Thursday, June 16, 2011
Economy, public seen as key to climate deal
Wider public unease about climate change and stronger economic growth are likely to be needed to revive sluggish UN talks after hopes for quick agreement on a treaty have fizzled, experts say. More here, on Engineering News
SA solar PV uptake lags but Refit, solar park seen as growth drivers
"Despite the South African photovoltaic (PV) market expected to earn a revenue of $29.8-million by 2014, up from $21.6-million in 2010, the market would continue to grow at a much slower pace than many of its international counterparts, research consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) said on Wednesday.
This would continue until such time that the renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) programme, which is in a waiting phase, is implemented. “The South African market will be limited primarily to off-grid applications, such as rural electrification, road signage, isolated farms and lodges and telecommunications,” said F&S in its ‘South African Solar Photovoltaic Market’ report." Read more here, on Engineering News
This would continue until such time that the renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) programme, which is in a waiting phase, is implemented. “The South African market will be limited primarily to off-grid applications, such as rural electrification, road signage, isolated farms and lodges and telecommunications,” said F&S in its ‘South African Solar Photovoltaic Market’ report." Read more here, on Engineering News
Solar Water Heaters
Including solar water heaters in building codes to help SA reach 2014 target - "While power utility Eskom’s rebate programme has facilitated interest in solar water heaters (SWHs) , a greater, more assertive framework would be required to attract the mass SWH adoption needed to reach South Africa’s target of one-million installations by the end of 2014.
Global consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) suggested that such a framework could include making SWHs mandatory for new buildings, which would eradicate the restrictive high initial cost of the product, by incorporating this into a new building’s operating cost." More here, on Engineering News
Nedbank launches pilot project to convert burst geysers to solar - "Banking giant Nedbank’s insurance division, Nedgroup Insurance, has launched a pilot project allowing its home-owner clients to install solar geysers as replacements when existing geysers burst or malfunction." More here, on Engineering News
Global consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) suggested that such a framework could include making SWHs mandatory for new buildings, which would eradicate the restrictive high initial cost of the product, by incorporating this into a new building’s operating cost." More here, on Engineering News
Nedbank launches pilot project to convert burst geysers to solar - "Banking giant Nedbank’s insurance division, Nedgroup Insurance, has launched a pilot project allowing its home-owner clients to install solar geysers as replacements when existing geysers burst or malfunction." More here, on Engineering News
Crucial to get first renewables round right, bank argues
"Banking group Investec, which is participating in a range of renewable energy projects in South Africa, says that while it is keen for the delayed renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) procurement process to begin as soon as possible, it also accepts that it is more important for South Africa that the first round is concluded successfully than hastily." More here, on Engineering News
World off course on climate, renewables vital – UN panel
"The world is off course in fighting climate change and governments need to boost green energies to build new momentum, the head of the UN panel of climate scientists said on Monday." Read more here, on Engineering News
Japan Doubles Admission of Radiation, Admits Three Meltdowns
Read more here, on IPA.
Meanwhile, here in SA, Earthlife Africa (with partners) will be hosting a series of meetings (in the second part of July 2011) around South Africa on the EIA for Nuclear -1, the legal issues, and a possible legal challenge if the EIA is granted. Find out more here.
and on the other hand:
Two top universities to jointly offer special nuclear courses - Engineering News
Meanwhile, here in SA, Earthlife Africa (with partners) will be hosting a series of meetings (in the second part of July 2011) around South Africa on the EIA for Nuclear -1, the legal issues, and a possible legal challenge if the EIA is granted. Find out more here.
and on the other hand:
Two top universities to jointly offer special nuclear courses - Engineering News
Friday, June 10, 2011
R250m set aside for business-focused power-saving scheme
"State-owned power utility Eskom has confirmed that R250-million has been set aside as part of a ‘standard offer’ to business consumers, including hotels, commercial property companies and light manufacturers, that are able to prove a reduction in their power consumption patterns.
