Ghana Unveils 5-Pillar Strategy to Transform the Mining Industry

 

Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources shared insight into how the strategy will transform the mineral sector at Mining in Motion 2025

ACCRA, Ghana, June 3, 2025/ -- Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, outlined a five-pillar strategy for the country’s mining industry at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit. The strategy is aimed at reforming the sector while empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) initiatives. In a presentation during the opening of the summit, Minister Buah underscored how the strategy is designed to address illegal mining, which has significantly impacted the environment. Illegal mining occupies over 16% of the nation's forests, degrading more than 5,500 hectares. As such, the strategy seeks to address this issue by enhancing ASGM developments. ASGM operations have grown to account for 52.1% of Ghana’s total gold exports in 2025, and the strategy aims to further optimize the industry’s expansion. “Of the $4 billion in goods shipped from Ghana in Q1, 2025, 52.1% is from artisanal and small-scale miners - hence the need to ensure that mining is done in a sustainable manner,” stated Minister Buah. The first pillar of the strategy focuses on reforming the licensing regime. According to Minister Buah, the Ministry is currently overhauling the existing Minerals and Mining Act to attract new investments and bring in fresh ASGM players. This includes reviewing and restructuring licenses to ensure they align with Ghana’s national development agenda. “The strategy came into implementation four months ago and we want to ensure we do mining right,” stated Minister Buah. The second pillar centers on enhancing law enforcement. The Ministry is collaborating with various government agencies to intensify the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal mining. This includes the creation of an independent Anti-Illegal Mining Military Task Force and the reorganization of security operations at both district and community levels. Environmental restoration is also a key priority. Under the third pillar, the Ministry has reclaimed eight out of nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones for illegal mining within just four months. Reforestation programs are now underway to restore these degraded areas and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. The fourth pillar emphasizes stakeholder engagement and public education. The Ministry is working closely with traditional authorities, lawmakers, civil society organizations and the general public to promote sustainable practices and encourage collective responsibility in preserving Ghana’s natural resources. “Lack of jobs and skills has been the main cause of illegal mining and we are dealing with this directly by diversifying employment. We want to create over 150,000 new jobs,” stated Minister Buah. The fifth pillar aims to provide alternative livelihoods and job opportunities, especially for youth and individuals previously involved in illegal mining. Through programs such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program for Illegal Miners; the 1 Million Coders Program; and initiatives by the Youth Employment Agency, the government is offering skills training and employment placement. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on illegal mining and diversify economic opportunities across the country. The pillars will be achieved through various strategies such as the Ghana Gold Board, the Minerals Development Fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Geofencing of Excavators, the Investment in Geological Investigations of Mineralized Areas, Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives, the Blue Water Initiative, the Tree for Life Initiative and the Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Eaton and Siemens Energy join forces to provide power and technology to accelerate the delivery of new data center capacity

Integrated modular data center construction will bring capacity online at speed to meet growing global demand for AI and cloud computing


Standardized on-site power generation is key to accelerate the development of new data centers




DUBLIN and BERLIN – Intelligent power management company Eaton, and Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, have announced a fast-track approach to building data centers with integrated onsite power. They will address urgent market needs by offering reliable grid-independent energy supplies and standardized modular systems to facilitate swift data center construction and deployment.




The collaboration will enable simultaneous construction of data centers and associated on-site power generation with grid connection and the integration of renewables to meet regional regulatory requirements, if required. This will provide data center owners and developers with choices they don’t have at present to enable them to build and run new data centers.



Siemens Energy’s modular and scalable power plant concept is tailored to the specific needs of data center operators. The standard configuration generates 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, featuring highly efficient SGT-800 gas turbines, redundancy and additional battery storage systems, ensuring the highest reliability. Based on its modular approach, the size of the plant can be scaled up and down. In the future, it can also operate in a carbon-neutral manner, provided hydrogen is available and part of the data center’s sustainability strategy. The Siemens Energy concept also includes an optional emission-free clean air grid connection to be installed either during construction or as a retrofit. This feature would enable data centers to provide grid services.




Eaton will provide customers with electrical equipment such as medium- and low-voltage switchgear, UPS, busways, structural support, racks and containment systems, engineering services and the software offerings needed to protect and enable IT loads from the medium-voltage grid to the chip and help accelerate building and commissioning data centers with skidded and modular designs.




Cyrille Brisson, global segment leader, Data Centers, Eaton, said: “Our approach of letting customers pick the right balance of energy sources is very flexible and construction to start-up time is swift with options to reduce emissions in both the short and long term. Crucially, our approach offers data center owners and developers the opportunity to build capacity and bring it online fast in any location where they have land available that is close to gas, water and fiber.”

