Electricity + Control

Eskom concludes negotiated tariff agreement with ferrochrome smelters

Eskom reports that its Smelter Task Team has concluded a 62c/kWh electricity tariff for Samancor Chrome and Glencore–Merafe Chrome ferrochrome smelters. This is in the context of continuing difficulties facing South Africa’s ferrochrome sector, including high electricity prices, in a sharply competitive global market, the prospect of smelters closing and potential job losses. The tariff intervention is structured to improve Eskom’s liquidity without requiring higher tariffs, additional Eskom borrowing, or further government support. It also provides Eskom with predictable sales volumes for up to the next five years and protects public investments made in the utility, as well as its ability to support reindustrialisation and economic growth.

Renewable energy projects surge ahead

In early April 2026, Mulilo announced it had reached Commercial Close on two renewable energy projects on the same day. Both projects are located in the Free State Province and individually form part of Bid Window 2 of South Africa’s Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and Round 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP).

Bolobedu solar power plant commissioning

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) and international renewable energy company Voltalia recently announced the commissioning of the Bolobedu Solar Farm, located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. In a statement released 8 April 2026, RBM reported the first megawatt-hours of green electricity had been successfully fed into the national grid – marking a key milestone in the long-term partnership between both companies South Africa’s energy transition.

Eskom’s unbundling, establishing an independent TSO – it’s a process

The Energy Council of South Africa recently issued a statement in which it clarifies its position on Eskom’s unbundling and the creation of an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO). It highlights a key issue that in its opinion, is not getting enough attention: The success of the unbundling will depend on how it is sequenced and managed from a system, cost and risk perspective. It notes a growing tendency in the public discourse to focus narrowly on the creation of the TSO as a milestone. The council’s view is that this is just one component of a much more complex transition, one that requires careful phasing, financial stability across entities and a credible market structure to avoid unintended consequences for tariffs, fiscal pressure and security of supply.

Long-term coal supply for Matla Power Station

Exxaro Resources and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd have signed a new long-term Coal Supply Agreement (CSA) between Exxaro’s Matla Mine and Eskom, securing the continued supply of coal from Exxaro’s Matla Mine to the Matla Power Station and reinforcing a strategic partnership that has supported South Africa’s electricity generation for more than four decades.

Investing in young talent to develop artisans

ACTOM, one of South Africa’s leading engineering and manufacturing groups, has long recognised that a strong technical skills pipeline is essential – for its own operations and for the future of the country’s engineering sector. This led the company to take a more hands-on approach to skills development, identifying learners early – school-going youngsters with the interest and aptitude – and guiding them towards becoming qualified artisans or engineers.