Successful applicants will secure a three-year contract with Eskom, with 40% of the payment made after the energy savings have been made and verified. The balance will be paid in tranches at the end of each year." More, here on Engineering News
Successful applicants will secure a three-year contract with Eskom, with 40% of the payment made after the energy savings have been made and verified. The balance will be paid in tranches at the end of each year." More, here on Engineering News
Municipalities seek higher power tariffs to fund infrastructure upgrades
More here, on Engineering News
SA’s resource-intensive economic trajectory unsustainable – NPC
"Balancing the potential benefits from further development of South Africa’s mineral and agricultural endowments with a less resource- and energy-intensive development path has been highlighted as a key future challenge for future deliberations by the nascent National Planning Commission (NPC).
In its ‘Diagnostics Overview’, released by NPC chairperson Minister Trevor Manuel and deputy chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Thursday, the NPC warns that the costs of such a transition would not “fall evenly” and export sectors could “suffer”.
Nevertheless, it describes the prevailing resource-intensive nature of the South African economy as “unsustainable”, while making it vulnerable to external forces that can induce local booms and busts. Further, it notes that the coal-heavy nature of the economy open it to penalties as the world seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide." More here, on Engineering News
In its ‘Diagnostics Overview’, released by NPC chairperson Minister Trevor Manuel and deputy chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Thursday, the NPC warns that the costs of such a transition would not “fall evenly” and export sectors could “suffer”.
Nevertheless, it describes the prevailing resource-intensive nature of the South African economy as “unsustainable”, while making it vulnerable to external forces that can induce local booms and busts. Further, it notes that the coal-heavy nature of the economy open it to penalties as the world seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide." More here, on Engineering News
SA market for energy-efficient solutions to grow to $64.9m by 2016 – study
More here, on Engineering News
Imperial Cargo HQ switches on solar power system
"Imperial Cargo’s Paarl-based headquarters has switched on its new solar power system, while also opening the valves of its self-sufficient water treatment plant.
Imperial Cargo, a member of the Imperial Logistics group, has spent two years transforming what was a dump site into a green energy site." More here, on Engineering News
Imperial Cargo, a member of the Imperial Logistics group, has spent two years transforming what was a dump site into a green energy site." More here, on Engineering News
SA commits R18.6m for solar park feasibility study
"South Africa has committed R18.6-million to complete a feasibility study for a solar park, in Upington, and localisation would be “vigorously pursued” in moving ahead with the project, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said on Tuesday.
The feasibility study for the solar park, which would produce 5 000 MW of renewable energy, would be completed by the end of July." More here, on Engineering News
The feasibility study for the solar park, which would produce 5 000 MW of renewable energy, would be completed by the end of July." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom hopes to conclude more renewable energy funding soon
"State-owned power utility Eskom hopes to conclude more funding for its renewable energy projects in the near future, the utility, which secured a $365-million African Development Bank (AfDB) loan, said on Monday.
Eskom would use the AfDB loan towards financing its 100-MW Sere wind project in the Western Cape and a planned 100-MW concentrated solar plant in the Northern Cape.
The utility said that the AfDB loan formed part of a broader funding plan for renewable energy projects, which includes other development finance agencies.
The loan consists of $265-million from the bank’s own resources and $100-million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The CTF loan is for 40 years and was concluded under the South African government guarantee for Eskom’s debt." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom would use the AfDB loan towards financing its 100-MW Sere wind project in the Western Cape and a planned 100-MW concentrated solar plant in the Northern Cape.
The utility said that the AfDB loan formed part of a broader funding plan for renewable energy projects, which includes other development finance agencies.
The loan consists of $265-million from the bank’s own resources and $100-million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The CTF loan is for 40 years and was concluded under the South African government guarantee for Eskom’s debt." More here, on Engineering News
Standard Bank to launch efficient lighting CDM programme
"Standard Bank will kick off an energy efficient lighting programme aimed at replacing the estimated 40-million inefficient lamps in office buildings across South Africa, by early 2012." More here, on Engineering News
Solar PV has emerged as big IRP ‘winner’, report asserts
"Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies have emerged as the “big winner” in South Africa’s 20-year integrated resource plan (IRP) for electricity, which indicates that the PV solutions could deliver 8 400 MW of new capacity by 2030, a new report by Frost & Sullivan argues.
