile, Fedgroup has financed a 7 MW solar plant and 50 MWh battery system for Coega Steels’ new rolling mill in the Eastern Cape. The solar installation has generated around 6 GWh, with another 19.8 MW planned by end-2027. The investment links cleaner industrial production with reduced exposure to electricity tariffs. In Botswana, the African Development Bank has approved a $503.75-million loan to cushion rising energy costs and support broader economic reforms, small businesses and job creation. The programme also envisages expanded electricity access and competitive renewable-energy procurement. Standard Bank has joined Growthpoint Properties’ renewable energy certificate programme, covering 21 bank branches in five provinces. Growthpoint reports issuing over 69,000 verified certificates from 53 registered renewable installations since September 2024. Together, these developments highlight growing financial innovation, but also contrasting priorities: accelerating decarbonisation while maintaining finance for fossil fuels and energy security.

6. Eskom’s optimistic electricity outlook rests on fragile assumptions.

South Africa’s latest ten-year electricity outlook suggests that power shortages can largely be avoided, but only if ambitious assumptions on Eskom performance, new generation and transmission expansion are realised. The National Transmission Company of South Africa’s Medium-Term System Adequacy Outlook (MTSAO) 2027-2036, published on 30 October 2026, finds the system broadly adequate under its Reference Case. However, the assessment is conditional, not a guarantee against renewed load shedding. The Reference Case assumes Eskom’s energy availability factor (EAF) improves from 66% in 2027 to 70% by 2031 and remains there, despite the assumed retirement of about 16.2 GW of Eskom generating capacity by 2036. It also assumes 9.75 GW of new gas-fired generation by 2036, beginning in 2032. Yet the report appeared two days after government confirmed that the first round of the 2000 MW Gas IPP Procurement Programme (GASIPPPP) had failed to appoint any preferred bidders, principally because secure fuel supplies could not be demonstrated. The outlook acknowledges that this failure increases delivery risks, but its underlying simulations were not updated to reflect it. Under the combined “Perfect Storm” scenario – lower EAF, higher demand, no new gas and slower embedded-generation uptake – unserved energy exceeds 900 GWh by 2036, compared with the 20 GWh annual adequacy threshold. However, this scenario did not isolate the consequences of gas delays alone. Nor does the report test whether faster wind, solar, battery storage and demand flexibility could substitute for delayed gas capacity. With major coal retirements looming, the critical question is not whether the Reference Case looks reassuring on paper, but whether its assumptions are achievable – and what credible, cost-effective alternatives exist if they are not.

7. Testing of SAWEM trading platform expands as market launch approaches.

South Africa’s electricity market reform is moving into a critical implementation phase, with 85 external entities invited to test the trading platform ahead of the planned April 2027 launch of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM). The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), licensed as Market Operator, developed the platform. Eskom Generation and Eskom Distribution have been testing it since April 2026, with wider simulations now intended to expose operational problems before live trading begins. However, key rules remain unfinished. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is expected to finalise the Market Code and Electricity Trading Rules in November 2026, followed by wholesale pricing and vesting contract frameworks in December 2026. The Presidency acknowledges implementation risks, while pursuing safeguards for NTCSA’s operational independence pending its separation from Eskom Holdings. Meanwhile, Meridian Economics warns that competitive trading will not automatically deliver cheaper, cleaner electricity. Eskom’s dominant generation position could distort prices, while poorly designed vesting contracts could shield incumbents from competition and transfer costs to consumers. Meridian also highlights the need for mechanisms to remunerate dependable capacity, stronger carbon pricing, transparent market oversight and urgent electricity distribution reform. Practical progress is emerging in private electricity wheeling. Open Access Energy’s locally developed Energypro platform has completed the first monthly allocation and settlement for SolarAfrica’s 114 MW SunCentral 1 solar plant in the Northern Cape. The software allocated 7.57 GWh of September generation among three commercial and industrial customers, each operating under a separate power purchase agreement. The milestone demonstrates that increasingly complex multi-buyer wheeling arrangements are becoming operational. But whether SAWEM delivers meaningful competition, lower system costs and reliable supply will depend on regulatory design, independent oversight and effective implementation, not merely launching a trading platform.