Andreas Pistauer, global head of sales, Siemens Energy’s Gas Services Business Area, said: “We offer hyperscalers, co-locators and investors a unique package, enabling them to reduce the time-to-market by up to two years in many places which leads to significant revenue gains. Our power plant design is built with redundancy, eliminating the need for backup diesel generators, and reducing CO2 emissions by about 50 percent.”

"إيتون" و"سيمنز إينرجي" تتعاونان لتقديم الطاقة والتقنيات بهدف تسريع عملية تسليم السعة المطلوبة في مراكز البيانات الجديدة

إنشاء مراكز البيانات المعيارية المتكاملة من شأنه توفير السعة المطلوبة عبر الإنترنت في وقت سريع لتلبية الطلب العالمي المتزايد على الذكاء الاصطناعي والحوسبة السحابية

توليد الطاقة الموحد في الموقع يُعد أساسيًا لتسريع وتيرة تطوير مراكز بيانات جديدة

دبلن وبرلين – أعلنت شركة "إيتون"، المتخصصة في إدارة الطاقة الذكية، وشركة "سيمنز إينرجي"، إحدى الشركات الرائدة عالميًا في تقنيات الطاقة، عن نهج سريع الوتيرة لإنشاء مراكز بيانات مزودة بطاقة مدمجة في الموقع، حيث يهدف هذا التعاون إلى تلبية احتياجات السوق الملحة من خلال تقديم مصادر طاقة موثوقة ومستقلة عن الشبكة، وتوفير أنظمة معيارية موحدة لتسهيل بناء مراكز البيانات ونشرها في وقت قصير.

وستعمل هذه الشراكة على تمكين البناء الفوري لمراكز البيانات ومحطات توليد الطاقة المرتبطة بها في الموقع مع توفّر إمكانية الربط بالشبكة الكهربائية، ودمج مصادر الطاقة المتجددة للوفاء بالمتطلبات التنظيمية واللوائح الإقليمية، إذا لزم الأمر. كما سيوفر هذا التعاون لأصحاب مراكز البيانات ومطوريها خيارات جديدة لم تكن متاحة أمامهم من قبل؛ ما سيمكنهم من بناء مراكز بيانات جديدة وتشغيلها.

وقد صممت شركة "سيمنز إينرجي" مفهوم محطة توليد الطاقة المعياري والقابل للتطوير خصيصًا لتلبية الاحتياجات المحددة لمشغلي مراكز البيانات. وتُنتج التكوينات القياسية 500 ميجاوات من الكهرباء باستخدام توربينات الغاز SGT-800 عالية الكفاءة، مع وجود أنظمة احتياطية وأنظمة تخزين إضافية للبطاريات؛ ما يضمن أعلى مستويات الكفاءة والموثوقية. يمكن توسيع حجم المحطة أو تقليصه بناءً على هذا النهج المعياري. كما يمكن للمحطات، في المستقبل، العمل بطريقة محايدة للكربون في حال توفر الهيدروجين وكونه جزءًا من استراتيجية استدامة مركز البيانات. يتضمن المفهوم الذي صممته شركة "سيمنز إينرجي" أيضًا خيارًا اختياريًا للربط بالشبكة الهوائية النظيفة والخالية من الانبعاثات، والتي يمكن تركيبها إما أثناء الإنشاء أو خلال التحديث فيما بعد. ستمكّن هذه الميزة مراكز البيانات من تقديم خدمات للشبكة.

ستوفر شركة "إيتون" للعملاء المعدات الكهربائية مثل مفاتيح الجهد المتوسط، ومفاتيح الجهد المنخفض، وأجهزة مانع انقطاع التيار الكهربائي، وماسورات التوزيع، والدعم الهيكلي، والأرفف، وأنظمة الاحتواء. كما ستقدم خدمات هندسية وعروض البرامج اللازمة لحماية أحمال تكنولوجيا المعلومات وتمكينها، بدءًا من شبكة الجهد المتوسط وحتى الشريحة. وستساعد "إيتون" في بناء مراكز البيانات وتشغيلها في وقت أقصر باستخدام التصميمات المعيارية والجاهزة.

وصرح سيريل بريسون، قائد القطاع العالمي لمراكز البيانات في "إيتون"، قائلاً: "يتميز نهجنا بمرونة فائقة، حيث نتيح للعملاء اختيار التوازن الأمثل لمصادر الطاقة، مع تقليص زمن الإنشاء إلى التشغيل إلى أدنى حد ممكن. كما نوفر خيارات فعّالة لتقليل الانبعاثات على المديين القصير والطويل. ويمكّن هذا النهج مطوري مراكز البيانات وأصحابها من بناء السعة التشغيلية وإطلاقها بسرعة أينما توفرت أراضٍ قريبة من مصادر الغاز والمياه والألياف.".

