If we can collectively make such a difference in an hour, imagine the possibilities of what we can do beyond that (and if EVERYONE took part)!
"South Africans saved 350 MW – enough electricity to power the city of Bloemfontein – when they switched off their lights during Earth Hour this weekend, power utility Eskom said on Tuesday." More on Engineering News
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Renewable Energy News
AfDB creates $57m Africa renewable energy fund - Engineering News
Group Five hopes to build R5bn solar power plant - Engineering News
Stable policy implementation needed to encourage renewable energy investment - Engineering News
Group Five hopes to build R5bn solar power plant - Engineering News
Stable policy implementation needed to encourage renewable energy investment - Engineering News
China industry ordered to cut CO2 intensity by 18% by 2015
"China, the world's biggest producer of climate-changing greenhouse gases, has pledged to cut carbon produced per unit of GDP by 17% by the end of 2015, with energy intensity also slated to fall 16%.
Much of the burden will be placed on energy-guzzling industrial enterprises like power plants, steel mills, aluminium smelters and cement factories." Read more, here on Engineering News
Much of the burden will be placed on energy-guzzling industrial enterprises like power plants, steel mills, aluminium smelters and cement factories." Read more, here on Engineering News
Monday, March 28, 2011
EU wants no petrol or diesel cars in cities by 2050
"Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas also set out plans to shift half of "middle distance journeys" from road to rail, and to cut shipping emissions by 40%.
He said: "Freedom to travel is a basic right for our citizens. Curbing mobility is not an option. Nor is business is usual."
The proposal would cut carbon emissions by 60% and reduce dependence on oil." BBC News
He said: "Freedom to travel is a basic right for our citizens. Curbing mobility is not an option. Nor is business is usual."
The proposal would cut carbon emissions by 60% and reduce dependence on oil." BBC News
Earth Hour & Earth Day - 2011
Pay a visit to the global Earth Hour website or the Earth Hour website nearest you to see details of participation/events that took place on Saturday, 26th March 2011.
Did you know that 22nd April 2011 is 'Earth Day'? What will you be doing this year to show your support and will your actions expand beyond the scope of these two singled out events? Find out more about 'Earth Day 2011' here.
Did you know that 22nd April 2011 is 'Earth Day'? What will you be doing this year to show your support and will your actions expand beyond the scope of these two singled out events? Find out more about 'Earth Day 2011' here.
Biofuels & Cogeneration
Illovo says may opt to produce biofuels - Engineering News
Ipsa restarts Newcastle cogeneration plant - Engineering News
SA’s jobs push is putting biofuels back on the radar - Engineering News
Ipsa restarts Newcastle cogeneration plant - Engineering News
SA’s jobs push is putting biofuels back on the radar - Engineering News
More reactions to 'trimming' of SA's Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs
Trimmed Refit unsuitable for immature SA market – global developer - Engineering News
Having risked R400m, wind developers fume at Refit overhaul - Engineering News
Having risked R400m, wind developers fume at Refit overhaul - Engineering News
News Snippets
Stellenbosch University launches water institute - Engineering News
£1,5m UK fund to support SA low-carbon growth, trade projects - Engineering News
IPPs to be key renewables driver, but Eskom to focus on CSP, wind - Engineering News
Wind developers slam Nersa move to slash Refit rates - Engineering News
Rwanda to spend $935m on geothermal power - Engineering News
Groundwater to play a key role in South Africa - WRC - Engineering News
Nersa moves to cut Refit tariffs just as SA promises to boost renewables - Engineering News
SA launches large-scale 'negawatts' campaign amid tight power balance - Engineering News
New think tank Mistra to probe potential benefits of fuel cell for SA - Engineering News
SA’s power market structure to be scrutinised as ISMO Bill is sent to lawmakers - Engineering News
Farmers seek halt on shale gas exploration - Engineering News
Business should aim for deeper engagement in climate talks - Engineering News
Cabinet approves 20-year energy masterplan - Engineering News
Panel stresses importance of changing perceptions about water use - Engineering News
SA moves to finalise carbon tax this year, despite global loose ends - Engineering News
Chinese wind-turbine maker Goldwind sees growth in SA - Engineering News
Eskom sets up renewable energy unit - Engineering News
REEEP to spend €4,5m on clean energy projects in 2011 - Engineering News
Alstom to offer carbon capture technologies commercially from 2015 - Engineering News
NDA invests R3,5m in new KZN farmer's market - Engineering News
Biotechnologies could play a key role in food security – US economist - Engineering News
30c/l levy will cover costs of clean fuels production – Sapia - Engineering News
NGO to host Joburg green economy business briefing next month - Engineering News
Climate change ‘possibly our biggest distraction’ - Wits prof - Engineering News
Shale gas could play key role in clean energy future – Shell - Engineering News
£1,5m UK fund to support SA low-carbon growth, trade projects - Engineering News
IPPs to be key renewables driver, but Eskom to focus on CSP, wind - Engineering News
Wind developers slam Nersa move to slash Refit rates - Engineering News
Rwanda to spend $935m on geothermal power - Engineering News
Groundwater to play a key role in South Africa - WRC - Engineering News
Nersa moves to cut Refit tariffs just as SA promises to boost renewables - Engineering News
