SOLAR & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026: turning climate goals into action A frica’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 concluded in Cape Town with a call to action: harness digital
ZF SolarBoost increases vehicle uptime and reduces the carbon footprint for bus operators
Maintenance and Hanno Mostert, Chief Asset Management Officer at Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) S outh Africa’s clean energy sector is shifting from merely installing capacity to focusing on consistent performance. As companies rely on embedded generation for stability and cost control, daily operations and maintenance (O&M) become central to energy reliability and financial success. O&M ensures power plants operate efficiently throughout their lifespan through supervision, monitoring, maintenance, fault detection, and on-site work. Many organisations lack the expertise to manage complex, modern distributed generation systems that combine multiple technologies, making performance management more difficult. This is why more companies prefer specialist O&M innovation, reform water financing, and redesign agriculture for a net-zero Africa. Over 600 delegates from 42 countries agreed that with the right policies and financial tools, the continent can transform climate risks into opportunities. The summit centred on climate finance, examining green, blue, and wildlife bonds such as the “Rhino Bond,” and emphasised that communities should be stakeholders, not merely beneficiaries. Sanlam Investment Group CEO Carl Pioneering new models for climate finance Roothman emphasised the urgency of acting at scale, while Iain Banner of Go Green Africa described the green and blue economies as the “new operating systems” for Africa. Government calls for practical collaboration Deputy Minister Narend Singh urged a move from policy to action, referencing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership. He called for local value chains and mineral beneficiation to generate jobs and advance technology. A digital imperative for climate action Integrating climate change and digital transformation was a central theme. World Bank’s Siddhartha Raja highlighted that data centres can support renewable energy but must be resilient against climate risks, from floods to e-waste. Chrissy Meier from the Digital Impact Alliance warned that African cities lack local data for climate strategies and highlighted the risks of using non-African data in AI models. Making water infrastructure bankable In a panel discussion on water project financing, Obadiah Mungai of the World ResourcesInstitute Africa stated that
T he new retrofit solution ZF SolarBoost provides clean, reliable power to 24V battery systems of medium to large city buses and coaches, helping bus operators reduce fuel costs, extend battery life, and improve operational efficiency. The easy- to-install solar panels generate electricity during vehicle operation and continuously charge the battery. ZF SolarBoost offers bus fleet operators an intelligent solution to reduce fuel and battery costs while improving sustainability. Specifically designed for buses, ZF SolarBoost provides clear operational benefits. It increases vehicle uptime by decreasing the need for battery recharging and minimising maintenance. The longer battery lifespan helps lower maintenance costs: based on daily experience from bus operators, it is possible to save the equivalent of one onboard battery per vehicle each year. By generating renewable energy during vehicle operation, bus operators actively support climate protection, as onboard systems no longer rely solely on the vehicle’s electrical supply. Furthermore, thanks to the additional energy source for charging the battery, the load on the engine is reduced, which, depending on operating conditions and weather, can decrease fuel consumption by up to 3.5 per cent. Another key benefit is the plug-and- play feature, which usually requires no drilling or rewiring and thus allows quick, scalable deployment across entire fleets with minimal downtime. Installation in the operator’s workshop can be completed using standard tools, supported by a ZF video tutorial. Additionally, the system connects to the operator via Bluetooth, enabling real- time monitoring through an app. The sturdy and fully adaptable design resists vibration and weather conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan than many similar products. A five-year warranty and the availability of repair kits offer extra peace of mind for users. ZF SolarBoost emphasises ZF’s strategic dedication to sustainability and innovation. The system is a scalable, future- ready solution that enhances bus fleet efficiency and environmental friendliness. By combining straightforward installation, durable and flexible panels, and measurable operational advantages, ZF SolarBoost offers bus operators a practical way to lower costs, boost uptime, and promote climate- friendly mobility.
Integrating climate change and digital transformation was a central theme. World Bank’s Siddhartha Raja highlighted that data centres can support renewable energy but must be resilient against climate risks, from floods to e-waste.
providers, as the increasing complexity of energy assets—including energy storage, wind, and advanced software—requires focused technical skills. Traditional maintenance methods are no longer sufficient; problems can occur between site visits, reducing efficiency and output. Modern O&M employs real-time data, sensors, analytics, and technologies like drones and infrared imaging for early fault detection and performance optimisation. Outsourced O&M provides the technical expertise and monitoring systems necessary to maintain performance, allowing internal teams to concentrate on core priorities. A dependable O&M partner enhances performance and transparency, helping owners understand and sustain asset value. As the adoption of clean energy increases, resilience becomes crucial. Data-driven operations and maintenance (O&M) along with expert partners are vital for managing environmental and operational challenges. South Africa’s enhancing governance and data can make water projects more appealing to investors. Louise Stafford of The Nature Conservancy stated that Cape Town’s investment in catchment restoration is more cost-effective than desalination. The panel agreed that blended finance and preparation make water resilience an investable opportunity. Strengthening food security through renewable energy Energy instability threatens food systems. Henry Roman of the International Water
Management Institute called for a holistic water-energy-food approach and data tools for farmers. Ian de Jager of I&F Engineering observed that farmers are using small- scale hydropower to produce energy and income. Andrea Campher of Standard Bank stressed that emissions profiles now matter as much as product quality. AGES 2026 demonstrated that integrating climate goals into Africa’s essential systems fosters real progress. The upcoming summit is scheduled for March 2027 in Cape Town.
Efficiency, reliability, and returns: why expert O&M will secure South Africa’s energy future By: Dane Links, Head of Operations &
Dane Links.
energy future relies on expanding capacity and ensuring existing assets provide consistent value through modern O&M practices, supporting dependable and sustainable energy systems.
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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
MAY 2026
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