وفي هذا الصدد، صرّح أندرياس بيستاور، الرئيس العالمي للمبيعات في قطاع خدمات الغاز بشركة "سيمنز إينرجي"، قائلًا: "نقدم لعمالقة الحوسبة السحابية، ومزودي خدمات الاستضافة المشتركة، والمستثمرين، حلاً مبتكرًا يُمكّنهم من تسريع الوصول إلى السوق بما يصل إلى عامين في العديد من المواقع، حيث يُترجم إلى مكاسب ملموسة في الإيرادات. ويتميز تصميم محطات الطاقة لدينا بدعم احتياطي متكامل، يلغي الحاجة إلى مولدات الديزل التقليدية، ويُسهم في خفض انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون بنسبة تصل إلى 50٪."

Trinasolar releases 2024 Sustainability Report highlighting circular innovation, low-carbon manufacturing, and social impact

 

 

 

Dubai, May 29^th: Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has officially released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing key ESG advancements in innovation, sustainable manufacturing, supply chain transparency, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

 

While achieving remarkable milestones in solar and energy storage technology, Trinasolar demonstrates more than just world-leading innovation. Through the 2024 Sustainability Report, Trinasolar emphasizes its dedication to seizing opportunities and managing risks in the journey toward sustainable development.

 

The full 2024 Sustainability Report is available at https://www.trinasolar.com/en-glb/esg/download

 

Customer-centric, scenario-oriented solutions

In 2024, Trinasolar launched scenario-based solutions designed to meet the demands of diverse environments. These innovations tackle challenges in extreme conditions such as deserts, high humidity, strong winds, and severe weather, ensuring reliable performance and safeguarding customer value. By integrating solar projects into natural settings like deserts, farmlands, and fisheries, Trinasolar achieves a synergy between ecological preservation and economic returns.

By year-end 2024, Trinasolar’s cumulative global shipments of PV modules surpassed 260 GW, reducing CO2e emissions by approximately 349.95 million tonnes worldwide, the equivalent of planting 19.1 billion trees. These efforts support energy transitions in diverse applications while helping build a sustainable future on a global scale.

 

A leader in sustainable solar

In 2024, Trinasolar reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, earning multiple third-party recognitions, including an MSCI rating of BBB, a Wind ESG rating of A, and a Sustainable Fitch rating “2.”

 Its “SOLAR” sustainability management philosophy is embedded throughout operations, with notable progress in emissions reductions, water conservation, and circular practices:

• On-site PV generation increased by 64%, reaching 223,794 MWh in 2024.
• 12 products received carbon footprint certifications from UL, EPD International, and Certisolis
• The Yancheng Dafeng facility earned “Zero Carbon” and “Zero Waste Landfil” certifications from TÜV Rheinland
• The Yiwu facility received a four-star “Zero Carbon” factory certification
• GHG emissions intensity per unit decreased by 36.44% (cells) and 65.55% (modules) compared to 2020
• Water consumption intensity fell 86.85% (cells) and 67.68% (modules) over the same period
• Trinasolar introduced the world’s first fully recycled PV module and recycled over 2,200 tons of packaging materials.

Gao Jifan, Chairman and CEO of Trinasolar, emphasized, “Green development is an integral part of Trinasolar's core principles. We are committed to providing green energy products and actively addressing climate change across our entire value chain.”

 

A digital, traceable supply chain

In 2024, Trinasolar enhanced supply chain governance by leveraging its Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) platform and big data tools to map suppliers and launch a digital ESG performance system. This platform enables multi-tier classification and data-driven ESG rankings while enhancing traceability for carbon footprints, critical materials, and conflict minerals.

• The CSR Code of Conduct signing rate among suppliers rose from 95.67% to 98.41%
• Certifications obtained include:
• SA8000 for social accountability
• TÜV Rheinland AA rating for full-chain traceability
• Silver Certification of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) ESG Standard for two major production sites
• The company targets 100% traceability for key raw materials within three years

 

Empowering communities and the future

In 2024, Trinasolar had invested approximately 2.2 million USD in community development and charitable initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to fostering social well-being and empowering local communities. Internally, the company increased its investment in occupational health and safety by 34%.

