Eco News SA: 2010

Thursday, December 16, 2010

News Snippets

Some recent news snippets [Source: Engineering News]:-

Commerce

More companies adopting sustainability strategies – survey

Green Scorpions finds noncompliance at EnviroServ

Carbon Tax

Carbon tax discussion paper published for comment

Cabinet approves draft carbon tax policy

SA's Draft Irp2010 / SA's Energy Future

S&P’s downgrades Eskom, warns risks still to the downside

Renewable energy investors show strong interest in SA’s Refit opportunity

Up to R15bn needed to revive nuclear enrichment in SA

Eskom calls for structured implementation of IRP2010

Climate Talks

Climate talks end with modest steps, no Kyoto deal

New climate battle looms in South Africa in 2011

UN must change tack in climate talks, ex-official argues

World Bank to launch carbon trading fund, other climate initiatives

SA seeks to mainstream climate change response, but obligations remain fuzzy

Farming must wait in line at stalled climate talks

ICT can play key role in reducing emissions

Transport

Nissan’s electric Leaf could come to SA in 2012, but would require govt incentives

SA emission-cutting ignition technology ready to go global

Mercedes-Benz to push more low-emission Euro V trucks into the market

Cogeneration

Assmang invites power plant bids for Machado, eyes Cato

Friday, December 3, 2010

SA Energy Future: Irp2010 Talks

SA mulls power scenario that excludes nuclear, but moves ahead with 10-GW fleet planning - Engineering News

IRP2010’s plans for renewable capacity ‘ambitious’ – energy economist - Engineering News

IPPs keen to invest but more policy clarity needed - Engineering News

SA energy plan needs more private power – Anglo - Engineering News

Cancun Climate Talks

UN climate talks struggle to overhaul carbon trade - Engineering News

UN climate talks seek to define rich, poor duties - Engineering News

UN urges global switch to low-energy lightbulbs - Engineering News

IRP2010 Process - Did you know?

Check out this interesting article on Urban Sprout.

Extract:
"Over the last year, it has been revealed that Eskom has been supplying electricity to BHP Billiton at rates below cost, which means that South African taxpayers have been subsidising one of the world’s biggest and most profitable mining companies. This contract was concluded at a time when Eskom had so much surplus generation capacity that it was desperately looking for opportunities to sell that surplus."

Prototype Earthship dwelling to be built in Khayelitsha

Find out more here, on Urban Sprout.

Solar association calls for 2 GW of CSP in SA’s 20-year power plan

"The Southern Africa Solar Thermal and Electricity Association (Sastela) has urged the South African government to allocate at least 2 GW of power generation capacity to concentrated solar power (CSP) by 2020, under the second integrated resource plan, or IRP2010." Engineering News

Cancun climate talks get under way, WWF says catch-up plan needed

More here, on Engineering News.

eARTh Big Pictures

Check out the pics of the recently organised 350.org's "eARTh" day. A day on which thousands of people from across the world got together to create 'Art' visible from space/the sky to raise awareness about climate change.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Carbo Consult scoops F&S technology innovation award

"Renewable energy company Carbo Consult Engineering was lauded at Frost & Sullivan’s (F&S’s) third yearly African Excellence Awards, when it scooped the 2010 South African Biomass Gasification Technology Innovation Leadership Award." - Engineering News

Friday, November 26, 2010

LOTS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND!

This Saturday features a triple bill of cool events for those interested in a bit of planet preservation. Urban Sprout

The Hout Bay Green Faire

and

350.org's solar picnic in Khayelitsha - The world's largest solar picnic is happening this Saturday 27 November so if you live in Cape Town come and be part of it! (Urban Sprout)

and

Buy Nothing Day - Buy Nothing Day is about keeping out of the malls and refraining from consumptive behaviour. (Urban Sprout)

Just this Day - 24 November

J U S T B E S T I L L on this day. Urban Sprout

Catching up on News!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Green Team in Wild Coast Crackdown

athlone power station to be converted to windfarm

help us to help the govt to help all of us go solar

To find out more, visit Urban Sprout or sign the petition here.

News Snippets

Friday, September 17, 2010

News Snippets

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Demand for biofuels drives African 'land grabs'

Legalbrief recently reported: "Biofuel demand is driving a new 'land grab' in Africa, with at least 5m hectares acquired by foreign firms to grow crops in 11 countries, a study by an environmental group said on Monday."

News Snippets

Alstom confirms bid intention for Eskom's R10bn wind, solar projects - Engineering News

Safari lodge's concentrated photovoltaic plant could be precursor to 50-MW project - Engineering News

Western Cape looking to attract renewable energy projects - Engineering News

Eskom wraps up CFL roll-out initiative - Engineering News

New website to track climate aid, key to UN talks - Engineering News

Saturday, August 28, 2010

News Snippets

RENEWABLE ENERGY
Grid unbundling not an immediate obstacle to private power - Eskom - Engineering News.

