Company News

Achieving Net-Zero: South Africa's Energy Plan

South Africa has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, but the country’s power crisis is putting achieving this in jeopardy. Consequently, the cabinet has recently approved the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET IP), which will purportedly guide South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy through the scaling up of renewable energy sources while also meeting the country’s energy needs and ensuring inclusive economic growth and employment. However, a balanc...

SEW Expands AI Platforms In Utilities Sector

Smart Energy Water (SEW.AI), the pioneer in AI-powered digital platforms for the energy and utilities sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael O’Donnell as Co-CEO. Michael will bring his extensive experience in digital transformation and deep understanding of utility industry needs to further accelerate SEW’s innovation and AI-driven platforms for the energy, water, and gas sectors. His strategic leadership will catalyze SEW’s next chapter of expansion an...

Emerson's Energy Efficiency Boost With New BMS

Emerson was recognized with the 2025 Better Project Award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Better Plants Summit on May 1 in Washington D.C. The award highlights Emerson’s success in achieving significant heating and energy savings with a new building management system (BMS) at its South Milwaukee foundry. Reduce natural gas consumption Emerson was able to reduce natural gas consumption by 20%, nearly 13,000 MMBtu The foundry, which manufactures electrical fittings, enclo...

IEA Report: Cutting LNG Emissions For A Greener Future

Drawing on the latest data, an IEA report released provides a comprehensive new estimate of greenhouse gas emissions from across the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain and identifies key opportunities to bring them down. Assessing Emissions from LNG Supply and Abatement Options examines upstream production, processing, pipeline transmission, liquefaction, shipping, and regasification worldwide. Greenhouse gas emissions Around 70% of this is in the form of CO2 emissions that are e...

NOARK Electric: Cutting-Edge EV Charging Solutions

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, the need for reliable and efficient EV charging infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.  NOARK Electric, a pioneering supplier of low-voltage electrical components, is at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge solutions that optimize EV charging systems. Among these solutions, the M2G Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) works in tandem with the Ex9C300 Contactor to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliab...

SEW AI Innovation Hub Boosts Energy Tech In Noida

SEW, a pioneer in Energy & Water AI Cloud Platform, is proud to announce the inauguration of its Global Energy Tech AI Innovation Hub in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in scaling operations and demonstrates SEW's commitment to driving innovation, powered by AI in energy efficiency, sustainability, eMobility, and digital transformation. SEW's innovative cloud platforms The new SEW Tech AI and Innovation Hub will serve as a centre for researc...

Smart Home Tech: Save Electricity With CBI-Electric

From 1 April 2024, prepaid electricity prices increased by 12.7%, raising the average electricity tariff from around R1.84 per kWh to approximately R2.07. With households averaging 350 kWh per month, South Africans will now pay in the region of R724.50 monthly–up from R644. This does not take into account municipal increases which typically come into effect from 1 July and range from 14% in eThekwini to 18% in Johannesburg. Worse still, the amount could be even higher depending not only o...

Oil Market Trends & US Supply Growth To 2030

With intensifying geopolitical strains and heightened uncertainty about global economic prospects, oil markets are undergoing structural changes as the key drivers of supply and demand growth of the past 15 years start to fade, according to the latest edition of the IEA’s medium-term outlook. Oil 2025 provides in-depth analysis of the latest data and forecasts for evolving oil supply, demand, refining and trade dynamics through to 2030, going beyond the near-term analysis provided in the...

AI And Energy: IEA Launches New Observatory

As artificial intelligence boosts global electricity demand from data centers and increasingly transforms how the energy sector works, the IEA has launched a new Energy and AI Observatory to closely monitor and analyze the interconnections between the energy sector and this fast-evolving technology. The Observatory includes new interactive tools to explore data center electricity consumption and digital infrastructure by region, helping visualize these valuable datasets and ensure they are acce...

Smart Home Solutions: Minimizing Costs & Maximizing Safety

Home automation is on the rise across the globe and South Africa is swiftly following suit. It’s easy to see why, as tomorrow’s tech savvy consumers can easily control energy efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce their carbon footprint, conveniently from the palm of their hands thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). “The world has embraced the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which has changed the way people manage their daily lives,” explains Charl Osborne, Organizational...