SA launches large-scale 'negawatts' campaign amid tight power balance - Engineering News
New think tank Mistra to probe potential benefits of fuel cell for SA - Engineering News
SA’s power market structure to be scrutinised as ISMO Bill is sent to lawmakers - Engineering News
Farmers seek halt on shale gas exploration - Engineering News
Business should aim for deeper engagement in climate talks - Engineering News
Cabinet approves 20-year energy masterplan - Engineering News
Panel stresses importance of changing perceptions about water use - Engineering News
SA moves to finalise carbon tax this year, despite global loose ends - Engineering News
Chinese wind-turbine maker Goldwind sees growth in SA - Engineering News
Eskom sets up renewable energy unit - Engineering News
REEEP to spend €4,5m on clean energy projects in 2011 - Engineering News
Alstom to offer carbon capture technologies commercially from 2015 - Engineering News
NDA invests R3,5m in new KZN farmer's market - Engineering News
Biotechnologies could play a key role in food security – US economist - Engineering News
30c/l levy will cover costs of clean fuels production – Sapia - Engineering News
NGO to host Joburg green economy business briefing next month - Engineering News
Climate change ‘possibly our biggest distraction’ - Wits prof - Engineering News
Shale gas could play key role in clean energy future – Shell - Engineering News
Thursday, March 10, 2011
DoE opts for phased introduction of independent grid operator
This Engineering News article reports: "South Africa’s Department of Energy (DoE) plans to introduce legislation for the establishment of an Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) in the electricity environment during the upcoming Parliamentary cycle and anticipates that the Act will be promulgated by the end of 2011.
Speaking at an energy roundtable this week, deputy director-general for electricity, nuclear and clean energy Ompi Aphane indicated that lawmakers should have sight of the ISMO Establishment Act by June.
However, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said that the ISMO would seek to “level the playing field and eliminate conflict of interest between the buyer and the seller of electricity"."
But she also stressed that the legislation would incorporate a phased deployment model, adding that there would be no “big bang”. In other words, the Act is likely to outline various stages of independence, beginning with an entity ring-fenced within State-owned power utility Eskom."
Speaking at an energy roundtable this week, deputy director-general for electricity, nuclear and clean energy Ompi Aphane indicated that lawmakers should have sight of the ISMO Establishment Act by June.
However, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said that the ISMO would seek to “level the playing field and eliminate conflict of interest between the buyer and the seller of electricity"."
But she also stressed that the legislation would incorporate a phased deployment model, adding that there would be no “big bang”. In other words, the Act is likely to outline various stages of independence, beginning with an entity ring-fenced within State-owned power utility Eskom."
News Snippets
Kenya seeks investors for 800 MW geothermal plants - Engineering News
Logistics sector needs to make big carbon inroads, survey asserts - Engineering News
Cost-recovery mechanism flagged, as SA unveils cleaner fuels vision - Engineering News
SA solar water heater market poised for strong growth - Engineering News
Durban meeting should highlight effect of climate change on Africa - Engineering News
UN postpones 'green fund' climate talks to April - Engineering News
Logistics sector needs to make big carbon inroads, survey asserts - Engineering News
Cost-recovery mechanism flagged, as SA unveils cleaner fuels vision - Engineering News
SA solar water heater market poised for strong growth - Engineering News
Durban meeting should highlight effect of climate change on Africa - Engineering News
UN postpones 'green fund' climate talks to April - Engineering News
Friday, March 4, 2011
Home brewed - New clothing shop in Cape Town
Urban Sprout reports here: "Home Brewed is an eco friendly and proudly local clothing store in Cape Town that recently opened their first concept store at the Palymyra Junction in Claremont. What sets this company apart from others is their conscious decision to do things differently: instead of following the textile industry norms of exploiting workers, out-sourcing labour and compromising quality for quantity, Home Brewed has chosen to manufacture ethically while investing in South Africa."
Not so 'free range' after all?
An interesting article by Muriel Gravenor about Fair Cape Free RangeTM milk.
Parliamentary hearings on climate Green Paper get under way
"Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs on Thursday started its public hearings on the Climate Change Green Paper, in Cape Town.
Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa released the draft climate change policy late last year.
During the public hearings, there will be input from experts on scientific data and statistics relevant to climate change and a presentation from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) on the challenges which have arisen since the consultation process.
The public hearings will run until the end of the month." Engineering News
Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa released the draft climate change policy late last year.
During the public hearings, there will be input from experts on scientific data and statistics relevant to climate change and a presentation from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) on the challenges which have arisen since the consultation process.