8. Electricity traders break new ground in wheeling and financial markets.

Electricity trading in Southern Africa is gaining momentum, with new licence applications, operational renewable-energy wheeling agreements and the region’s first reported electricity price hedge traded on a digital marketplace. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) will hold public hearings on 7 December 2026 on applications from Engie Energy Marketing South Africa and Energy Exchange of Southern Africa (EXSA). Engie seeks a trading licence covering Eskom-supplied customers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, while EXSA is applying for an import-export licence spanning South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Registrations for oral representations close on 30 November 2026. Meanwhile, Enpower Trading is delivering between 8 GWh and 16 GWh of renewable electricity monthly to three Sappi operations under a five-year, 175 GWh per year power purchase agreement. Supply includes electricity from SolarAfrica Energy’s SunCentral solar project in the Northern Cape, wheeled through the grid. Enpower aims to extend deliveries to a fourth Sappi site, demonstrating that shorter corporate contracts can support utility-scale renewable generation. Beyond South Africa, Africa GreenCo and WestLum Energy have concluded what is believed to be Southern Africa’s first electricity contract for difference traded through Green Tiger Markets, a digital forward-contract marketplace. Covering October 2026 baseload electricity, the agreement settles financially against a Southern African Power Pool market reference price. No electricity is physically delivered under the contract. The pilot tests pricing, credit and settlement arrangements, with further monthly trades envisaged. Together, these developments illustrate the market’s evolution beyond bilateral supply contracts towards cross-border trading, more flexible corporate procurement and financial instruments to manage wholesale price risks. However, regulatory certainty, market liquidity and transmission access remain crucial to scaling up competition.

9. NEES 2026-2035 aims to make avoided demand a national energy resource.

South Africa’s Department of Electricity & Energy (DEE) has released its draft National Energy Efficiency Strategy, NEES 2026-2035, for public comment, proposing that avoided energy demand be treated as a resource in national electricity and energy planning. The strategy was presented at workshop on 27 October 2026 hosted by the DEE and World Bank, in association with EE Business Intelligence. The report-back from the workshop records that the event drew 474 unique participants from 957 registrations, reflecting significant interest in the policy’s direction. The draft targets 132 PJ (petajoules) of avoided final energy demand annually by 2035, equivalent to about 5.5% below projected business-as-usual demand. Proposed savings span industry (40.7 PJ), transport (43.3 PJ), commercial and public buildings (34.8 PJ), and households (13.3 PJ). A central proposal is to recognise energy efficiency alongside new generation in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for Electricity and future Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), potentially reducing the need for costly supply infrastructure. Five strategic goals cover governance, regulation and financing, sector programmes, skills development, and monitoring, reporting and verification. Proposed measures include tighter appliance standards, industrial energy management, building upgrades, utility efficiency obligations and a national energy data repository. The World Bank supported preparation of the strategy, alongside research contributions from the University of Cape Town and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. DEE energy-efficiency director Xolile Mabusela urged stakeholders to submit substantive comments. Following consultation, the DEE intends to seek Cabinet approval and develop a costed National Energy Efficiency Action Plan. South Africa’s last formally adopted energy efficiency strategy dates from 2015. The challenge now is to translate renewed ambitions into funded, enforceable programmes with measurable results. The webinar presentation specifies a comment deadline of close of business on 16 November 2026.

10. Eskom CFO retires, NERSA appoints acting CEO, Pele undergoes leadership overhaul.

South Africa’s energy sector is experiencing several significant leadership changes, with appointments and departures at Eskom, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and independent power producer Pele Energy Group. Eskom group chief financial officer Calib Cassim formally retired on 31 October after 24 years at the utility. However, he will continue serving as acting CFO until his successor takes office. Cassim, who also served as acting group chief executive during 2023, leaves his permanent post as Eskom reports a return to profitability. No successor has yet been announced. At NERSA, Electricity & Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa appointed Nomfundo Maseti acting CEO from 25 October, following the expiry of Nomalanga Sithole’s extended term. Maseti, a full-time regulator member responsible for piped gas, takes charge as NERSA prepares for South Africa’s wholesale electricity market. In an interview published on 5 November 2026, Maseti identified finalising electricity trading rules, predictable licensing and tariffs, and credible market oversight as priorities. She also called for an integrated, bankable gas market rather than gas-to-power procurement in isolation. Ria Govender continues as acting NERSA chairperson. Meanwhile, EE Business Intelligence has been informed of major leadership changes at renewable energy developer and IPP, Pele Energy Group. Board chairperson, Brenda Martin, and co-founder and CEO of 17 years, Gqi Raoleka, have resigned, although Raoleka stays on as a director and shareholder. In the meantime, co-founders and shareholders Fumani Mthembi and Obakeng Moloabi have taken over as acting CEO and acting deputy CEO respectively. Incumbent CFO Matt Wainwright has stepped aside for the time being and an interim CFO has also reportedly been appointed. Pele has not publicly announced a successor to Martin. The changes come as South Africa’s electricity industry navigates market reform, financing pressures, corporate governance challenges and growing private-sector investment.

Independent Energy Pool (IEP Global)

Independent Energy Pool (IEP Global) is a business-to-business energy pool, allowing energy users and energy traders to buy and sell electricity. IEP's ecosystem allows transacting of electricity in a balanced and standardised environment. The pool incorporates the ability to trade renewable energy certificates, as well as the tracking and reporting of ESG criteria.

EE Business Intelligence

EE Business Intelligence strives to be a positive formative influence on policy, economic, social, regulatory, standardisation, training and business development in the energy, electricity sectors of Africa. Its activities and services include thought leadership, analysis, research, consulting, special assignments, business intelligence, strategic event facilitation and management, and public, corporate and media speaking engagements and commentary.