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Sasol and Synfuels

Depleting gas reserves threaten future gas security

4th October 2024 Future security of supply is of major concern to pipeline operator Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company’s (Rompco’s) as gas supply from the Pande and Temane gasfields, operated by energy company Sasol in Mozambique, is expected to decline from 2026. The Pande and Temane gasfields... →

Pace of energy transition cause for concern

By: Nadine Ramdass 4th October 2024 Despite consensus among South African businesses, including integrated energy and chemical company Sasol, on the necessity of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the debate regarding the pace of this transition continues. Speaking at the 2024 Coal and Energy Transition Day, held in July at The... →

An image of Sasol's operations in Sasolburg

FLEXIBLE FACILITIES Sasol’s feedstock-agnostic facility, in Sasolburg, can use alternative materials, as opposed to coal, to produce hydrogen

Sasol appoints new CFO

4th October 2024 With the aim of driving sustainable value and supporting strategic transformation for the future, integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol appointed Walt Bruns as CFO and an executive director of Sasol, effective from September 1, 2024, following a thorough process considering both internal... →

An image of Sasol CFO and an executive director Walt Bruns

WALT BRUNS Bruns succeeds Hanré Rossouw as CFO and an executive director of Sasol

Mandela Day outreach gives back to Sasolburg communities

4th October 2024 Integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol and crude oil refinery National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) employees in Sasolburg marked Nelson Mandela International Day, on July 18 this year, by “giving a little of their time to make a difference in the lives of others”, Sasol... →

An image of Sasol employees packing hampers

GIVING BACK Sasol employees packed 800 nutritious food hampers as part of its Mandela Day initiatives

Solar car event showcases sustainable innovation

4th October 2024 Integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol’s premier solar car event, the Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC), returned for the sixteenth year, with a focus on the blend of innovation, competition and sustainability. This year’s SSC, which took place last month, introduced a new route that takes... →

An image of students watching Sasol Solar Challenge

SPARKING INTEREST The SSC fosters a passion for STEM through interactive activities and educational workshops

Early signs of sustainable improvements across collieries

6th October 2023 Global chemical and energy company Sasol president and CEO Fleetwood Grobler, speaking at Sasol’s annual financial results presentation held on August 23, 2023, noted that its ‘full potential’ programme for its mining operations is moving forward into its second phase. According to Grobler the... →

The above image depicts one of Sasol's Shondoni Mine.

Photo by Sasol
ROLL-OUT IMPROVEMENT The learnings from the first phase of the mining ‘full potential’ programme will be embedded in the roll out of the Shondoni and Thubelisha collieries in the months to come.

Conference gives insights into PVC industry

6th October 2023 Voluntary industry association representing the entire value chain of the local polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry, the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA), proudly celebrated a historic milestone as it hosted its inaugural Innovation in PVC conference. The event, held on August 30, 2023,... →

The above image depicts people in attendance to the Innovation in PVC conference

Photo by Sasol
CREATING A PROGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENT The Innovation in PVC conference has created an environment for collaboration, convergence and the exploration of new ideas, innovation ideas and addressing the sustainability concerns in the PVC sector.

Local manufacturer refurbishes, rebuilds drill rig

By: Lynne Davies 6th October 2023 Specialist drilling company Technique Drilling Services (TDS) is engaged in a rebuild and repair project, which includes new modifications for a Kemp drilling rig LEVENT 1001 for the Shondoni mine, in Secunda, Mpumalanga, owned and operated by global chemicals and energy company Sasol. “We needed... →

An image of the Kemp drilling rig LEVENT 1001 that is being refurbished for Sasol's Shondoni mine

THOROUGH UNDERTAKING TDS had to change the planned scope to ensure that major components were refurbished, rather than replaced, while maintaining Kemp drilling rig LEVENT 1001 at its optimal level

Sasol hands over 285 ha land to government

7th October 2022 Energy and chemicals group Sasol has handed over 285 ha of agricultural land to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to support the further development of emerging farmers. Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza officiated the... →