Suntech signs MoU to build SA solar plants - Engineering News

Treasury calls for private sector involvement in electricity - Engineering News

CARBON TAX
Treasury says double-cabs to be taxed from March 1, at higher threshold and rate - Engineering News: "The Treasury confirmed on Thursday that the sale of new double-cab pick-ups would be subject to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions tax from March 1, 2011.

The emissions tax would still be introduced on new passenger cars from September 1, 2010.

Both the penalty and threshold for CO2 tax on double-cabs would be higher than for passenger cars.

New passenger cars would be taxed, based on their certified CO2 emissions, at R75 for each g/km above 120 g/km, adding around 2% to 3% to the price tag of a car.

The Treasury said that the threshold for double-cabs would be set at 175 g/km, and the tax rate at R100 for every g/km above the threshold."

New energy management standard to be introduced late next year

"The introduction of ISO 50001 – a new energy management standard – was expected to come into force by the end of 2011, however, large electricity consumers should gear themselves towards implementing the standard now." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Also see: Eskom working with key customers on energy-efficiency plans - Engineering News.

Carbon tax income must be channelled to green projects – Imperial CEO

More here, on Engineering News.

SA's energy plan expected by November, no plan to cancel Kusile

"The much-anticipated second Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP2010, originally planned for promulgation in September, is now expected by the end of October or early November, an official from the Department of Energy (DoE) said on Wednesday." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Record number of entries for energy-efficient lighting design competition

"Power utility Eskom this year received a record number of 567 entries from designers for its Energy-Efficient Lighting Design competition (EELDC), which closed for entries on July 30." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Mainstream CEO calls for medium-term renewable energy target

"The South African government should set a clear medium-term target to fully harness the economic benefits to the South African economy from renewable energy, said Mainstream Renewable Power CEO Eddie O'Connor.

He added that this was the approach adopted by a number of States, including China and the European Union, which have since developed strong renewable energy industries." More here, on Engineering News.

CO2 tax possible on all cars, old and new – Gordhan

"Government is considering implementing a carbon dioxide (CO2) vehicle emission tax on all cars, both new and old, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Tuesday.

Speaking in the National Assembly on the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill and related legislation, he said this would be implemented by reviewing the approach to vehicle licence fees implemented by the provinces." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Acid drainage response team to seek ‘affordable' solutions

"A special Ministerial-level task team has been assembled by the South African government to develop a coordinated strategy to deal "urgently" with the issue of acid-water drainage, which some believe poses a serious threat to South Africa's water resources, the country's environment, human health and to local economies." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Encounters Docie Festival Now on - Catch the Green Movies

Urban Sprout gives the 'low down' here.

SA should target 50% renewable energy by 2030 - WWF

In this Engineering News article, WWF revealed in its report titled 'Renewable energy in a just transition to sustainable electricity supply' "that South Africa had the potential to rapidly upscale its use of renewable energy, and with a combination of energy-efficiency measures, this would result in cheaper electricity over the medium term.

The report also introduced the sustainable national accessible power planning (Snapp) tool, which was commissioned by the WWF, and was freely available on the Internet. The Snapp tool allowed for interrogation of government's proposed energy plan, and allowed for the modelling of different energy scenarios, depending on the different inputs made."

Ecomagination Challenge

This Engineering News article reports that "Global technology group General Electric's (GE's) $200-million competition for "breakthrough" green-energy ideas has reportedly already attracted around 1 000 submissions.

The competition, which was launched last month, is being pursued in collaboration with venture capital firms Emerald Technology Ventures, Foundation Capital, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byer and RockPort Capital.

The deadline for entries, which can be made online at www.ecomagination.com/challenge, is September 30, 2010."

"Environmentally Friendly" and Low Cost "Tea Bag" Water Filter Being Patented in SA

Read more here, on Engineering News.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Why Grow Hemp in SA

Find out more here, on Urban Sprout.

Food For Thought

If this title caught your attention, you may be interested in finding out more about the book, 'Waste - Uncovering the Global Food Scandal' - read more here on Urban Sprout

also, check out the doccie called "The End of the Line" about our oceans' dwindling fish stocks. Read more on Urban Sprout.

World First - Uganda Takes Steps to Curb Carbon Emissions

This East African Business Week report informs us that "Kampala — Uganda has become the first country in the world to register a programme of activities that will reduce dangerous methane emissions into the environment.

A statement issued by the World Bank office in Kampala said the programme of activities were launched on the premises of the Municipal Waste Compost Programme to be implemented under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto protocol."

