EnergyPolicySustainability

South Africa’s Eskom Streamlines Solar Registration, Cuts Fees to Boost Clean Energy Adoption

South African power utility Eskom has overhauled its registration process for residential solar systems, removing connection fees and expanding certification options. The changes aim to make grid compliance more accessible while maintaining safety standards for embedded generation.

Streamlined Registration Process

South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has significantly simplified the compliance and registration requirements for customers operating small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, according to company reports. Sources indicate the changes will particularly benefit households and small businesses using rooftop solar panels, making legal grid connection more accessible.

Energy PolicySustainability

Europe Faces Green Energy Crossroads: China’s Dominance vs. Domestic Supply Chain Revival

Europe faces a pivotal energy dilemma as Chinese manufacturers supply over 90% of global solar panels while dominating wind turbine production. The EU must choose between rapid decarbonization using affordable Chinese technology or rebuilding its own green industrial base despite higher costs and slower implementation timelines.

China’s Green Technology Dominance

Europe faces a critical energy crossroads as renewable energy adoption accelerates globally, with reports indicating China currently supplies 92% of the world’s solar photovoltaic panels and 82% of wind turbines. According to industry analysis, no European firms rank among the top ten solar PV producers globally, while only one European company, Vestas, appears in the wind turbine manufacturing top ten. This market concentration raises fundamental questions about whether Europe should prioritize rebuilding its domestic supply chain or continue relying on established Chinese suppliers for its decarbonization goals.