China-Africa cooperation supports South African transition to green energy

China and Africa have worked together to jointly propel towards a cleaner and more prosperous future through green technologies cooperation within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has spearheaded over 100 clean energy and green development projects in recent years.

South Africa's Redstone Solar Thermal Power Project stands as a testament to the innovative partnership between China and Africa in the realm of renewable energy.

Nestled 200 km from the bustling city of Kimberley and blessed with abundant sunlight, the Redstone Solar Thermal Power Project harnesses the natural resource with unparalleled efficiency. The site boasts one of the world's highest solar irradiation energy densities, reaching a remarkable 2,800 kilowatt-hours per square meter annually.

In early 2024, the project was successfully integrated into the South African grid and can now deliver approximately 480 gigawatt-hours of clean power per year, illuminating 200,000 South African households.

Clayton Michael Raad is a general machinery engineer of the project. Recalling his days at the project, Raad admitted that he was under mounting pressure at the beginning for working with colleagues from the other side of the sea. However, his anxiety was soon wiped away due to the efficient and scientific working mechanism.

"The pressure was high at the start, but I think at the moment we have it under control. Each person knows his or her roles and responsibilities, what to do and when to do it. So I think we have it quite under control at the moment," said Raad.

For the local community, the power project not only stands as a symbol of collaborative clean energy endeavors between China and Africa, but also functions as a valuable educational platform. Hosting open days for inquisitive students interested in engineering and science, the project has also served as a gateway to knowledge and inspiration.

Raad expresses his deep admiration for the project, noting its profound impact in nurturing aspirations among budding talents. He believes that the project will act as a catalyst for dreams to flourish in the minds of many young individuals, igniting their passion for innovation and progress.

"I really think [it's important to] see something first-hand instead of just reading from the book, because the kids were quite excited. They had quite a lot of questions and they were really amazed by this engineering mega structure that we are busy with here at the good project. I must say some of them, they even mentioned that they do aspire to come and work here one day," said Raad.

China-Africa cooperation supports South African transition to green energy

A rescue team from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) arrived in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar, on Sunday evening, and swiftly proceeded to the area hardest hit by a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake to assist in search and rescue operations.

The 51-member team, after a brief rest at the Myanmar National Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Nay Pyi Taw, geared up for an overnight journey to Mandalay, the city closest to the quake's epicenter, to begin their crucial rescue efforts.

"I am part of the support team from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA). This time, the HA has dispatched two doctors and two nurses to join the HKSAR rescue mission. We have prepared for possible emergencies, including bringing a large stock of medical supplies and equipment such as ventilators and blood pressure monitors," said Chiu Yuet Chung, one of the rescuers.

"As soon as we received news of such a severe disaster, we immediately began extensive preparations in Hong Kong. While the 'golden 72 hours ' are critical, we ensured that we could deploy as quickly as possible. This time, we were able to prepare and depart in a very short time," said Kong Ka-ho, a senior officer from Hong Kong's Fire Services Department.

Kong said the rescue team had prepared a wide range of equipment, including life-detecting radars, drones, 360-degree cameras, and demolition tools, to assist in the precise search and rescue of trapped individuals.

According to the Hong Kong SAR Government's Security Bureau, the 51-member rescue team comprises personnel from the Security Bureau, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, and the Hospital Authority. The team also includes two fire search and rescue dogs.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday noon was the largest of the year so far and the strongest continental seismic activity globally in nearly a decade. At least 1,700 people died, 3,400 were injured, and 300 remained missing as of Sunday noon, according to the country's State Administration Council on Sunday.

China's HK rescue team rushes to Myanmar quake epicenter to search for survivors