NERSA Cancels Seriti Green Hearing
South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has cancelled the public hearing scheduled for September 10, 2026, on Seriti Green Energy’s electricity trading licence application in Mpumalanga. The regulator made the decision after receiving no registrations from members of the public or industry stakeholders wishing to make representations. The cancellation applies specifically to the planned hearing, while Seriti Green Energy’s trading licence application remains within NERSA’s regulatory process. The development highlights the role of stakeholder participation as South Africa continues reforming its electricity market and opening opportunities for electricity trading.
NERSA Extends Electricity Trading Consultation
NERSA has extended the deadline for comments on South Africa’s revised Draft Rules for Electricity Trading from August 28 to September 28, 2026. The proposed framework is intended to establish clearer rules for bilateral electricity trading and support development of a more competitive retail electricity market. The extension gives stakeholders additional time to assess the trading rules alongside the upcoming Electricity Pricing Policy and provide coordinated feedback. The revised rules were approved for a second round of consultation in June and incorporate feedback gathered during the regulator’s earlier stakeholder engagement process.
Odyssey Raises $74 Million for Distributed Renewables
Odyssey Energy Solutions has raised $74 million in new financing to expand its distributed renewable energy platform across emerging markets. The funding comprises $27 million in equity and $47 million in debt, backed by a mix of new and existing investors and development finance institutions. Odyssey’s platform connects more than 6,000 solar installers and EPC companies with equipment suppliers and financiers across over 50 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The financing is expected to help expand access to capital and equipment for distributed renewable energy projects in underserved markets.
Sinoma Connects 36 MWp Zambia Solar
Sinoma has connected its 36 MWp solar project in Zambia to the country’s national electricity grid, adding new photovoltaic generation capacity as Zambia works to diversify its power mix. The grid connection comes amid growing investment in solar energy as the country seeks to reduce its vulnerability to hydropower shortages and improve electricity security. The project adds to a widening pipeline of utility-scale renewable energy developments across Zambia. Solar deployment is becoming increasingly important to the country’s power strategy, complementing existing hydro resources while supporting a more diversified and climate-resilient electricity system.
Africa Heads for Record 17 GW Solar Year
Africa is on track to install a record 17 GW of solar capacity in 2026, representing a 45% year-on-year increase, according to analysis by Ember and African Tech Futures Lab. Thirty-six of the continent’s 54 countries are expected to achieve record solar additions, demonstrating that growth is spreading beyond historically dominant markets. The 17 GW of new capacity could generate around 23 TWh annually. Africa’s solar panel manufacturing capacity is also expected to quadruple to approximately 3.5 GW, although the continent remains heavily dependent on imported solar equipment.
CrossBoundary Launches Africa’s First Solar-BESS Baseload Facility
CrossBoundary Energy has begun commercial operations at what it describes as Africa’s first solar-BESS baseload facility, supplying continuous renewable electricity to the Kamoa Copper complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project combines 233 MWp of solar PV with a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery storage system to provide 30 MW of continuous power. Delivered in just 16 months, the facility demonstrates the potential for solar-plus-storage to provide dependable electricity for energy-intensive industrial operations while reducing reliance on fuel-based generation and supporting mining-sector decarbonisation.
Mozambique–Malawi Interconnector Nears Operations
The Mozambique–Malawi electricity interconnector has entered its final testing phase as the project moves closer to commercial operations. The infrastructure comprises a 218-kilometre, 400 kV transmission line connecting Mozambique’s Matambo substation with Malawi’s Phombeya substation. Once operational, it will connect Malawi to the Southern African Power Pool and initially enable imports of around 50 MW from Mozambique, potentially increasing to 200 MW. The approximately $88 million project is expected to strengthen regional power trading, improve Malawi’s electricity security and reduce its vulnerability to climate-related disruptions affecting hydropower generation.
AMEA Energizes 24 MWp Ituka Solar Substation
AMEA Power has energized the dedicated substation for its 24 MWp Ituka solar project in Uganda’s West Nile region, moving the development closer to full commercial operation. The 25 MVA, 132/33 kV substation enables electricity generated by the project to be transmitted to Uganda’s national grid. Located in Madi Okollo District, Ituka is the first and largest utility-scale grid-connected solar PV project in the West Nile region. The facility is expected to generate around 53,940 MWh annually, supplying clean electricity equivalent to the needs of more than 190,000 households.
Zambia Starts First 27 MWp Solar-Hydro Hybrid
Globeleq and Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company have commissioned Zambia’s first solar-hydro hybrid power plant, combining a new 27 MWp solar facility with the existing 24 MW Lunsemfwa hydropower station. During daylight hours, solar generation can reduce reliance on hydropower turbines, allowing water to be conserved for electricity generation when solar output falls. The project is designed to diversify Zambia’s power mix and improve resilience against drought-related hydropower shortages. It also demonstrates how solar can complement existing hydro infrastructure while making more efficient use of transmission assets and supporting reliable electricity supply.
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