Harmon Solar Systems: Phoenix's Trusted Solar Installer

Solar energy is a hot topic these days, but can it really help them save money? The answer is yes. Especially, if they partner with a locally owned, experienced solar panel installer like Harmon Solar that can help they make sense of what it is to use solar energy. Solar energy is produced by solar panels or modules mounted on the roof of the home. The solar array then transforms the electricity into a form usable by the power company. The electric company monitors that energy and red...

Financial Benefits Of Solar Panels For Homeowners

According to the US Department of Energy, homeowners who elect to install solar panels reap financial benefits from their environmentally sound decision. Other benefits can include increased property values and greater desirability from potential buyers. Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, a preeminent US government scientific institution, also conducted a study about the financial value solar panels can bring to residential properties. Their 2013 study found that potential buyers would consi...

Reducing Emissions: Hy-Mag Vs Thermal Circuit Breakers

Renewable energy capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to nearly double by 2027, with the addition of over 40 GW from alternative power sources. More than 60% of this growth will be derived from South Africa, largely due to its Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP). However, as the world's attention increasingly focuses on optimizing energy consumption and minimizing CO₂ emissions, the sustainability of the components used in renewable energy projects becomes p...

CBI-Electric Leads IoT Innovation In South Africa

With a projected annual growth rate of 13.28%, the South African IoT market is set to reach a staggering US$11.32 billion by 2028. This rise is largely credited to the commercial, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, which are already harnessing intelligent water and energy management solutions. Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, says that while IoT is a catalyst for the country's development across various sectors, more needs to be done to pr...

Protect Backup Power With CBI Smart Solutions

Between March 2022 and June 2023, there has been a 349% increase in solar rooftop PV installations. With households and businesses now producing over 4,400 MW, electricity generated from the private sector is predicted to exceed the output from Eskom’s generation fleet by 2025. But if those who have invested in these systems aren’t careful about how they use them, they could end up back in the dark. Grid to electricity This is according to Dr Andrew Dickson, enginee...

CBI-Electric Urges Action On Counterfeit Products

Smoke, fire, and flames claim numerous lives in South Africa, ranking among the top causes of death. In addition, the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa has reported that almost one-tenth of all fires stem from electrical sources. “However, many are unaware that counterfeit electrical products play a major role in fueling these incidents. To safeguard local households, it is crucial to raise awareness and illuminate the extent of this problem,” says Dr Andrew D...

Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies By CBI-electric

The World Economic Forum says that the carbon footprint of homes represents around 20% of all global CO2 emissions, with the residential sector expected to become the most prominent electricity consumer by 2050. This renders households key actors in reaching the 1.5°C goal laid out under the Paris Agreement which was reaffirmed as part of the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan discussed at COP27. As the globe experienced its fifth-warmest September–November period in a 143-year...

Edgar Romero Joins Mitsubishi Electric In Latin America

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric Automation) has announced the hiring of Edgar Romero as the new Managing Director for Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s Mexico and Latin America branch located in Mexico City. Extensive experience With over 23 years of experience within the automation and motion sectors, including executive positions at ABB Group, Honeywell Inc., and Hexagon AB Group, MI, Edgar Romero brings experience and a proven record of success to help him mee...

Comau Highlights Automation In Italian Excellence

Comau participated in the new leg of the roadshow - 'Tradition and Innovation: Italian Excellence Renews Itself', the Made in Italy community's journey dedicated to Italian companies, which was held on June 12, 2025, at the Pininfarina headquarters in Cambiano (TO). During the event, Comau CEO - Pietro Gorlier participated in the panel discussion, 'Challenges and Opportunities for a Future of Made in Italy under the banner of Tradition and Innovation', together with other authoritative represen...

InstallerSHOW 2022: Clean Energy Storage Solutions

To say it's been a pleasure attending InstallerSHOW 2022 is an understatement! They had an amazing time at the UK’s largest heating, plumbing and renewables trade show and didn’t want it to end! Their commercial team: Bruce MacPherson (CCO), Robert Illsley (Sales Director), Elisa Alexieva (Brand Marketing Manager), Kiren Matharu (Marketing Assistant) as well as their co-founder & CTO, Carlton Cummins got to network with people in the industry, learn more about customers’ c...