Thursday, August 12, 2010

News Snippets

Thursday, August 5, 2010

News Snippets

SA'S ENERGY AFFAIRS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Swiss agency pumps R13,95m into SA energy-efficiency programme - ENGINEERING NEWS

ESKOM
World Bank probes $3,75bn loan to Eskom - ENGINEERING NEWS

Eskom signs IEA clean coal agreement on behalf of SA - ENGINEERING NEWS

CFLs

Eskom resumes door-to-door CFL roll-out - ENGINEERING NEWS

BUSINESS

MTN'S TRIGENERATION POWER PLANT
MTN unveils R22m trigeneration power plant - ENGINEERING NEWS

FUEL CELLS AND MINING
Govt, US firm and platinum miner in JV to make fuel cells in SA - ENGINEERING NEWS

SA GOVERNMENT PLANS

'CLIMATE POLICY'
Climate policy to go before Cabinet this month - ENGINEERING NEWS

ENERGY PLAN
DoE making progress with SA energy plan – Peters - ENGINEERING NEWS It is reported here that the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP2010) will be delivered by September (2010).

GREEN ECONOMY
DEA looking for projects to support green-economy strategy - ENGINEERING NEWS

NEW EIA REGULATIONS
New EIA regulations now in effect in South Africa - ENGINEERING NEWS

CLIMATE TALKS
UN climate talks need quicker pace for global deal - ENGINEERING NEWS

CARBON TAX
Treasury turns down request to exempt pick-ups from carbon tax - ENGINEERING NEWS

Friday, July 30, 2010

Collecting Bread Tags for a good cause

Thursday, July 29, 2010

News Snippets

SOLAR ENERGY
Morocco invites bids for phase one of solar scheme - ENGINEERING NEWS

DoE moves to assess SWH appetite ahead of big roll-out - ENGINEERING NEWS

GREEN BUILDING
Green building convention to have strong maintenance focus - ENGINEERING NEWS

CLIMATE POLICY
Coal miners should get involved in drafting of climate policy - ENGINEERING NEWS

WIND ENERGY
6 000 MW of wind power ‘ready to be commissioned’ – Sawea - ENGINEERING NEWS

Wind-energy developer pressing ahead with five SA projects - ENGINEERING NEWS

RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT
SA fares well against peers in investment climate study – Davies - ENGINEERING NEWS

Yearly green investments of $440bn needed to meet climate target - ENGINEERING NEWS

$1m REMT grant available for renewable projects - ENGINEERING NEWS

Friday, July 23, 2010

Waste From Mines - A call for urgent Action

This Engineering News article informs us "Millions of litres of highly acidic mine water is rising up under Johannesburg and, if left unchecked, could spill out into its streets some 18 months from now, Parliament's water affairs portfolio committee heard on Wednesday.

The acid water is currently about 600 metres below the city's surface, but is rising at a rate of between 0,6 and 0,9 metres a day, water affairs deputy director water quality management Marius Keet told MPs.

"[It] can have catastrophic consequences for the Johannesburg central business district if not stopped in time. A new pumping station and upgrades to the high-density sludge treatment works are urgently required to stop disaster," he warned."

SA to spend R14,5bn on integrated transport networks

This Engineering News article indicates that "In excess of R14,5-billion would be spent on the development of integrated rapid public transport networks (IRPTNs) in South Africa over a three-year period"

SA's wind and carbon-capture atlases to be published in August

This Engineering News article informs us "that South Africa would in August release a comprehensive ‘wind atlas', as well as a ‘carbon dioxide (CO2) geological storage atlas'."

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

News Snippets

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

News Snippets

CARBON FOOTPRINT
Nedbank invests R14m to achieve carbon neutrality - Engineering News

RENEWABLE ENERGY
Siemens says Desertec technology elements already in place - Engineering News

COMPACT FLOURESCENT LAMPS (CFLs)
Eskom suspends door-to-door CFL roll out - Engineering News

BIO-ENERGY & FUEL
EU, Brazil, Mozambique to sign bioenergy pact - Engineering News

Heat Pumps and Solar Water Geysers

Read this interesting article on Carte Blanche which compares the two options for heating ones water.

Revised energy-efficiency strategy to go before Cabinet by year-end

This Engineering News article informs us that "The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) has initiated a "comprehensive" review of South Africa's National Energy Efficiency Strategy, which sets a target for energy-efficiency improvement of 12% by 2015.

The review is an output of the Industrial Energy Efficiency project, which is an initiative in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy (DoE), and other relevant parties."

Four SA cities earmarked for big Africa green city review

This Engineering News article informs us that "German technology giant Siemens has commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to compile an ‘African Green City Index' by the beginning of 2011, ranking the greenest cities in 12 African countries, including four South African cities."

Friday, July 9, 2010

Feedback from Hands Across the Sand Event (Cape Town 26-6-10)

Tygerburger News article:

Solar-powered plane lands safely after 26-hour flight

"An experimental solar-powered aircraft launched on Wednesday has landed safely in Switzerland after successfully flying through the night." Read more here, on BBC News.