The target could translate into the deployment of a “staggering” 300 MW a year of large-scale solar PV from 2012 onwards, potentially transforming the country into a “solar gold mine”." More here, on Engineering News
The target could translate into the deployment of a “staggering” 300 MW a year of large-scale solar PV from 2012 onwards, potentially transforming the country into a “solar gold mine”." More here, on Engineering News
Google invests more in Renewable Energy
"The world’s most popular search engine has furthered its investment in green energy resources by purchasing the largest solar power tower plant on the planet. Located in the Mojave Desert, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is already under construction and is reportedly looking to produce 392 MW on completion in 2013 (1MW would power approximately 650 homes)." Read more here, on World Architecture News
Saturday, June 4, 2011
China gives bleak assessment of its battered environment
"More than half of China's cities are affected by acid rain and one-sixth of major rivers are so polluted the water is unfit even for farmland, a senior official said on Friday in a bleak assessment of the environmental price of the country's economic boom."..."The environmental degradation which has accompanied China's breakneck growth has emerged as one of the most potent fault lines in Chinese society, driving protests against Beijing's perceived inability to effectively tackle the problem."..."China has repeatedly promised to clean up its stressed environment. But it often fails to match that with the resources and political will to enforce Beijing's mandates, as local officials put growth, revenue and jobs ahead of environmental protection." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
World Environment Day 5 June
Read about it here. Find out more about "Eat for EArth" project, here in SA.
No ‘green’ earmarking plan for carbon tax revenue
Should South Africa, which produced about 500-million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)yearly, move ahead with the implementation of a carbon tax, the revenue generated would not necessarily be set aside specifically for environmental projects, National Treasury environmental and fuel taxes director Sharlin Hemraj stressed on Thursday. Engineering News
NamPower moves to study Namibia’s bush-to-power potential
"Namibia’s national power utility NamPower plans to conduct a prefeasibility study into the potential for biomass power plants, fuelled using wood from invasive bush, which is said to be accelerating desertification and undermining agriculture in the vast Southern African country." Extracted from this Engineering News article
Joburg commissions first of five gas-to-energy projects
"The City of Johannesburg commissioned its first landfill gas-to-energy project, with a further four sites to follow over the next 12 months."..."Through the Infrastructure and Services Department (ISD), Johannesburg initiated the landfill gas-to-energy Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project in 2007."..."The project would make use of five of the city’s landfill sites including Marie Louise, Robinson Deep, Ennerdale, Linbro Park and Goudkoppies landfills."..."The Robinson Deep landfill gas-to-energy project, which would be fully operational by June, was the first to be completed, and would be followed by the commissioning of Marie Louise landfill in August, and the rest by June 2012."..."It was expected that the renewable energy generated would be fed into the municipal grid, thus off-setting largely coal-derived electricity."..."“When completed this will be the biggest landfill gas-to-energy project in South-Africa,” said Johannesburg ISD representative Palesa Mathibeli." Extracted from this Engineering News article
Cesa says SA on ‘right track’ with acid mine drainage report
"Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in February when he presented his Budget speech in parliament that R225-million had been set aside for dealing with AMD."..."The budget makes specific provision for short-term measures to bring the AMD situation under control and to avert short-term environmental and property impacts and risks."..."Further work to develop long-term technically feasible and financially viable approaches and solutions to the management of AMD were still being considered."..."Expanding on the problem in the Central basin, which is the largest, the report states that the water level has been rising at an average daily rate of 0,59-million litres since July 2009, varying seasonally between 0,3-million litres a day and 0,9-million litres a day. By the end of last year, the water was about 510 m below the surface."..."It is predicted that the rising water level will reach the surface by March 2013." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
Minister: Germany to go nuke free by 2022
"Germany's ruling coalition has agreed to shut down all of the nation's nuclear power plants by 2022." More, hereon CNN.
Our energy future
Overhaul of Eskom board to have no executive spill over - Engineering News
International summit urges stronger nuclear agencies and safety cooperation - Engineering News
Necsa to decide on new isotope reactor next year - Engineering News
SA plans to start nuclear procurement process next year - "South Africa plans to start the procurement process for its nuclear build programme next year, with the first new reactor expected to come on line by 2023, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said on Thursday.