Trinasolar also deepened collaboration with global academic institutions including:

• Fudan University
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
• A*STAR Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Centro Universitário Facens

ترينا سولار تكشف عن تقرير الاستدامة لعام 2024: ابتكار دائري وتصنيع منخفض الكربون لأثر اجتماعي إيجابي

دبي؛ 29 مايو: كشفت ترينا سولار، الشركة الرائدة عالمياً في مجال التكنولوجيا الكهروضوئية الذكية وحلول تخزين الطاقة، اليوم رسمياً عن إصدار تقرير الاستدامة الخاص بها لعام 2024، الذي يسلط الضوء على أبرز التطورات البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة التي تم تحقيقها في مجالات الابتكار والتصنيع المستدام وشفافية سلسلة التوريد والمسؤولية المجتمعية وحوكمة الشركات.

وأظهرت الشركة إمكانات رائدة عالمياً في مجال الابتكار، إلى جانب تحقيق إنجازات استثنائية في مجالات تكنولوجيا الطاقة الشمسية وتخزين الطاقة. وتؤكد ترينا سولار في تقرير الاستدامة لعام 2024 التزامها الراسخ باغتنام الفرص وإدارة المخاطر خلال مسيرتها لتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة.

حلول موجهة تركز على تلبية احتياجات العملاء

أطلقت ترينا سولار في عام 2024 حلولاً مصممة لتلبية متطلبات البيئات المتنوعة. وتسهم هذه الابتكارات في معالجة مجموعة من التحديات القائمة في الظروف القاسية، مثل البيئة الصحراوية والرطوبة المرتفعة والرياح القوية والأحوال الجوية الصعبة، مما يضمن موثوقية الأداء وحماية القيمة للعملاء. كما نجحت الشركة في الجمع بين الحفاظ على البيئة وتحقيق العوائد الاقتصادية من خلال دمج مشاريع الطاقة الشمسية ضمن المواقع الطبيعية، مثل الصحاري والأراضي الزراعية ومزارع الأسماك.

ومع نهاية عام 2024، تجاوز إجمالي الشحنات العالمية المجمعة للشركة 260 جيجاواط، مما ساهم بتخفيض الانبعاثات الكربونية بحوالي 349.95 مليون طن حول العالم، وهو ما يعادل زراعة 19.1 مليار شجرة. وتدعم هذه الجهود عمليات تحول الطاقة في مختلف الاستخدامات، وتساعد على بناء مستقبل مستدام على الصعيد العالمي.

دور رائد في مجال الطاقة الشمسية المستدامة

أكدت ترينا سولار في عام 2024 التزامها بالتصنيع المستدام، لتنال العديد من التكريمات المقدمة من كيانات مختلفة، بما فيها الحصول على تصنيف BBB وفق مؤشر إم إس سي آي-MSCI ، وتصنيف الدرجة A وفق مقياس ويند إي إس جي للمسؤولية البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة، بالإضافة إلى تصنيف 2 من ساستنبل فيتش.

 وتجسد الشركة رؤيتها لمفهوم إدارة الاستدامة في قطاع الطاقة الشمسية في مختلف عملياتها، إلى جانب تحقيق تقدم ملحوظ في جهود تخفيض الانبعاثات الكربونية وترشيد استهلاك المياه والممارسات الدائرية:

• ارتفع معدل توليد الطاقة الشمسية الكهروضوئية في الموقع بنسبة 64%، لتصل إلى 223,794 ميجاواط ساعي في عام 2024.
• حصول 12 منتجاً على شهادات البصمة الكربونية من يو إل وشركة سيرتيسوليس، بالإضافة إلى شهادة إعلان المنتج البيئي العالمية.
• نالت منشأة الشركة الموجودة في يانشينج دافينج شهادات "المصنع الخالي من الكربون" و"المكب الخالي من الكربون" المقدمة من مؤسسة تي يو في راينلاند.
• حصل مصنع الشركة في مدينة ييوو على شهادة "المصنع الخالي من الكربون".
• تراجعت كثافة انبعاثات غازات الدفيئة لكل وحدة بنسبة 36.44% (بالنسبة للخلايا) و65.55% (بالنسبة للوحدات) بالمقارنة مع عام 2020.
• انخفضت كثافة استهلاك المياه بنسبة 86.85% (بالنسبة للخلايا) و67.68% (بالنسبة للوحدات) خلال الفترة ذاتها.
• أطلقت ترينا سولار أول وحدات كهروضوئية في العالم معاد تصنيعها بالكامل، حيث أعادت تصنيع أكثر من 2,200 طن من مواد التعبئة والتغليف.

وتعليقاً على هذا الموضوع، قال جاو جيفان، رئيس مجلس الإدارة والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة ترينا سولار: "تمثل عمليات التطوير الصديقة للبيئة جزءاً هاماً من مبادئ الشركة الأساسية. ونؤكد التزامنا بتوفير منتجات طاقة صديقة للبيئة، والعمل على معالجة التغير المناخي على امتداد سلسلة القيمة الخاصة بنا".