News Snippets

ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Renewables scale-up core to Zille's sustainability road map - Engineering News

New energy-efficiency hub on cards for SA - Engineering News

UK Climate Change Minister, tells about the Coalition's plans to give Britain its own supply of clean energy. - Telegraph.co.uk.

GREEN BUILDING
MTN seeks US Green Building Council certification for Fairlands office - Engineering News

CARS
Honda to launch two hybrid vehicles in SA this year - Engineering News

DeZir electric concept car hints at fresh direction at Renault - Engineering News

BIOFUELS
Biofuels technology firm seeks partners for cellulosic ethanol plants - Engineering News

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Biofuels technology firm seeks partners for cellulosic ethanol plants

This Engineering News article tells: "Cellulosic ethanol can be used in the production of second-generation biofuels from non-food lignocellulosic plant material sources, including wood and agricultural residue such as sugarcane bagasse.

The company was hoping to establish a commercial plant using this technology by 2014."

Buying a Solar Water Geyser - What to look out for

This Engineering News article suggests that consumers should do their homework before purchasing and installing a solar water geyser and also gives some helpful pointers in this regard.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Wind Measurement Masts

Check out the two 2x 60m wind measurement towers recently erected in the Cape. We heard from Frank of Emergent Energy who informed us that the masts were erected for the purpose of measuring long term wind patterns with the view to build a wind farm. The two masts are 60m high, with 6 anemometers and 2 wind vanes on each tower, with remote data logging and monitoring.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

More News Snippets

World Cup's solar sponsor backs African training-centre roll-out - Engineering News.

Limited finance seen hurting African energy projects - Engineering News.

EU climate commissioner wants action on project financing pledges - Engineering News.

Two Diesel Fuelled Power Stations Planned for KZN & Eastern Cape

Read more here, on Engineering News.

Latest on Mozambiques Energy Plans

"Mozambique's top energy priority is to develop hydro-electricity projects, and will then focus on gas, wind and solar power, its energy minister said on Tuesday." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Govt offers Hartebeespoort water assurances as lobby prepares to sue

More here, on Engineering News.

SA's Energy Future - Food for Thought

Check out this Business Day article: "The myth that we have a choice between coal and nuclear for baseload must be challenged. The chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Joe Wellinghoff, has said baseload capacity will become an anachronism. Inflexible plants are an impediment — costly and wasteful. If you have the ability to ramp up and down plants and shape the system, then the old concept of baseload becomes redundant. “You don’t need fossil fuel or nuclear plants that run all the time, we may not need any (more) ever,”"

In the meanwhile, Legalbrief informs us "Climate justice lobby group, 350.org South Africa, has filed a formal request in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act for information about a 'secretive' panel of experts finalising a 30-year SA energy plan behind closed doors."

Here is another short article on the subject of energy which our Chairman recently wrote to the Cape Times and Cape Community Papers:

"Very few people understand what 100 billion Rand is. It's similar to 100 Gigabytes of computer storage except that its money; 100,000 Million Rand. This gives us 5 Giga-Watts or 5,000,000,000 Watts of energy for electricity generation. If this power station is built in Mpumalanga to supply energy to Cape Town, possibly as much as 10% of this energy is lost on the transmission lines and 65% of the energy in the coal is lost in the whole process. This is why Eskom has and is considering nuclear in the Western Cape. There are also losses in the nuclear process.

But let's look at what else we South Africans can do with 100 Billion Rand.

100 billion Rand is equal to 10 million R10,000 solar water heaters. It takes 8 years to build a 5 GW Coal power station. Assuming 200 working days a year, South Africa could install at least 6,250 solar water heaters per working day. Assuming a team of 3 people to do an installation plus sales people plus electricians plus inspectors plus factories, managers, etc, we are looking at possibly 30,000 to 50,000 people employed in this industry. More employment. Less unemployment. More taxes. Fewer social welfare cheques. A perfect scenario for unskilled labour which South Africa has an abundance of.

Once a factory is making solar water heaters, it's not much more difficult to make solar chillers, ie air conditioners that work off the sun's energy.

A coal power station needs 8,000 people to build it and 1,000 people to run it plus huge resources in terms of road, rail, mines, electricity, etc to supply it. The sun runs itself, but obviously people will be needed to maintain solar water heating systems. Up to 40% of the energy a power station makes is used to supply it with fuel!

10 million solar water heaters would actually provide 20 GW of energy. Looking at this another way, Eskom would need to build 4 5GW coal power stations to provide the energy to run 10 million electrically powered water heaters (geysers). Or looking at this another way, by using solar energy to heat and cool water directly we only need a 1/4 of the money needed for the fossil fueled power station, and much less than a 1/4 if the power source is nuclear.

So let's look at the renewable energy alternatives and not just the fossil fueled alternatives South Africa is currently considering."