The country plans to add 9 600 MW of new nuclear power to its power-generation mix over the next two decades." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom launches ‘open innovation’ pilot to tackle key problems - Engineering News
Nersa delays Refit announcement to mid-June - "The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) would announce a decision on the review of the renewable energy feed-in tariffs (Refit) in mid-June 2011, it said on Tuesday."..."Nersa, which initially expected to complete the Refit review on May 26, said it delayed an announcement owing to the significant amount of feedback received after a public hearings process into the tariff review held on May 5 and May 6."..."Nersa said that 200 written comments were submitted and over 40 presentations were given during the process."..."The regulator released the revised tariff proposal in March, to the surprise of industry players. Most companies with renewable energy interests were not in favour of the revised tariffs as they were, in some cases, particularly solar power, significantly lower than the original tariffs. Many projects in advanced stages were relying on the original tariffs for financial closure, and said that the revised tariffs would render their projects unbankable." Extracted from this Engineering News article
SA should expect more distribution-linked blackouts as R27bn backlog grows - Engineering News
Greenpeace pushes for nuclear-free power mix, big renewable scale-up - "Although the DoE has released the policy-adjusted Integrated Resource Plan 2010 (IRP2010),Greenpeace was lobbying for new decisions, and adjustments to be made to the plan."..."The major push was for the government to more than double its target of 23% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, to 49%, which Greenpeace believes is achievable."..."At present, about 1% of South Africa’s energy generation mix is derived from renewable energy."..."Compared with the IRP2010, Greenpeace’s energy [r]evolution scenario to 2050 would be significantly more expensive. If the reference scenario required about $181-billion investment, the energy [r]evolution scenario would require some $404-billion."..."However, Teske notes that the future cumulated savings on fuel costs would be significant and go some way to balance out these costs. He also noted that more jobs would be created through greater renewable energy input."..."Where the IRP2010 envisaged 133 000 jobs created in the energy industry, Greenpeace expected that through its energy [r]evolution scenario, some 140 000 jobs could be created."..."Greenpeace was also asking that the government completely remove nuclear power from the future energy plans, and in the interim conduct an independent safety review of the technology, particularly after Japan’s Fukushima nuclear incident."..."It was also stated that Kusile power station was not needed and construction of coal-fired power stations should stop after the construction of the Medupi power station."...Greenpeace also strongly advocated greater energy efficiency through stricter standards and targets." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting].
China interested in building nuclear plant in East Africa - "China wants to help build nuclear power generation in East Africa, uranium mining and investment company IBI Corp said in a statement after meeting Chinese officials in Beijing, revealing China's undimmed appetite for overseas nuclear expansion despite the Japanese nuclear crisis this year."..."IBI, which has uranium-prospective land in Uganda, said its director, AJ Coffman, held an "encouraging meeting... with the relatively new umbrella organisation overseeing China's research and development of Generation 3 and Generation 4 nuclear power plant designs."...""At the meeting, this entity expressed an interest in pursuing nuclear power plant construction in East Africa."..."China is in the early stages of a massive nuclear power expansion to help meet the demands of its power-guzzling economy and to weaken the grip of coal as the dominant source of fuel." Extracted from this Engineering News article[our highlighting].
SA hopes big LPG upscaling will help delay need for new power plants - "The department intends to address the cost of switching to gas appliances by implementing incentives,though they do believe market forces will also encourage consumers to switch to LPG even in the absence of incentives."..."Bulk distribution will be addressed by importing more LPG through the Richards Bay and Saldahna Bay terminals. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa had already granted one license for the importation of LPG through Saldanha Bay." Extracted from this Engineering News article
SA still going nuclear, but moving with renewed caution - "South Africa is still committed to integrating nuclear power into its electricity generation portfolio, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters made clear during her Budget vote speech in Parliament on Thursday. However she also *stressed that the Department of Energy’s approach remains a "cautious" one, even more so following the nuclear crisis in Japan as a result of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami."..."