An image depicting a Sasol fueling station

Photo by PLANETKB
FUELING SUCCESS Sasol will continue to have access to the farm to further accelerate its Iphepe Emerging Farmer Development Programme, which to date has benefitted more than 300 emerging farmers from the Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga

Sasol addresses food security, unemployment in its communities

7th October 2022 Energy and chemicals group Sasol has launched Bridge to Work (BtW), a portfolio of initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in its communities across the country. This is done by developing emerging farmers and improving access to economic opportunities for the youth, women, and adults out of... →

BRIDGING THE GAP Sasol has launched Bridge to Work, a portfolio of initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in its communities across the country

Rope access project completed

By: Sabrina Jardim 7th October 2022 Rope access specialist Skyriders has completed a rope access project for a petrochemicals producer in South Africa. The project was divided into two phases, with the first phase being completed before the petrochemicals plant was shut down at the end of August and the second phase being completed... →

An image depicting two people using rope access

TIME CRUNCH Skyriders was allocated three days for each phase while the cooling towers were off to ensure safe conditions for those working in the towers

Plans in place despite setbacks

7th October 2022 Despite global energy markets being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, consequently causing inflation, chemicals and energy company Sasol CEO Fleetwood Grobler said, during the company’s yearly financial presentation in August, Sasol was still able to progress its Future... →

An image depicting a light bulb with a tree inside

Photo by Adobe stock
DECARBONISATION PLANS The Future Sasol strategy outlines concrete plans to accelerate the decarbonisation of the company’s business operations

Production site acquisition finalised

1st October 2021 Multinational industrial gas company Air Liquide’s acquisition of integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol’s 16 Air Separation Units (ASUs) in Secunda, Mpumalanga has now been finalised. The plan to acquire the ASUs was first announced on July 29 last year, subject to approvals. Engineering... →

A photo of seven air separation units and a pylon in the background

BIGGEST OXYGEN PRODUCTION SITE GLOBALLY The initial investment amounts to about R8-billion and comprises 16 air separation units that will now be operated by Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa Air

New drone tech improves inspection capabilities

By: Darren Parker 1st October 2021 Work-at-height company Skyriders has added the Zenith robotic inspection device –a new vertical inspection technology – to its portfolio of services. The winch-operated pan-tilt-zoom camera drone increases the accuracy and efficiency of repeat inspections in vertical downhole applications such as... →

A photo of the fully assembled Zenith robotic inspection device including camera, controller and tripod

DOWN-HOLE DREAM Skyriders first used the Zenith robotic inspection device in June for internal inspections on large petrochemicals tanks

Carbon tax ineffective against major emitters

By: Darren Parker 1st October 2021 South Africa’s “laughably weak and ineffective” carbon tax regime is no disincentive to carbon-intensive businesses, such as integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol, environmental activist organisation Greenpeace Africa climate and energy campaigner Thandile Chinyavanhu tells Engineering... →

A photo of a Sasol plant emitting pollution into the air while crops and flowers grow in the foreground

Photo by Reuters
PINING FOR CHANGE Greenpeace Africa ponders whether a just transition is possible while major emitters continue to be granted large-scale carbon tax allowances

More equipment donated in the fight against Covid-19

1st October 2021 Integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol has donated mobile clinics, vaccine carriers, laptops, specialised World Health Organisation-approved medical refrigerators and freezers, as well as temperature loggers to the provincial health departments in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State to... →

A photo of a healthworker’s hands filling out a form at a table with Covid-19 vaccinations lined up in the foreground

SPREADING THE CURE Sasol is supporting Government’s vaccination rollout strategy by donating essential equipment and resources

Emissions roadmap launched

2nd October 2020 Chemicals and energy group Sasol has announced the launch of its 2030 emissions roadmap for its South African operations. “This roadmap details our path to at least 10% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, off a 2017 baseline and was developed taking a long-term view. It places us... →

BRIGHTER FUTURE
The need for South Africa to move towards a lower-carbon economy, and to pursue an energy mix that supports this imperative, is of utmost importance

Photo by Adobe Stock
BRIGHTER FUTURE The need for South Africa to move towards a lower-carbon economy, and to pursue an energy mix that supports this imperative, is of utmost importance