Friday, June 25, 2010

Another Event Taking Place in Cape Town Tomorrow (Sat 26th June)

SANCCOB INVITES YOU TO ‘JOIN HANDS ACROSS THE SAND’ ON BLOUBERG BEACH

Join hands across the sands with SANCCOB, Rocky SANCCOB ‘s ambassador penguin, and conservation-minded people on Saturday 26 June on Blouberg Beach at 11.45am to say YES to clean energy.

On Saturday the Blouberg chain will form part of a global a human chain which will take a strong stand against offshore drilling and show support for those suffering in the Gulf of Mexico.

Saturday’s event is an opportunity for like-minded people to come together to show their commitment to clean energy .

SANCCOB is bringing along Rocky to remind people that ocean-related pollution is a real threat to penguins and other seabirds. African penguins, which are endemic to South Africa and Namibia, are under threat and have recently been reclassified as ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red Data List. Oil pollution is rated as one of the major factors which has contributed towards the decline of the wild populations.

We will be meeting on Blouberg Beach in front of News Café from 11h45. Please wear green and bring placards saying yes to clean energy and calling for responsible citizen action to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Contact or Margaret Roestorf on 082 495 6339 / 021 557 6155 or Jessica Thorn on 084 553 5234 for more information/directions.

See http://handsacrossthesand.com

International "Hands Across the Sand" campaign taking place tomorrow, 26th June 2010

This USA event has turned international. It is an action you can take on 26 June 2010 at your local beach to say 'no to offshore oil drilling' and 'yes to clean energy'! Find out more here.

Local PV Panel Manufacturer to Increase Production Capacity

Read more here, on Engineering News.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

New Developments/Inventions

New Zealand scientists invent sewage recycling solution. Read more here, on Simply Green.

Researchers hope to train bacteria to extract sustainable biofuel from cellulosic biomass - Simply Green

Plastic News

California Plans to Ban Plastic Bags Statewide - Simply Green

Students develop process for converting plastic waste to low-emission fuel - Simply Green

Nedbank scoops its third Financial Times Sustainability Award

Nersa to publish revised energy-efficiency regulatory rules by Sept

This Engineering News article reports "Nersa invited public comments on the document, which is available on its website, before July 20. The regulator will hold public hearings in early August, and plans to publish the revised regulatory rules by September."

EU sees solar power imported from Sahara in 5 yrs

This Engineering News article reports "Europe will import its first solar-generated electricity from North Africa within the next five years, European Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said in an interview on Sunday."

Monday, June 21, 2010

Stationary manufacturer switches to solar water heating

More here, on Engineering News.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Morocco solar plant draws big investor interest

This Engineering News article tells us that "Investor interest in phase one of Morocco's $9-billion solar power scheme has exceeded expectations with about 200 firms submitting expressions of interest, the head of Morocco's solar power agency said.

The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN) is inviting bids from investors interested in building a solar power station near the southern town of Ouarzazate with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW), or enough to power about 90 000 homes."

Thursday, June 17, 2010

17 June 2010 - World Day to Combat Desertification

Message from Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification:

"Six to ten inches (18-25 cm) of topsoil are all that stand between us and extinction. There’s far more to this than food. The things that live in and grow from this irreplaceable and finite resource also keep us clothed, the air and water clean, the land green and pleasant and the human soul refreshed. Only now are we starting to comprehend how the tiny life forms in soil sustain productivity and the greater environmental balance." ... Read more here.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

LED lighting offsets part of World Cup carbon emissions

"In an effort to offset the carbon emissions generated as a result of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, European lighting technology provider Lemnis Lighting and local partners have started the Light-emitting diode (LED) Kick Off programme." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Wind Energy News

SA wind data website to be operational in September - Engineering News

Wind turbine maker Vestas sees SA as key emerging market - Engineering News

World Wind Energy Award 2010 to IRENA founders - Renewable Energy Focus

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Energy efficiency regulations for new buildings published

"Trade and Industy Minister Rob Davies has published amendments to energy efficiency regulations, which would make it compulsory for all new buildings to be designed to a standard that minimised the energy use.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday invited interested parties to submit comments and input on the energy efficiency regulations for new buildings, which were published in the regulations section of Government Gazette No. 33265." More, here on Engineering News.

Monday, June 14, 2010

15th June - Global Wind Day

The 15th of June is Global Wind Day. "Global Wind Day is an awareness campaign for the promotion of wind energy worldwide. The messages are clear: wind energy tackles climate change, it boosts energy independence and it is an intelligent investment." Find out more here.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Energy News Snippets

Safa House installs solar water heating as part of ‘greening’ initiative - Engineering News

Search on for 5 000 MW to stablise SA's tight grid by 2016 - Engineering News

SA backs Norway’s $1bn bid to advance carbon capture and storage - Engineering News

10 eco-towns planned for SA

This Southern African Alternative Energy Association(SAAEA)article reports that "THE government and the private sector are to launch a campaign that will protect the environment and keep cities clean.
Buyisela, which means give back, is a project by the department of water and environmental affairs , Indalo Yethu and Buyisa eBag.The project will create 10 eco-towns modelled on sustainability as a legacy project which will serve as a framework blueprint for other towns to follow."

