Trinasolar Tackles South Africa’s Power Crisis with Innovative Solar and Storage Solutions at Solar & Storage Live Africa

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, participated in the Solar & Storage Live Africa exhibition in Johannesburg from 25-27 March 2025. The company is addressing South Africa's ongoing energy crisis by providing advanced PV modules and energy storage systems. Recent load shedding underscores the need for reliable energy solutions. Trinasolar has established itself as the largest solar equipment supplier in the country, delivering nearly a gigawatt of solar modules and 250MW of solar trackers over the past year. Their innovative solutions aim to support South Africa's renewable energy transition and tackle immediate energy needs.

Deputy Minister Seitlholo introduces biological control agents for aquatic plants

Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo, in collaboration with Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control, has released the Salvinia weevil insect, Cyrtobagous salviniae, to control the invasive aquatic plant Salvinia minima at Hartbeespoort Dam. This initiative is part of a broader approach to manage alien invasive species affecting South Africa's water bodies. The weevil, imported from the USA, is expected to effectively control the aquatic weed, which threatens local ecosystems. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with scientific institutions and highlighted ongoing remediation efforts at the dam.

China Achieves Record-Breaking Laser Data Transmission via Satellites

The Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co, based in China, announced a groundbreaking achievement in satellite communications by achieving a record data transmission speed of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) using its Jilin-1 satellite constellation. This speed is ten times faster than their previous record and enables the transmission of 10 HD movies per second. The technology is notable for its mobile, truck-mounted ground stations which can be deployed in various operational contexts. Plans are in place to integrate this technology across a fleet of 300 satellites by 2027. This advancement positions China strategically against competitors like SpaceX and NASA in the race for satellite communication capabilities.

I^ Conference on Health Protection from Environmental and Climatic Risks

The I^ Conferenza nazionale del Sistema Nazionale Prevenzione Salute dai rischi ambientali e climatici was held on March 27-28, 2025, in Rome at the Auditorium Ministero della Salute. The conference aimed to discuss the status of health, environment, biodiversity, and climate policies among various governmental bodies including the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Health. Key discussions focused on the integration of health and environmental policies, emphasizing their interconnected nature. General Director of ISPRA, Maria Siclari, participated in a roundtable on these topics.

Minister Majodina to oversee Rand Water purification works upgrade

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, assessed the ongoing upgrade project at the Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Water Purification Works on 25 March 2025. This project includes the construction of a new water purification facility aimed at increasing the water supply by an additional 1,200 million litres per day, benefiting an estimated 2,400,000 people in Gauteng. The project is budgeted at R 3.9 billion, highlighting its significance for local water security. The Zuikerbosch plant is recognized as Africa's largest state-of-the-art water purification facility.

UK Government's Landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill Aims for Clean Energy and Housing Growth

The UK Parliament has returned the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill for its Second Reading on March 26, 2025. This Bill aims to accelerate housing development, targeting the construction of 1.5 million homes as part of the government's Plan for Change. Key elements include reforms to streamline planning decisions for clean energy projects and infrastructure such as windfarms. Additionally, the government has introduced a Nature Restoration Fund to support environmental obligations for builders.

UK Export Finance Hosts Event for Women Entrepreneurs in International Trade

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) hosted an event in Leeds focusing on breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs in international business. Over 100 participants attended, including female business owners, banking representatives, and government officials. UKEF announced that it provided financing support worth over £570 million to small businesses in the previous year. Additionally, a partnership was established with Female Founder Finance to streamline access to funding for women-led businesses, aiming to unlock £250 billion in economic potential if women received equal business investment opportunities.

Twelve Mines Successfully Auctioned in 11th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions

The Ministry of Coal of India launched the 11th round of coal mine auctions on December 05, 2024, auctioning a total of twelve coal mines, including eight fully explored and four partially explored mines. The geological reserve of these mines is approximately 5,759.23 million tonnes, with a Peak Rated Capacity of 15.46 Million Tonnes Per Annum. The auctions generated an annual revenue projection of approximately ₹3,330 crore and attracted a capital investment of around ₹2,319 crore. This initiative is part of India's strategy to enhance domestic coal production and improve energy security.

Australia: Virtual tolls for battery energy storage explained

Modo Energy detailed the rise of virtual tolls for battery energy storage in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in Australia, with the first contracts expected to go live by the end of 2024. Virtual tolls are financial contracts offering asset owners a fixed fee while allowing them to maintain physical control of the system. The trend toward financial offtake agreements is expected to lead to virtual tolls surpassing 50% of long-term deals by 2026.

Transition pathway for construction: How to green and digitalise the ecosystem

The event titled 'Transition pathway for construction' featured prominent speakers discussing ways to innovate and improve sustainability in the construction sector. Germain Adell shared insights from the Metabuilding innovation ecosystem aimed at enhancing the European built environment. Prof Ken Dooley introduced the concept of Nordic superblocks, focusing on creating more liveable, healthy, and sustainable urban spaces. Johan Vyncke discussed the integration of AI and data in construction practices, highlighting its potential to transform the industry.