سلسلة توريد رقمية وقابلة للتتبع

طورت ترينا سولار في عام 2024 حوكمة سلسلة التوريد من خلال الاستفادة من منصة إدارة العلاقات مع الموردين الخاصة بها وأدوات البيانات الضخمة من أجل تحديد الموردين وإطلاق نظام أداء رقمي للمسؤولية البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة. وتتيح هذه المنصة الحصول على تصنيف متعدد المستويات وتصنيفات المسؤولية البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة القائمة على البيانات، مع تعزيز إمكانية تتبع البصمات الكربونية والمواد الأساسية.

• ارتفع معدل توقيع الموردين على ميثاق قواعد سلوك المسؤولية المجتمعية للشركات من 95.67% إلى 98.41%.
• وتشمل أبرز الشهادات التي تم الحصول عليها:
• شهادة SA8000 للمساءلة الاجتماعية
• تصنيف AA لتتبع سلسلة التوريد من مؤسسة تي يو في راينلاند
• الشهادة الفضية لمبادرة الإشراف على الطاقة الشمسية ومعايير المسؤولية البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة، والتي مُنحت لاثنين من مواقع الإنتاج الرئيسية
• تهدف الشركة إلى الوصول إلى نسبة تتبع كاملة للمواد الخام الرئيسية خلال ثلاث سنوات.

تمكين المجتمعات وإرساء مستقبل مشرق

استثمرت ترينا سولار في عام 2024 حوالي 2.2 مليون دولار أمريكي في تنمية المجتمع والمبادرات الخيرية، مما يؤكد التزامها بتعزيز رفاهية المجتمع وتمكين المجتمعات المحلية. وعلى الصعيد الداخلي، عملت الشركة على زيادة استثماراتها في مجال الصحة والسلامة المهنية بنسبة 34%.

كما عززت الشركة تعاونها مع مؤسسات أكاديمية عالمية تشمل جامعة فودان، جامعة مدريد التقنية، وكالة العلوم والتكنولوجيا والأبحاث في سنغافورة، جامعة نانيانج التقنية، وكلية الهندسة في سوروكابا.

التطلعات المستقبلية

يعكس تقرير الاستدامة لعام 2024 التزام ترينا سولار الراسخ بالنمو المستدام، إلى جانب إرساء الركائز الأساسية للتميز المستمر في مجال المسؤولية البيئية والمجتمعية والحوكمة. وانطلاقاً من دورها الرائد عالمياً في مجال الطاقة النظيفة، تواصل ترينا سولار منح الأولوية للابتكار والشفافية والتعاون بهدف بناء مستقبل أكثر استدامة وشمولية.

للاطلاع على تقرير الاستدامة لعام 2024 بالكامل، يرجى زيارة الموقع الإلكتروني:

https://www.trinasolar.com/en-glb/esg/download

Valmet supports Hamburger Containerboard Dunaújvaros in Hungary in long-term plant development with two deliveries

 

Valmet Oyj trade press release, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EEST

Valmet will deliver an additive feeding system upgrade and a redundant steam reduction station system to Hamburger Containerboard Dunaújvaros in Hungary. Together, the deliveries will support the customer in their long-term plant development targets by improving the power boiler availability and environmental performance, as well as enabling participation in the growing electricity reserve market, respectively.

The order for the additive feeding system upgrade was included in Valmet's orders received of the first quarter 2025. The order for the steam reduction station system is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2025. The value of the orders will not be disclosed. The installations are scheduled to take place during the mill’s annual shutdown in autumn 2025.

“We are happy that our cooperation with Valmet leads to great initiatives such as these two projects. Together, we will push our performance forward by enabling better boiler availability and production flexibility, as well as increasing our business opportunities in the growing electricity reserve market,” says Dániel Panyi, Project Manager at Hamburger Containerboard Dunaújvaros.

“We have successfully worked with the Dunaújvaros mill since the delivery and start-up of the Valmet CFB Boiler in 2015. Our long-term service agreement paves the road for joint development projects, and we are proud to continue the shared journey with the customer,” says Sampo Smolander, Sales Manager, Energy Services, EMEA, Valmet.

Delivery’s technical information

The delivery will include an additive feeding system upgrade with a new calcium hydroxide silo and a redundant steam reduction station system for turbine bypass.

The upgrade will improve the acid gas removal from the boiler’s flue gases. In the future, the two redundant lines will provide non-stop service and better environmental performance. In addition, a new 100 m3 silo will be delivered to increase the storage capacity for calcium hydroxide.