Financial response plan implemented

2nd October 2020 In the face of the oil price collapse and unprecedented challenges, chemicals and energy group Sasol took immediate steps to implement a comprehensive response plan to stabilise the business in the short term and raise cash of at least $6-billion by the end of financial year 2021 to repay debt,... →

QUICK RESPONDERS Sasol took immediate steps to implement a comprehensive response plan to stabilise the business in the short term

NDT viable in volatile environments

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 2nd October 2020 Rope access specialist Skyriders provides non-destructive testing (NDT) for a large petrochemicals producer in South Africa. “NDT comprises a number of techniques that enable us to evaluate and test the integrity of a structure, component or system without having to physically damage or take... →

HIGH ROLLER NDT comprises a number of techniques that enables Skyriders to evaluate and test the integrity of a structure, component or system

Producer to mitigate Covid-19 challenges

2nd October 2020 With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, chemicals and energy group Sasol took urgent steps to stabilise the group in the short term. Sasol released its integrated report and 2020 performance for the year ended June 2020, noting revenue at over R190-billion. It was noted that earnings were... →

Safe and certified welding supply

2nd October 2020 With fully certified technology being necessary to improve the quality, quantity and safety in the chemicals and petrochemicals environment, integrated gas and welding distributor Unique Welding works with international suppliers and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure that the... →

BREATHING EASY The PAPR system purifies air by sucking it through a series of specific air filters, subsequently delivering clean, purified air into the helmet for the welder to breathe

Innovative recycling initiative receives funding

2nd October 2020 Recycling company Packa-Ching has seen community residents across South Africa making an income by selling their recyclable packaging, shifting a change in behaviour towards packaging waste and cleaning up the environment. The success of the Packa-Ching recycling business model has resulted in a... →

KEEP IT CLEAN Sasol has committed to fund 25 additional Packa-Ching mobile units across South Africa

Wieland SA

30th September 2020 Wieland SA celebrates 45 years of supplying high-quality, semi-finished copper and copper alloy products to the local and export markets. Based in Edenvale, Johannesburg, Wieland SA specialises in producing high-performance low- and high-finned mono- and bi-metal tubes. →

Welding safety extends to petrochem industry

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 22nd November 2019 Welding fumes are known to be particularly poisonous and a contaminant to the surrounding air, which is why welding solutions provider Unique Welding focuses on advanced welding safety, particularly in the petrochemicals industry for companies such as integrated chemicals and petrochemicals... →

BREATHING EASY The powered, air-purifying respirator system not only eliminates welding fumes, but also petrochemical fumes

Remediation announced following LCCP review

22nd November 2019 With the capital cost of the Lake Charles Chemicals Project (LCCP) in May forecasted as $12.9-billion, as opposed to the initial $12.6-billion forecast in February, Petrochemical producer Sasol’s board of directors commissioned an independent review to track the reasons behind the change in costs. →

WHAT A VIEW In May, Sasol re-evaluated and set out the principal factors that had resulted in an increase in the Lake Charles Chemical Project capital cost guidance

Internship programme taking off without limitations

22nd November 2019 The second edition of integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol and national administrative governing body South African Football Association’s (Safa’s) #Limitless internship programme is underway. →

Petrochemicals industry demand forecast to slow down by 2030

22nd November 2019 Management consulting firm McKinsey predicts that by 2030, global petrochemicals demand growth may slow from 3.6% to between 2% and 3%, says data management consultants Gabsten Technologies MD Hemant Harie. →

HEMANT HARIE Without effective data management and protection, organisations within the petrochemical industry may fall victim to data loss

Optimising processes for consumer convenience

22nd November 2019 With the intent of growing and expanding its retail business footprint, integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol is adapting its processes to best suit consumer needs. →

Photo by Sasol
BEACON OF LIGHT Sasol retailers aim to create a personalised and digitally connected platform for the consumer

Company continues to aim for balanced debt maturity profile

22nd November 2019 Integrated chemicals and petrochemicals major Sasol continues to actively manage its balance sheet with the objective of maintaining a robust liquidity position and a balanced debt maturity profile. →

