Electricity + Control

Tracking SDG 7 – energy progress

Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 finds that almost 92% of the world’s population now has basic access to electricity. Although this is an improvement since 2022, which saw the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade, over 666 million people remain without access, indicating that the current rate of progress is insufficient to achieve universal access by 2030. Clean cooking access is progressing but below the rates of progress seen in the 2010s, as efforts remain hobbled by setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, subsequent energy price shocks, and debt crises.

JVA to change electricity management and distribution

In a step towards redefining South Africa’s energy future, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has signed a pioneering Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Hong Kong-based tech company, Youtility. The partnership will introduce cutting-edge, AI-driven technology set to transform how electricity is managed and distributed, with payments handled through an intelligent, next-generation blockchain billing platform.

Green energy supply for Palabora Mining Company

In a major boost for sustainable mining and South Africa’s clean energy ambitions, Mzansi Energy Consortium has signed a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Palabora Mining Company (PMC). Together, the two entities plan to develop one of the country’s largest private renewable energy projects, and the first grid-forming project in South Africa.

SAEEC Annual Conference – call for papers

The South African Energy Efficiency Confederation, SAEEC, is preparing for the 2025 SAEEC 20th Annual Conference and has issued a call to members, energy engineers and energy professionals to consider submitting an abstract or paper for presentation.

SA signs US$1.5 billion loan with World Bank

The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

Collaborative sensing, generative watermarking, and batteries built into materials are among the ten breakthrough technologies to watch. These are listed in the World Economic Forum’s newly released Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report. All the technologies identified are expected to deliver real-world impact within three to five years, addressing pressing global challenges – from urban congestion to pollution, disease and climate stress.