As for the other delivery, the customer wants to participate in the automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR), a process for restoring the frequency and power balance in the power grid. To do so, they must be able to offer a down capacity to the electricity network while keeping the necessary boiler load for their cardboard production. Thus, they will need to install a high-pressure steam reduction station to handle the excessive steam flow.

Both deliveries include engineering and manufacturing new equipment with necessary piping and valves, project management and site supervision, plant automation system changes, installation work, and commissioning.

About the customer

Hamburger Hungaria Ltd., part of Prinzhorn Group, is a leading brown containerboard paper manufacturer in Europe. With its two production lines in Dunaújvaros, the company produces 700,000 tons of recycled containerboard paper each year. In connection with the board mill, Hamburger Containerboard Dunaújvaros operates a Valmet CFB Boiler to produce process steam and electricity needed for the containerboard production.

Sungrow and Globeleq Sign Term Sheet for the Red Sands BESS - Africa's Largest Standalone Battery Energy Storage System

MUNICH, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage provider, and Globeleq, a leading independent power producer in Africa, are pleased to announce the signing of BESS supply and a 15-year long term service term sheet for the 153MW / 612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa.

The Red Sands BESS project is part of South Africa's inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and is located in the Northern Cape, about 100km southeast of Upington. It will be the largest standalone battery energy storage system in Africa.

Red Sands BESS will use approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through the Eskom Garona substation. The project is strategically positioned to support South Africa's power system by delivering critical services such as load shifting and grid stabilization, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and addressing ongoing energy supply challenges. 

Under the signed term sheet, Sungrow will supply its state-of-the-art PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system and will provide comprehensive Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services under a 15-year contract with Globeleq's Red Sands BESS project, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency, and optimal project performance.

The Red Sands BESS project is expected to reach financial close in 2025 and will begin operations in 2027.

Paolo de Michelis Globeleq's Head of Renewables said, "We are excited to sign the Supply and 15-year Long Term Service Agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest stand-alone battery energy storage project in Sub-Saharan Africa to date. Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project's success. Sungrow's track record in South Africa, high-quality technology and competitiveness will be instrumental in overcoming these challenges and delivering a reliable project and stable grid."

About Globeleq

Globeleq, which is owned 70% by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, is the leading developer, owner and operator of electricity generation in Africa. Since 2002, its experienced team of professionals have built a diverse portfolio of independent power plants, generating 1,794 MW in 17 locations across 7 countries, with a further 485 MW in construction and more than 2,000 MW of power projects in development

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the world's most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 180 countries, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.

MUNICH, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage provider, and Globeleq, a leading independent power producer in Africa, are pleased to announce the signing of BESS supply and a 15-year long term service term sheet for the 153MW / 612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa.

The Red Sands BESS project is part of South Africa's inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and is located in the Northern Cape, about 100km southeast of Upington. It will be the largest standalone battery energy storage system in Africa.

Red Sands BESS will use approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through the Eskom Garona substation. The project is strategically positioned to support South Africa's power system by delivering critical services such as load shifting and grid stabilization, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and addressing ongoing energy supply challenges. 

Under the signed term sheet, Sungrow will supply its state-of-the-art PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system and will provide comprehensive Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services under a 15-year contract with Globeleq's Red Sands BESS project, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency, and optimal project performance.

The Red Sands BESS project is expected to reach financial close in 2025 and will begin operations in 2027.

Paolo de Michelis Globeleq's Head of Renewables said, "We are excited to sign the Supply and 15-year Long Term Service Agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest stand-alone battery energy storage project in Sub-Saharan Africa to date. Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project's success. Sungrow's track record in South Africa, high-quality technology and competitiveness will be instrumental in overcoming these challenges and delivering a reliable project and stable grid."

About Globeleq

Globeleq, which is owned 70% by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, is the leading developer, owner and operator of electricity generation in Africa. Since 2002, its experienced team of professionals have built a diverse portfolio of independent power plants, generating 1,794 MW in 17 locations across 7 countries, with a further 485 MW in construction and more than 2,000 MW of power projects in development

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the world's most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 180 countries, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.

Henkel and Sasol Collaborate to Deliver Lower Carbon Emission Adhesives

Driving sustainability in the consumer goods market

Collaboration leverages Sasol's advanced wax innovation to reduce carbon emissions across Henkel's adhesive value chain

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and Sasol, a global leader in Fischer-Tropsch technology, have announced a strategic partnership focused on reducing the environmental impact of hot melt adhesives. Through the integration of Sasol's newly developed SASOLWAX LC product range into Henkel's TECHNOMELT® portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, Henkel is delivering advanced adhesive solutions with a reduced carbon emission impact, for consumer goods packaging manufacturers.