FLEETWOOD GROBLER The new Sasol president, chief executive officer and executive director as effective November 1, 2019

Rope access ensures optimal maintenance of petrochem tanks

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 22nd November 2019 The highly explosive nature of the petrochemicals environment requires trained personnel, and often the scope of the work involves a work-at-height and or confined space element, which puts rope-access specialist Skyriders in the frame with its capabilities in performing maintenance and repair... →

UP, UP AND AWAY Skyriders’ projects and safety team assesses the task at hand and determines the type of equipment needed to carry out the task safely

Retail expansion an attainable goal

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 22nd November 2019 Listed as an overarching strategic focus, Sasol’s Retail division forms an integral part of the Sasol Groups’ investment strategy. Sasol Energy Retail and Corporate Affairs VP Mohamed Carrim, says that the organisation aims to substantially grow its market share in the foreseeable future as it... →

Photo by Sasol
FILL ‘ER UP Sasol has 409 Sasol Convenience Centres nationally each consisting of a forecourt, a convenience store, and a bakery

The New Force in Gas & Welding

22nd November 2019 Unique Welding is the largest independent, black-owned, black-managed gas and welding distributor in South Africa, as well as the largest importer of welding machines and welding wire in Southern Africa. As a fully integrated gas and welding solutions provider, Unique Welding is at the forefront... →

Sasol donates equipment to technical high schools

26th October 2018 Chemical and petrochemicals giant Sasol’s, Sasol Inzalo Foundation (SaIF) earlier this month contributed valuable equipment to technical high schools in Parys and Iketsetseng in the Free State. The donation formed part of the foundation’s Technical Schools of Excellence Network programme, which... →

INVESTMENT IN EXCELLENCE Sasol Inzalo Foundation has invested in equipment for technical high schools to build a pipeline of future artisans, technicians and technologists

Sasol, Indian companies join EP100 global energy-saving initiative

26th October 2018 Petrochemicals giant Sasol and Indian companies UltraTech Cement, Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers, Mahindra Heavy Engines and Godrej Industries and Associate Companies (Gilac) last month pledged to put energy efficiency at the heart of their business growth strategies by joining EP100. EP100 is a... →

HELEN CLARKSON Lowering energy use in sectors such as auto manufacturing, cement and chemicals production is an ambitious task

South Africa prepares for an electrified future

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Amid the conclusion of this year’s Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC), founder and director Winstone Jordaan tells Engineering News that South Africa is poised to adopt electrified transport. “Without any doubt in my mind, we are heading for an electric future. This means we must find better, cleaner... →

INSPIRING STUDENTS The Sasol Solar Challenge aims to inspire students to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects

Study examines impact of strikes on South African economy

26th October 2018 Amid continued protest action at chemical and petrochemicals heavyweight Sasol, university-led research foundation the Mandela Initiative has released conclusions on its research into the topic of local strikes and labour unrest. Sasol employees and members of trade union Solidarity have been on... →

PROLONGED INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Sasol employees and members of trade union Solidarity have been on a go-slow since September of this year

Photo by Bloomberg
PROLONGED INDUSTRIAL ACTION Sasol employees and members of trade union Solidarity have been on a go-slow since September of this year

Sasol poised to improve operational performance in 2019

26th October 2018 Integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol reported that it is well positioned to continue improved operational performance in the 2019 financial year despite electricity supply interruptions, as its sales volumes increased by 1% for its performance chemicals business owing to robust market... →

LOWER VOLUMES Liquid fuels sales volumes for Sasol were down 2% as a result of lower production volumes and a challenging local retail liquid fuels market

Automatic shut-off valves improve plant safety

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Valves, steam and combustion system solution provider Heaton Valves Africa (HVA), states that its extensive range of German-made Albrecht-Automatik safety shut-off systems and components, significantly improve combustion system operational safety in the industries it serves. HVA combustion... →

SAFETY SHUT-OFF Albrecht-Automatik safety shut-off systems have a closing time of between one and five seconds during control function

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