SEW & USP: Redefining Utility Industry Solutions

USP and SEW’s partnership uniquely qualifies the firms to service the utility industry. USP is an Upgrades, Managed Support, Cloud Services, and Implementations master. At the same time, SEW has become a Digital CX and WX platform guru. SEW matches USP’s energy. Both strongly focus on providing their clients with high-quality and high-value expertise. By combining their efforts, they know they can deliver superior services worth writing home about. SEW is a clear major company in th...

Blueprint For Just Energy Transitions Unveiled

The International Energy Agency convened the Global Commission on People-Centered Clean Energy Transitions in Brussels for the release of the Blueprint for Action on Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions, a major new guide for governments worldwide on translating the G20 Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions into real-world policy and practice. Co-chaired by Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition of the European Commission, and Alexandr...

Eskom's IIoT Solutions For Illegal Connections

Illegal connections are one of the pioneering causes of electricity-related injuries and deaths in South Africa, as reported by Eskom. Not only is there danger involved for those who connect their electricity illegally, but also for the rest of the community due to the fires and electrocutions that can be caused. Along with these devastating tolls, Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage notes that there are also costs to the power utility and the municipalities i...

IEA Global Conference On Energy Efficiency

The IEA’s 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency opens in Brussels, bringing together ministers, CEOs, experts, and civil society representatives from close to 100 countries to advance international progress on one of the most important tools for making energy more secure, affordable, and sustainable. Co-hosted by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, the two-day event will explore how to implement effective e...

IEA Workshop On CCUS Investment Strategies

More than 50 senior representatives from government, industry and financial institutions recently gathered at the IEA’s headquarters in Paris to discuss how to leverage lending and investment from the private sector for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects. Organized as a special thematic event on the margins of the regular meeting of the IEA’s Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT), the workshop convened major banks, project developers and policy make...

Protecting Solar Investments: SAPVIA & CBi-Electric Guide

In the wake of South Africa’s longest uninterrupted period without load shedding, the rooftop solar market has experienced a slowdown, with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) reporting a 60-80% decline in project volumes between 2023 and 2024. However, as 2025 progresses, interest in solar energy installations is expected to rebound. This is according to Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBi-electric: low voltage, who explains that several fa...

Maximize Savings With Commercial Solar Installations

When considering solar for the home or business, it’s beneficial to explore the options to find the installer that best meets the needs. Over the past twenty years, the industry has exploded with solar companies due to increased public awareness of the advantages of renewable energy and the lowering cost of solar power. Most solar installers specialize in different types of solar, whether it be commercial, residential, on or off-grid, or for heating. It is important to...

Avoiding Solar Scams: Key Strategies For Smart Buyers

Obtaining a solar system can definitely help to save money on utility bills and additionally, it is a great clean energy solution for the environment. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies are jumping into the solar energy market to sell solar, and make a quick buck, meaning scams are prevalent. Avoiding solar panel scams does not need to be difficult. Read through the strategies to avoid these scams, and make sure the solar system performs at high quality for years to come. Ask for licen...

CBi-Electric: Boosting Safety With Smart Technology

Upwards of 10 million South Africans holidayed domestically during the 2023/2024 festive season, while 620,600 ventured abroad. With recent economic boosts like lower inflation, interest rate cuts, and cheaper fuel, even more South Africans are set to spend their time away this holiday. “But before they set off, they should ensure their property is protected from unexpected power cuts which can occur due to factors such as load reduction, severe weather conditions, and increased...

The Role Of Nuclear Power In South Africa's Energy Future

The withdrawal of funding from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is a setback for South Africa’s move to a low-carbon economy. This initiative was designed to mobilize public and private investment to help developing nations transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and accelerate the decarbonization of key sectors. However, the funding cut threatens to delay critical programs already hampered by slow financial inflows and resistance from the Department of Mineral...

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