Optimum colliery cleans up its water act

This Business Report tells how "Optimum Coal yesterday opened South Africa's second plant to treat water for acid mine drainage in Middelburg at a cost of R600 million, as the government said mining houses should clean up or risk eligibility for water-use licences."

Friday, June 11, 2010

SolaireDirect expects solar parks to take off in South Africa

Engineering News: "The fact that a solar park had no fuel costs was a definite advantage. "This has two important impacts, number one, we are not reliant on any fossil fuel, and in production we don't create any greenhouse gases. Furthermore, that gives price certainty. When you build a solar park you know on day number one what the electricity price from that solar park will be on the last day of the twenty-fifth or the thirtieth year of operation, so it introduces a commercial certainty to the price of electricity," Hammond reiterated.

"That is really where solar power has a significant role to play in a country like South Africa. Not just making our overall generation portfolio greener, but also providing price, and hence commercial stability to the cost of electricity," he concluded." Read more here, on Engineering News.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

New energy-efficiency rating tool unveiled for SA buildings

This Engineering News article reports: "A new electricity consumption rating tool - which, if widely adopted, could set in motion the creation of a national energy-efficiency benchmark database of South Africa's building stock - was unveiled on Wednesday night, together with the identities of some of the country's top-performing corporate head offices and shopping centres.

The so-called ‘Energy Barometer' is the product of five years of research and development, undertaken by Energy Cybernetics."

Global carbon price platform required to help drive mitigation efforts

City of Cape Town's Energy Plans

Check out this fairly recent Tygerburger newspaper article outlining the City's plans which includes reducing the City's electricity consumption by 10% by 2012 and to supply a 10% increase in renewable and cleaner energy supply by 2020 to low income/vunerable communities.

Greening initiatives launched to offset World Cup carbon emissions

"The three initiatives launched on Tuesday were: Greener lighting for World Cup host cities; green passport; and offsetting teams emissions." [...] "The green passport initiative was aimed at raising awareness, and encouraging visitors to make responsible travel choices while in the country.

The 32-page booklet would be distributed to 100 000 soccer spectators, and would be handed out by volunteers at airports and hotels for example." More on Engineering News.

IRP 2010 Sessions - Feedback

Necsa's push for nuclear power upsets renewable energy stakeholders - Engineering News - "The State-owned Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) emphasised at the second day of the Integrated Resource Plan 2010 (IRP2010) stakeholder plenary session in Pretoria that nuclear was the only viable baseload option that could meet South Africa's future energy needs and counter carbon emissions." [...] "However, Linington's statements stirred the crowd with other stakeholders such as Climate Justice Now and Earthlife Africa rejecting nuclear as a baseload generation technology, owing to its financial and social costs being too high and nuclear waste and accidents posing a serious threat.

Smart Green Prosperity's John Joslin said that the IRP2010 process could not discriminate against the country's future generations. "The government cannot ignore the costly damage that would be inflicted on its people and environment if the wrong decisions were to be made."

DoE hints that mandatory savings will be part of power plan - Engineering News - This Engineering News informs us that "The Department of Energy (DoE) confirmed on Monday that demand-side management and energy efficiency would be key features of South Africa's second Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP2010, particularly between 2011 and 2013, when South Africa's already low reserve margin was likely to dip back into single figures."

Govt policies will be considered in structuring SA electricity plan - Engineering News - This article states: "South Africa's future energy mix is likely to comprise coal, nuclear, gas, renewable technologies, hydro and pumped storage. [...] Magubane emphasised that climate change policies and South Africa's drive to cut its carbon emissions would be accounted for in the structuring of the IRP2010. South Africa committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 34% below the business-as-usual growth trajectory by 2025."

Interim ISMO may be established to facilitate IPP deals - Engineering News - "The Department of Energy (DoE) confirmed on Monday that it was considering establishing an interim Independent Systems and Market Operator (ISMO) to facilitate buying arrangements with independent power producers (IPPs) trying to enter the South African market."

Exxaro to build clean energy power plants - Engineering News - "South African diversified miner Exxaro said on Tuesday it planned to develop clean energy power projects with total capacity of 350 MW with the first project expected to come on stream in mid-2012."