The department's director-general Nelisiwe Magubane added that, following the Fukushima incident, the Koeberg nuclear power station was also undergoing stress testing. The cooling mechanism of the plant was under particular scrutiny, as this was an area of failure at the Japanese plant."..."*Peters also said that the “nuclear transaction” needed to be commenced “well in time so that we can commission the power by 2023”." Extracted from this Engineering News article [*our highlighting]
Nuclear energy not a quick fix – Peters - ""Considering long term commitment to nuclear, countries interested in embarking on this programme will require at least 100 years to maintain sustainable and safety operation of the nuclear power, decommissioning and waste disposal," she said."...."Nuclear energy forms part of the integrated resources plan (IRP) which sets out the country's energy mix up to 2030. Nuclear would contribute 23% of the energy supply."..."Peters said South Africa should work with its regional neighbours on projects to secure energy supply."..."Peters said African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Niger and Gabon were rich in uranium needed to produce nuclear energy."...""This gives the African states the confidence that they can rely on Africa for their uranium supplies," she said."...""This mineral must also benefit Africans through job creation. Partnership with all stakeholders in this value chain, including trade unions involved in mining of energy minerals is essential.""..."The minister said the public's confidence in nuclear power had been shaken by the tragedy in Japan where a magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami in March crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing releases of radioactivity."...""All of us working in the nuclear field have an enormous task ahead of us to assure the public that nuclear power plants can be operated safely and to earn their trust," she said."...""It is our duty to work hard and communicate transparently about the risk of radiation and address the concerns raised by the Fukushima accident.""..."She warned, however, that this communication should not be "alarmist"." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
US bank grants R5,7bn loan for Kusile power station - Engineering News
China's ICBC to lend Zambia $285m for power line - Engineering News
Nuclear could ease energy shortage, create jobs – Adam - "Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (Niasa) president Dr Rob Adam said on Wednesday that investment in nuclear power would not only ease South Africa’s energy shortage, but would also allow for significant job creation. Adam, who is also Necsa [South African Nuclear Energy Corporation] CEO, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of Energy Minister Dipuo Peters at the Nuclear Industry Localisation Conference (NILC) in Cape Town. He said that nuclear would remain a large part of the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), which sets out South Africa’s energy mix over 20 years."..."The country’s intention to invest in nuclear power is “extremely positive” for the nuclear industry, said World Nuclear Association director of trade and transport Serge Gorlin."..."Germany is currently the only country to have taken the drastic step of completely closing its nuclear programme, with decommissioning of all its nuclear plants to be completed by 2022. Switzerland, while not closing its nuclear energy programme, has also been cautious and will not be replacing three units that have come to the end of their life cycle, Gorlin said. He added that other countries with established nuclear programmes, such as the UK and the US, were reviewing their existing nuclear plans, but have not fundamentally altered their stance towards nuclear energy generation. Developing countries, such as India and South Korea, were still pursuing growing nuclear energy programmes."" [*our highlighting] Extracted from this Engineering News article.[our highlighting]
Niger says nuclear plans to involve African peers - "Niger's plans to produce its own nuclear power will be developed in partnership with other African
nations, not alone, due to the country's low energy needs, the government said. Niger, *one of the world's poorest countries, is a major exporter of uranium and has oil reserves but currently imports some 70 percent of its energy from neighbouring Nigeria. *"If there is something that we have to do, it is to have our own civilian nuclear reactor," government spokesman Marou Amadou said late on Tuesday. "The one thing to highlight here is that our energy needs are low so we will only (have a reactor) in the context of a consortium of African states," Amadou said, without giving any details of which other countries might be involved."..."Niger's annual electricity consumption in 2007 was just under 590 million kilowatt-hours, according to the latest figures available on the CIA World Factbook."..."The West African nation's *key partner is French nuclear giant Areva, whose Imouraren mine should turn Niger into the world's No. 2 producer/exporter of uranmium."..."The mine will produce 5,000 tonnes of uranium a year from about 2013 or 2014, according to Areva."..."However, the country's north, *where the uramium deposits mostly are, is plagued with insecurity due to banditry, local rebellions and *armed groups linked to al Qaeda."..."Niger announced its nuclear plans last year but there are no target dates for the programme to get up and running." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
International summit urges stronger nuclear agencies and safety cooperation - Engineering News
Necsa to decide on new isotope reactor next year - Engineering News
SA plans to start nuclear procurement process next year - "South Africa plans to start the procurement process for its nuclear build programme next year, with the first new reactor expected to come on line by 2023, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said on Thursday.