The public hearings will run until the end of the month." Engineering News
Eskom ready to connect and pay IPPs
"State-owned power utility Eskom was ready to connect and pay renewable energy independent power producers (IPPs), and wanted to do this “as soon as possible”, said operations and planning division MD Kannan Lakmeeharan." More on Engineering News
Eskom makes case for mandatory power saving
"Despite opposition from many energy-intensive companies in South Africa, power utility Eskom was still recommending that the country’s top 500 consumers sign on to a mandatory Energy Conservation Scheme (ECS), which would only be activated during times of crisis." More on Engineering News
MTN forms e-waste disposal partnership with German group
"Mobile telecommunications (telecoms) provider MTN, and German sustainable development organisation Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have signed a development partnership for a pilot project to manage the safe disposal of electronic waste (ewaste) and to encourage enterprise development for ewaste handlers." More on Engineering News
Reunert enters renewable energy business
"Electronics and electrical engineering company Reunert has entered the renewable energy arena in South Africa and would offer project management solutions to Eskom and independent power producers (IPPs) looking to build renewable energy plants." More on Engineering News
2011 Budget Highlights
10 things you never knew about the 2011 budget - Read more here on Urban Sprout
Carbon tax design and schedule to be outlined in 2012 Budget - Engineering News
R66m for new energy-efficiency R&D institute, R800m for green economy - "Government set aside R66,5-million in its 2011 Budget for the establishment of the ‘South African Energy Development Institute’, which will conduct research and development (R&D) into energy-efficiency technologies and solutions." Engineering News
Gordhan allocates R225m to deal with acid mine water - Engineering News
Carbon tax design and schedule to be outlined in 2012 Budget - Engineering News
R66m for new energy-efficiency R&D institute, R800m for green economy - "Government set aside R66,5-million in its 2011 Budget for the establishment of the ‘South African Energy Development Institute’, which will conduct research and development (R&D) into energy-efficiency technologies and solutions." Engineering News
Gordhan allocates R225m to deal with acid mine water - Engineering News
Cabinet approves acid mine drainage report
"The South African Cabinet has approved the recommendations made by a team of experts on the acid mine drainage (AMD) situation in the Witwatersrand, spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said on Tuesday.
The report, which includes recommendations on control measures to reduce the rate of flooding and the eventual decanting and pumping volume, would be made publicly available on Thursday." More on Engineering News
The report, which includes recommendations on control measures to reduce the rate of flooding and the eventual decanting and pumping volume, would be made publicly available on Thursday." More on Engineering News
US sees major emitters setting own climate goals
"Major greenhouse gas emitters should set voluntary curbs on emissions for the time being since a UN climate treaty looks out of reach in 2011, the US climate envoy said on Monday." Read more, on Engineering News
Investing in greener economy could spur growth – UN
Engineering News reports: "Channelling 2%, or $1,3-trillion, of global gross domestic product into greening sectors such as construction, energy and fishing could start a move toward a low-carbon world, a report launched on Monday said.
The investment would expand the global economy at the same rate, if not higher, as under present economic policies, said the report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
"Investing 2% of global GDP into 10 key sectors can kick-start a transition towards a low-carbon world," the Nairobi-based agency said in a statement."
The investment would expand the global economy at the same rate, if not higher, as under present economic policies, said the report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
"Investing 2% of global GDP into 10 key sectors can kick-start a transition towards a low-carbon world," the Nairobi-based agency said in a statement."
IFC finalising new sustainability framework as it moves to upscale African activities
"The International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is a leading private-sector development finance partner in Africa, will include new guidelines on climate change, human rights and supply-chain risks in an updated environmental and social policy framework, which should be finalised by midyear." Engineering News
IDC allocates R25bn for green economy investments
This Engineering News report informs us: "State-owned development finance institution the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) would allocate R25-billion to investments in the ‘green’ economy over the next five years, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is expected to announce further financial commitments in next week’s Budget, to promote opportunities in this sector.
The green economy forms part of the key sectors identified in the New Growth Path as having the potential to unlock employment opportunities. The economic plan aims to grow employment by five-million jobs by 2020, 30 000 of which could be delivered by the green economy."
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is expected to announce further financial commitments in next week’s Budget, to promote opportunities in this sector.
The green economy forms part of the key sectors identified in the New Growth Path as having the potential to unlock employment opportunities. The economic plan aims to grow employment by five-million jobs by 2020, 30 000 of which could be delivered by the green economy."
Eskom has capacity to add 4 159 MW of private power to grid
This Engineering News article reports: "State-owned power utility Eskom said that it had capacity to add some 4 159 MW of new power generation from independent power producers (IPPs) to the national grid by 2012.
This capacity could be brought on line in the areas of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, which were the three provinces where Eskom’s studies were concentrated. It was expected that there would be demand for the connection of renewable energy generation in these areas."
This capacity could be brought on line in the areas of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, which were the three provinces where Eskom’s studies were concentrated. It was expected that there would be demand for the connection of renewable energy generation in these areas."
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