Solar TV follows World Cup fever into rural South Africa

DoE hosts long-awaited IRP2010 consultation gathering

Friday, June 4, 2010

World Environment Day, 5th June 2010

Did you know that 5th June is World Environment Day [WED] and June is Environment month? "World Environment Day (WED) 2010 is aimed to be the biggest, most widely celebrated, global day for positive, environmental action. Commemorated on 5 June since 1972, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action." Find out more about how you can get involved in this campaign here. For those of you living in the Western Cape, consider joining us on 16th June 2010 (Weds) from 10h30 to 12h00 in Milnerton for our Annual General Meeting. We will be presenting a list of projects at the meeting which you can head up or get involved in. For more information or to r.s.v.p., contact us on info at freelifeonearth.org.

Also check out this Urban Sprout article for more great ideas from other similar-minded organisations.

SA companies seek certainty on climate change policy – E&Y

Brazil, SA, India and China need detailed renewable energy policies – study

Kenyan Companies Generating Own Power to Save Costs

This Engineering News article informs us how, in Kenya, companies are looking at generating their own power to save on costs. Although, we may not agree with their choice of power generation, this article points to the solution of decentralising power generation and would be a great way for SA companies to do the same, if only they are provided with an enabling environment to do so and if their choice of power is renewable.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

News Snippets

June will be a ‘watershed month’ for climate talks – WWF - Engineering News

Guateng Outlines Green-economy Plan - Engineering News

GridCars' electric vehicle project hopes for transport revolution - Engineering News

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Municipal power tariffs come under the spotlight as July 1 deadline looms

Read more here, Engineering News. "The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will host a public hearing on June 3 into applications by those municipalities applying for average tariff increases above the guideline of 19% and 22%, which could be implemented from July 1."

Monday, May 24, 2010

French farmers turn Champs-Elysees into huge farm

This BBC news article reports: "One of Paris's main thoroughfares, the Champs-Elysees, has been covered in earth and turned into a huge green space in an event staged by young French farmers. "

Alstom invests $55m in solar company BrightSource

This Engineering News article tells: "French engineering group Alstom has invested $55-million in solar thermal tower producer BrightSource Energy, as the group sought to enter the high-growth solar energy market."

Eastern Cape wind turbine connected to grid

This Engineering News article reports: "The first turbine of the Coega wind farm project in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality (NMBM) in the Eastern Cape has been erected and was being connected to the grid on Friday."

SA starts work on green-economy strategy

This Engineering News article informs us: "Participants at the Green Economy summit in Johannesburg, on Thursday committed to drawing up a ‘Green Economy Plan' by the end of July, which will outline the work required to develop the key elements of a green-economy strategy." A draft statement of conclusion was drawn up by the summit which is available for public comment. To find out more, visit the Summit's website here.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

News in a Flash

Green energy sector could create 300 000 jobs – Patel - Engineering News

Joule electric car developer signs MOUs, determines likely pricing - Engineering News

SA should switch to a sustainable transport system - Engineering News

SA mulls the costs, benefits of transition to green economy - Engineering News

SA should take advantage of multibillion rand green economy potential - Engineering News

Govt calls for open discussion with industry to advance clean energy - Engineering News

Cheap, clean energy in Africa given $12m boost - Engineering News - "The World Bank and International Finance Corporation have budgeted $12-million to begin weaning Africa's off-grid energy market away from its dependence on expensive fuel-based lighting, an official said on Tuesday.

The programme, Lighting Africa, targets low-cost renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered lanterns, to reach the 700-million Africans they say will be without electricity by 2030."

Monday, May 17, 2010

UN to pick Costa Rican as new climate chief – sources

This Engineering News article informs us that "Figueres, 53, beat fellow short-listed candidate former South African Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, to a role meant to rally global agreement on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol after a disappointing summit in Copenhagen in December."..."Figueres has been a member of the Costa Rican climate negotiating team since 1995 and has held many senior posts in the UN climate process. Her father, Jose Figueres Ferrer, was President of Costa Rica three times."..."She has been negotiator for a country that aims to become carbon-neutral by 2021. This is what we need on the global stage," said Wendel Trio, Greenpeace International climate policy coordinator."

News Snippets

Solar car race on the cards for September - Engineering News - "South Africa’s second solar challenge will take place from September 26 to October 6."..."AEF chairperson Winstone Jordaan says the race will start in Pretoria, using the N1 freeway to reach Cape Town, switching to the N2 to travel to Durban, then moving on to more interesting back roads to again reach the Jacaranda city."

New SA energy plan running behind schedule – DDG - Engineering News

Eskom at ‘severe' regulatory risk from climate change – study - Engineering News - "...the overall thrust of the study, which has been released just days before government hosts ‘South Africa's Green Economy Summit', which will take place in Johannesburg from May 18 to May 20, is a highlighting of the fact that climate change has "moved from an issue of environmental concern to an issue of commercial significance"."

Basil Read invests R2,5m in solar power for head office - Engineering News - "Civil engineering and construction group Basil Read on Thursday unveiled a 240-panel solar photovoltaic installation, which provides about 25% of the power requirement at the company's head office in Boksburg."