SASOLWAX LC100, produced via Sasol's enhanced Fischer-Tropsch process, delivers a 35 percent reduction in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) cradle-to-gate compared to proven baseline formulas without compromising on performance. As a drop-in replacement in Henkel's legacy formulations, it enables seamless adoption across production lines while aligning with Henkel's ambition to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (base year 2021).

The partnership reflects both companies' alignment with the Science Based Target initiative and commitment to credible sustainability practices. The PCF methodology applied to entire SASOLWAX value chain is rigorously developed and independently reviewed to comply with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards, ensuring transparency and trust in environmental claims.

"This partnership exemplifies how innovation in material science can enable measurable benefits for our customers," said Corbett Wallace, Corporate Vice President, Consumer Goods, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "As demand grows for more sustainable consumer goods, our collaboration with Sasol allows brands to achieve their environmental goals without trade-offs in quality or performance. Together, we are enabling smarter, more responsible choices across the value chain."

"We are proud to join forces with Henkel in this strategic partnership, marking a key milestone on our aligned path to a more sustainable future," said David Mokomela, Senior Vice President Chemicals Marketing & Sales at Sasol. "The SASOLWAX LC range, with 35 percent PCF reduction, is only the first step in a broader roadmap toward further significant reductions. As our products are designed as drop-in alternatives, the market can quickly benefit from the next steps in carbon footprint reduction."

TECHNOMELT® adhesives are widely used in applications ranging from food and beverage packaging to hygiene and personal care products. With the incorporation of SASOLWAX LC100, Henkel empowers its partners to improve product sustainability at the material level, supporting consumer brands in delivering on their climate commitments and strengthening supply chain transparency.

The partnership includes further exploration of renewable and recycled inputs, supported by Sasol's adaptable synthesis capabilities and joint efforts toward sustainable innovation.

About Henkel

Djibouti Pursues Vision 2035 as Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

The country strives to achieve universal access to electricity by 2035 as part of its national energy and development vision

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 16, 2025/ -- Yonis Ali Guedi, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Djibouti, will speak at this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference. Taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the conference unites global financiers and project developers with African governments and state-owned corporations, fostering collaboration and dealmaking in line with the respective energy goals of African nations.  Djibouti, serving as a gateway to international markets for several landlocked countries in East and Central Africa, is affirming its position as a trade corridor while scaling-up its own energy development. Under its Vision 2035 – a long-term strategic vision for the economy – the country aims to leverage is geostrategic position to support global and African trade. The country will achieve this by fostering regional integration and globalization with a view to creating a single Djibouti-Ethiopia-South Sudan-Somalia and Eritrea trade network. AEW: Invest in African Energies – as the largest event of its kind on the continent – supports this goal by uniting continental actors under one roof. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. Beyond trade, Vision 2035 outlines a goal to produce 100% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy resources by 2035. At present, the country relies heavily on power imports, with interconnections with neighboring Ethiopia providing a crucial source of power to sustain the economy. Approximately 70% of Djibouti’s power is imported from Ethiopia, one of the biggest renewable energy producers in Africa. To enhance imports even further, the two countries are developing the Ethiopia-Djibouti Interconnection Project II – the second phase of the existing interconnection project which has been operating for ten years. The second phase will increase imports by 30%, reducing fossil fuel reliance in Djibouti. In addition to imports, Djibouti is developing its own renewable energy projects. The country inaugurated its first wind farm in 2023: the 60 MW Red Sea Power facility. The project comprises a 220 MVA substation and 5 km of overhead transmission lines, connecting the facility with the Electricite de Djibouti substation. The country also signed an agreement with renewable energy firm AMEA Power in 2023 to develop a 25 MW solar photovoltaic project in the Grand Bara area near the capital city Djibouti. A 25-year power purchase agreement is in place with the government, with the project being developed under a Build-Own Operate and Transfer model. Following completion, the project will be the first solar independent power project in the country. The project is currently in the planning stage. Stepping into this picture, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 offers a unique opportunity for the country to showcase its energy opportunities while connecting with global investors. The event is the premier platform for the African energy sector and takes place under a mandate of making energy poverty history by 2030. This aligns closely with the goals of Djibouti and Minister Guedi’s participation further underscores the commitment by the country to securing investment and driving energy development. “Djibouti is taking advantage of its strategic location at the horn of Africa to strengthen Africa-global trade and exports. While the country does not have any domestic oil and gas resources as of yet, Djibouti is leveraging its renewable energy resources to improve electricity capacity and drive impactful economic growth. By participating at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Minister Guedi is committing to working with regional and international partners to realize the country’s energy and trade goals,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Microplastics Are a Planetary Emergency, Says Bluewater Founder, as New Study Reveals Deep Ocean Contamination