Melissa Le Blanc's Journey in Renewable Energy Networking

Melissa Le Blanc pursued a career in renewable energy and overcame early uncertainties with mentorship and networking, particularly through the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network. She completed her master’s degree in Renewable Energy Technology from the University of the West Indies, and now oversees renewable energy projects at Fortis TCI, including the installation of the first utility-scale solar and battery microgrid in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The microgrid will power 30 percent of electricity demand in North and Middle Caicos.

APEDA Facilitates Export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, successfully exported 15,000 kg of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. This export highlights India's role in promoting organic agricultural products on a global scale. Farmers received a premium price of Rs 250-300 per kg due to the GI tagging, significantly enhancing their incomes. The processing was facilitated through an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House, where 9,000 kg was dehydrated for export. This transaction formed part of India's initiative to boost agri-exports and enhance the visibility of Sikkim's organic products worldwide.

PMG Reviews Mega Infrastructure Projects in Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal

The Project Monitoring Group (PMG) of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reviewed 19 major infrastructure projects with a total investment exceeding INR 63,858 crore in Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The projects involve various sectors, including healthcare and energy, focusing on resolving bottlenecks. The key highlight was the Buxar Thermal Power Plant project in Bihar, estimated at INR 10,439.09 crore, aiming to enhance energy capacity in the region.

Strengthening Alternative Military Service Training and Disaster Response Capabilities

The Taiwanese Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of National Defense revised the regulations regarding the mobilization of reserve alternative military service members on March 17, 2025. This revision aims to strengthen training for reserve personnel and enhance skills for disaster self-rescue and mutual assistance. The assembly days have been modified to a maximum of five days per instance, allowing for increased flexibility in training based on the needs of disasters. The adjustments will enable a better response to climate anomalies and natural disasters, ensuring essential government functions are maintained during crises.

South Africa's Medium-Term Development Plan Focuses on Sustainable Economic Growth

The South African government, led by Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, announced the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029, focusing on sustainable economic growth and job creation. The plan prioritizes transitioning to a low-carbon economy through increased investment in renewable energy and protecting natural resources. Key areas of focus include economic growth exceeding 3% by 2029, enhancing infrastructure for clean water and electricity, and ensuring social equity in the transition. The engagement involved multiple stakeholders, including the United Nations.

South Africa Hosts First G20 Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting

South Africa, through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, hosted the first virtual G20 Trade and Investment Working Group meeting from 18-20 March 2025. Under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", this meeting focused on advancing a sustainable economic growth agenda for Africa. The meeting discussed key issues like climate change and green industrialization, and set the stage for the upcoming Trade and Investment Ministers meeting scheduled for 10 October 2025.

Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone Proposal Published

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, has published a notice for public comment on the proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Steelpoort, Limpopo. This initiative aims to develop an industrial cluster focused on the beneficiation of platinum, chrome, and vanadium resources, alongside agro-processing and renewable energy technologies. Significant progress has been made, including securing 1010.23 ha of land and establishing the Fetakgomo Tubatse Industrial Park SOC as a subsidiary of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency. An interim board is in place, with 11 companies prepared to invest R10 billion pending infrastructure readiness.

Local Procurement as a Strategic Lever for Economic Growth in South Africa

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in South Africa highlighted local procurement as a strategic lever for economic growth at the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit. Dr Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, Acting Director-General of the dtic, emphasized the need for government agencies to align with local procurement legislation. The summit focused on strengthening South Africa's manufacturing sector and enhancing the country's ability to compete globally by encouraging local procurement to bolster the economy and ensure resilience amid global supply chain uncertainties. Entities like Transnet committed to investing in local enterprises.

Global Consensus on Equal Green Economy Profits is Critical – Deputy Minister Whitfield

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Andrew Whitfield, emphasized the necessity for global consensus to ensure the green economy's opportunities lead to shared prosperity. During a briefing, he highlighted the G20's responsibility to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. Whitfield stated that the upcoming Trade and Working Group meetings will focus on trade, green industrialization, and reforms in global trade policies. He stressed the importance of moving away from extractive practices in resource-rich countries towards local value addition, aiming for structural transformation and sustainable development.

South Africa's Draft Transformation Fund to Support Black-Owned Enterprises

The South African government has published the Draft Transformation Fund concept document, inviting public commentary from March 20, 2025, to May 7, 2025. The fund aims to aggregate R100 billion to enhance the economic participation and sustainability of black-owned enterprises, including small and medium enterprises and cooperatives. The initiative seeks to mobilize financial resources in line with the B-BBEE Act, promoting transformation and addressing inequality as outlined in the National Development Plan Vision 2030.