SA shows strong growth in green building, energy efficiency – Legrand - Engineering News - "French electrical automation company Legrand said on Thursday that even though South Africa was still a relatively "newcomer" to the green building industry, the market had shown significant growth over the past three years."

Africa losing billions in clean energy deals - Engineering News - "Africa stood to loose billions of dollars because a lack of economic incentives and inadequate regulatory regimes made the continent unattractive for wind power companies, a top industry official said on Thursday."

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Solar News

JHB roads agency to roll out solar power to 50 more intersections - Source: Engineering News

First solar geysers by June from new E Cape plant - Engineering News

Largest ‘Green Electricity’ Certificate purchase statement to date

Since the City of Cape Town have started selling 'green' electricity certificates (find out more here), we have now learned that the City is handing over the largest 'green electricity' certificate purchase statement to date at the Wind Power Africa 2010 Conference being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 12 to 14 May 2010 (find out more here).

Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Alderman Clive Justus, will present Hermann Oelsner of the African Wind Energy Association with the statement which confirms that 9900 kWh of Green Electricity Certificates have been purchased.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Lesotho plant supplies first million CFLs to Eskom

Read more here, on Engineering News.

Eastern Cape wind farm to supply power to World Cup stadium

This Engineering News article reports: "The 25-turbine Coega wind farm project in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) in the Eastern Cape, was officially launched by Energy Minister Dipuo Peters on Tuesday." and it is hoped that the first turbine will be up and running in time to "provide energy for the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium during the 2010 FIFA World Cup - free of charge."

Thin Film Solar Cells - New Developments

This Simply Green article highlights recent developments resulting in improved efficiency of this technology and a cheaper, faster, cleaner and less cumbersome way of manufacturing thin film solar cells.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Co2 Storage Guidelines Published (Norway)

Should be interesting to inspect these guidelines apparently made available freely on the website of Det Norske Veritas. Read more here.

Van Schalkwyk to be new UN Climate Chief? Cont'...

Read more here, on Engineering News.

The False Argument of Job Creation or Change to a Low Carbon Economy

This Engineering News article highlights the two sides of the coin. While continuing down the carbon path may resolve short term job creation issues, what will happen in the long haul and shouldn't the quality of jobs also be considered?

The article reports Peet Du Plooy, the head of sustainable development at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (Tips) warning "that South Africa's very competitiveness as an economy was at stake, as the market access for its goods and services could, in future, be constrained by the carbon-intensive nature of production processes."

"He argued that the transition to a lower-carbon economy could well be key to both protecting jobs, as well as to creating new ones."

Extension of Comment Period for Nuclear 1

The public comment period for Eskom's proposed nuclear power station dubbed "Nuclear 1"'s draft Environmental Impact report has been extended to 31 May 2010. Find out more here.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in Mauritius

This Engineering News article tells that "Supercharge is a private company which plans to roll out and operate the infrastructure to support electric vehicles in Mauritius."

Monday, May 3, 2010

Energy leaders to gather in May for two-day summit

Engineering News informed us about this planned event. Read more here. "A limited number of delegate day passes are still available and those interested in taking them up can contact Dylan James at, dylan@capemedia.co.za, or by phoning 021 681 7000."

GM's electric networked concept car

This Engineering News article informs us about a new concept electric networked vehicle (EN-V)developed by General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). "EN-V provides an “ideal solution for urban mobility that enables future driving to be  free from petroleum and emissions, free from congestion and accidents, and more fun and  fashionable than ever before”, says GM China Group president and MD Kevin Wale."

News Snippets

Solar energy system to power Diepsloot skills centre - Engineering News - "The City of Johannesburg (CoJ), the Department of Mineral Resources and cement manufacturer Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) on Thursday launched the Diepsloot skills development centre solar energy system, a R1,7-million project consisting of 75 photovoltaic panels to provide the centre with electricity."

SA could be a global leader in greening the built environment – Doidge - Engineering News - "Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge on Thursday reiterated a "call for action" to move towards a ‘greener' built environment - which would need leadership from government, as well as expertise and innovation from industry.

Addressing delegates gathered at the alive2green green building conference in Johannesburg, Doidge said that there was no reason why South Africa could not be an international leader in greening the built environment, as it had the technical and manufacturing capacity."

Areva keen to enter SA solar power industry - Engineering News

Business seeks outcomes-based engagement on SA energy crisis - Engineering News

Thursday, April 29, 2010

More News

Next phase of solar geyser roll-out to incorporate greater local content - Engineering News

Wind-energy developer teams up with E Cape traditional leaders - Engineering News

Key developing country bloc puts climate ball back in rich-country court - Engineering News

IDC studies large-scale SA manufacture of lithium-ion batteries - Engineering News

Algal biofuels seen as having potential, but much research still needed - Engineering News

SA could learn lessons from Israel’s  solar successes - Engineering News