Bluewater hydration stations for home, work, and play securely remove microplastics from tap water

Press release - 14 May 2025 Stockholm, Sweden, May 14, 2025 — Microplastics are not just an environmental issue –they are a planetary emergency, according to Bengt Rittri, Swedish ecopreneur and founder of Bluewater, a global leader in clean drinking water and beverage solutions. His warning follows a landmark study published in Nature that warned microplastics are now so deeply embedded in the ocean's structure that they alter the Earth's fundamental biogeochemical processes. The international study, which rigorously analyzed data from 1,885 ocean stations between 2014 and 2024 using state-of-the-art sampling and analysis techniques, found microplastic particles—ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers—permeating the entire water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,800 meters. Concentrations exceeded 13,500 particles per cubic meter in the Mariana Trench and averaged 2,200 particles per cubic meter in the upper 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean. Researchers documented that plastic debris, particularly buoyant polymers and dense materials like PET, now contributes 'allochthonous carbon' to marine ecosystems. This term refers to carbon that originates from outside the ecosystem, in this case, from the breakdown of plastic. This artificial carbon presence not only distorts carbon dating by up to 420 years but also threatens key biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate. Bluewater CEO Bengt Rittri, pictured above with a compact Spirit under-sink purifier, emphasized, "It is painfully clear that we've allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet's life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics, but protecting the integrity of Earth's oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency." In response, Bluewater continues to scale up its efforts to prevent microplastics at the point of consumption. The company designs advanced water purifiers for home, workplace, and recreational use that remove micro- and nano-sized plastic particles, as well as other contaminants such as toxic PFAS chemicals and lead from tap water. Additionally, Bluewater promotes sustainable hydration through its range of reusable stainless-steel bottles, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles while on the go. "Every action matters, and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health," Rittri added. "As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions." For more information about Bluewater's innovations and impact, visit www.bluewatergroup.com.

Minister Ekpo to Drive Nigeria’s Gas Investment Agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

 

Nigeria’s gas expansion plans will take center stage as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, joins African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 as a speaker

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13, 2025/ -- Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, is confirmed to speak at the 2025 edition of African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies in Cape Town. As Nigeria scales up its natural gas infrastructure and strengthens its position as a leading destination for energy investment, Minister Ekpo’s participation will highlight the country’s expanding gas market, growing project pipeline and drive to attract a greater share of global energy capital.  Nigeria’s gas sector is set to attract significant foreign investment, with the U.S., UAE and key financial institutions expressing strong interest in the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline. This month, the UAE agreed to contribute funding to the project, while the U.S. expressed interest in the pipeline during a meeting with Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance in April. The initiative, which aims to transport Nigerian gas to Europe through Morocco, is expected to boost regional energy security and economic growth.  Nigeria’s momentum extends further with the $550 million Final Investment Decision made by TotalEnergies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in June 2024 for the Ubeta Gas Project. Targeting 350 million cubic feet of gas and 10,000 barrels of associated liquids per day by 2027, the project incorporates clean energy solutions such as a 5 MW solar plant and electrified drilling rig. Additionally, NNPC has signed a project development agreement with Golar LNG to deploy a floating LNG facility offshore the Niger Delta. The plant will monetize 400–500 million cubic feet of gas per day and produce LNG, LPG and condensates, with first gas expected in 2027.  These advancements are underpinned by Nigeria’s broader institutional and financial reforms. Notably, Abuja has been selected to host the newly established Africa Energy Bank (AEB) – a supranational institution formed by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization and the African Export-Import Bank. With an initial capital base of $5 billion, the AEB is slated to launch in 2025 and will fund oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen and infrastructure projects across Africa. Nigeria’s successful bid to host the bank further cements its leadership in the continental energy space.  With proven reserves of more than 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 37 billion barrels of crude oil, Nigeria is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand energy access, reduce emissions and foster industrial growth. Additional milestones include the commissioning of the Tetracore CNG facility in June 2024 and ongoing progress on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion project, which is set to boost the country’s LNG capacity by 35% while adding roughly 8 million tons per annum to the country’s production capabilities. Backed by strong policy support and rising investor interest, Nigeria is well-positioned to capitalize on AEW 2025 as a launchpad for its next phase of energy-driven development.   “The participation of Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 reinforces Nigeria’s role as a driving force in Africa’s gas revolution. As the country rolls out critical infrastructure and attracts multi-billion-dollar investments, AEW will serve as the ideal platform to showcase Nigeria’s investor-friendly reforms and its roadmap for gas monetization,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.