ESI Africa Podcast

Hosted by ESI Africa

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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About the show

Join us as we talk about the things that matter most to the power, energy and water sectors in Africa.

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25 recent

October 1, 202527 min

Municipalities: Carefully consider compliance or be left in the dark

For decades, Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has been the trusted standard for prepayment, and now it is evolving to power modern smart metering. What makes STS so powerful is its balance. It keeps millions of existing meters running smoothly while also enabling next generation online solutions. Utilities do not have to choose between the past and future because STS bridges both. Far from being replaced, it is more relevant than ever because it guarantees what matters most - reliability, interoperability and confidence in every energy transaction. In this podcast, ESI Africa editor-in-chief Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl talks about smart metering, simplified, to Chairman of the STS Board, Lance Hawkins-Dady; STS Technical Consultant Franco Pucci; and STS Specifications Expert Don Taylor.

September 26, 20259 min

Is AI a panacea for all that ails the electricity industry?

Energy expert Professor Vally Padayachee explores the potential role AI could play in addressing the ongoing electricity crisis in South Africa. The situation is exacerbated by loadshedding, exorbitantly high electricity prices, aging infrastructure, financial limitations, and complex political landscapes and the professor is taking a moment to assess the current state of the SA electricity grid.

September 2, 202513 min

Unlocking the potential of SA Inc through affordable electricity access

Professor Vally Padayachee delves into a concept that holds immense potential for South Africa of empowering the South African dream to unlock the potential of SA inc through affordable electricity access. As the professor puts it: "This framework is not merely an academic concept; it serves as a vital approach for unifying our nation and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.”

August 18, 20259 min

Balancing cost-reflective tariffs and affordable electricity

In this exclusive ESI Africa podcast energy and power expert Professor Vally Padayachee delves into the intricate dynamic affecting electricity utilities, Eskom, municipalities and consumers. As Professor Padayachee points out, the discussion is not merely about high pricing, but is rather about affordability. Electricity utilities need to charge enough to cover their costs and maintain effective and efficient operations, but South African consumers - many of whom are already struggling financially - cannot afford steep rates increases.

August 11, 20259 min

Importance of Nuclear Energy in South Africa’s Electricity Mix

Power and energy expert Professor Vally Padayache looks at the importance of Nuclear Energy in South Africa’s Electricity Mix. He points out that as the country faces challenges related to grid stability, reliability, congestion and resilience, the incorporation of nuclear power, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), becomes increasingly vital for achieving our sustainability targets by 2050.

August 1, 202511 min

Vally-Padayachee-Eskom-court-case

Power and energy guru, Professor Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI Africa on this critical topic currently unfolding in South Africa’s energy landscape - why is Eskom going into a court battle with NERSA after the regulator had recently awarded five trading licences?

July 28, 20259 min

Powering the Future: Redefining Africa’s Energy Transition

Power and energy guru, Prof Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI AFRICA from Singapore and explored the realistic potential for Africa to achieve 100% net-zero emissions by 2050 whilst addressing the urgent need to provide electricity to the approximately 600 million people currently without access.

July 18, 20257 min

The Energy Quadrilemma in South Africa

Prof Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI Africa on “Rethinking South Africa’s Energy Future From A Quadrilemma Perspective”

July 1, 20258 min

Changes to electricity tariffs in South Africa

Power and energy expert Prof Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI Africa about the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities within South Africa's electricity energy sector, with focus on the intricate dynamics and shifts in electricity tariff design (fixed and variable costs).

June 24, 20256 min

Vally Padayachee on SSEG installation compliance in SA

Prof Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI Africa about a position paper he has written on a proposed standardised, harmonised and affordability-driven compliance management framework for the safe installation of SSEG infrastructure in South Africa, which can also further progress the just energy transition and drive economic growth.