NERSA Extends Public Consultation on South Africa’s Draft Electricity Trading Rules
South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments on the country’s Draft Electricity Trading Rules until 28 August 2026, providing additional time for utilities, developers, market participants and the public to review the proposed framework. The rules are a critical step in South Africa’s electricity market reform programme, supporting the transition towards a more competitive electricity trading environment under the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act. The extended consultation is expected to encourage broader industry participation before the regulatory framework is finalized.
Zambia Commissions 100 MW Chisamba Solar Plant Phase II
Zambia has strengthened its clean energy portfolio with the commissioning of the 100 MW Chisamba Solar Plant Phase II, significantly expanding domestic renewable generation capacity. The project supports Zambia’s efforts to diversify its electricity mix, improve energy security and reduce dependence on hydropower during periods of drought. As one of the country’s major utility-scale solar developments, the plant will contribute reliable electricity to the national grid while advancing Zambia’s long-term clean energy objectives and supporting economic growth through sustainable infrastructure investment.
NERSA Launches ISO-Based Governance Programme to Strengthen Electricity Regulation
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has introduced a comprehensive ISO-based governance programme aimed at improving institutional efficiency, regulatory consistency and service delivery. The initiative focuses on adopting internationally recognized management standards to strengthen regulatory processes, improve transparency and enhance stakeholder confidence. The programme forms part of NERSA’s broader modernization strategy as South Africa undertakes major electricity sector reforms, ensuring that regulatory oversight evolves alongside the country’s changing power market and expanding renewable energy sector.
World Bank Approves $1.5 Billion Loan for South Africa’s Infrastructure Reforms
The World Bank has approved a US$1.5 billion financing package to support South Africa’s infrastructure modernization and economic reform agenda. The funding will help strengthen electricity transmission, improve logistics infrastructure and enhance public sector efficiency while encouraging private sector investment. The programme is designed to address long-standing structural challenges that have constrained economic growth and energy reliability. The financing also reinforces South Africa’s commitment to improving infrastructure resilience while accelerating reforms that support long-term sustainable development.
Côte d’Ivoire Commissions 52.4 MW Ferké Solar Plant
Côte d’Ivoire has commissioned the 52.4 MW Ferké Solar Plant, marking the country’s first locally developed Independent Power Producer (IPP) solar project. The milestone represents significant progress in expanding private-sector participation in renewable energy while supporting national goals to diversify electricity generation. The project is expected to increase clean power availability, strengthen grid reliability and contribute to the country’s broader energy transition strategy. It also demonstrates growing investor confidence in West Africa’s renewable energy market and infrastructure development opportunities.
IRENA: Renewable Electricity Generation Reaches 9,836 TWh in 2024
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable electricity generation reached 9,836 TWh in 2024, representing 9.8% year-on-year growth driven primarily by solar PV and wind power. The report highlights accelerating renewable deployment worldwide as countries continue investing in clean energy to improve energy security and meet climate targets. Solar remained the fastest-growing technology, while wind also recorded substantial expansion. The findings reinforce the increasing role of renewables in transforming global electricity systems and reducing dependence on fossil fuel generation.
Mauritius Shares Grid Management Lessons for High Solar Integration
Experts at Mauritius Clean Energy Week 2026 discussed practical strategies for operating an island power system with rapidly increasing solar generation. The roundtable highlighted grid flexibility, battery storage, forecasting technologies, demand-side management and system planning as key enablers for maintaining grid stability while expanding renewable energy. Mauritius’ experience provides valuable insights for island nations and emerging renewable markets seeking to integrate higher shares of variable renewable energy without compromising electricity reliability or power quality.
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