The country plans to add 9 600 MW of new nuclear power to its power-generation mix over the next two decades." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom launches ‘open innovation’ pilot to tackle key problems - Engineering News
Nersa delays Refit announcement to mid-June - "The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) would announce a decision on the review of the renewable energy feed-in tariffs (Refit) in mid-June 2011, it said on Tuesday."..."Nersa, which initially expected to complete the Refit review on May 26, said it delayed an announcement owing to the significant amount of feedback received after a public hearings process into the tariff review held on May 5 and May 6."..."Nersa said that 200 written comments were submitted and over 40 presentations were given during the process."..."The regulator released the revised tariff proposal in March, to the surprise of industry players. Most companies with renewable energy interests were not in favour of the revised tariffs as they were, in some cases, particularly solar power, significantly lower than the original tariffs. Many projects in advanced stages were relying on the original tariffs for financial closure, and said that the revised tariffs would render their projects unbankable." Extracted from this Engineering News article
SA should expect more distribution-linked blackouts as R27bn backlog grows - Engineering News
Greenpeace pushes for nuclear-free power mix, big renewable scale-up - "Although the DoE has released the policy-adjusted Integrated Resource Plan 2010 (IRP2010),Greenpeace was lobbying for new decisions, and adjustments to be made to the plan."..."The major push was for the government to more than double its target of 23% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, to 49%, which Greenpeace believes is achievable."..."At present, about 1% of South Africa’s energy generation mix is derived from renewable energy."..."Compared with the IRP2010, Greenpeace’s energy [r]evolution scenario to 2050 would be significantly more expensive. If the reference scenario required about $181-billion investment, the energy [r]evolution scenario would require some $404-billion."..."However, Teske notes that the future cumulated savings on fuel costs would be significant and go some way to balance out these costs. He also noted that more jobs would be created through greater renewable energy input."..."Where the IRP2010 envisaged 133 000 jobs created in the energy industry, Greenpeace expected that through its energy [r]evolution scenario, some 140 000 jobs could be created."..."Greenpeace was also asking that the government completely remove nuclear power from the future energy plans, and in the interim conduct an independent safety review of the technology, particularly after Japan’s Fukushima nuclear incident."..."It was also stated that Kusile power station was not needed and construction of coal-fired power stations should stop after the construction of the Medupi power station."...Greenpeace also strongly advocated greater energy efficiency through stricter standards and targets." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting].
China interested in building nuclear plant in East Africa - "China wants to help build nuclear power generation in East Africa, uranium mining and investment company IBI Corp said in a statement after meeting Chinese officials in Beijing, revealing China's undimmed appetite for overseas nuclear expansion despite the Japanese nuclear crisis this year."..."IBI, which has uranium-prospective land in Uganda, said its director, AJ Coffman, held an "encouraging meeting... with the relatively new umbrella organisation overseeing China's research and development of Generation 3 and Generation 4 nuclear power plant designs."...""At the meeting, this entity expressed an interest in pursuing nuclear power plant construction in East Africa."..."China is in the early stages of a massive nuclear power expansion to help meet the demands of its power-guzzling economy and to weaken the grip of coal as the dominant source of fuel." Extracted from this Engineering News article[our highlighting].
SA hopes big LPG upscaling will help delay need for new power plants - "The department intends to address the cost of switching to gas appliances by implementing incentives,though they do believe market forces will also encourage consumers to switch to LPG even in the absence of incentives."..."Bulk distribution will be addressed by importing more LPG through the Richards Bay and Saldahna Bay terminals. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa had already granted one license for the importation of LPG through Saldanha Bay." Extracted from this Engineering News article
SA still going nuclear, but moving with renewed caution - "South Africa is still committed to integrating nuclear power into its electricity generation portfolio, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters made clear during her Budget vote speech in Parliament on Thursday. However she also *stressed that the Department of Energy’s approach remains a "cautious" one, even more so following the nuclear crisis in Japan as a result of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami."..."
The department's director-general Nelisiwe Magubane added that, following the Fukushima incident, the Koeberg nuclear power station was also undergoing stress testing. The cooling mechanism of the plant was under particular scrutiny, as this was an area of failure at the Japanese plant."..."*Peters also said that the “nuclear transaction” needed to be commenced “well in time so that we can commission the power by 2023”." Extracted from this Engineering News article [*our highlighting]
Nuclear energy not a quick fix – Peters - ""Considering long term commitment to nuclear, countries interested in embarking on this programme will require at least 100 years to maintain sustainable and safety operation of the nuclear power, decommissioning and waste disposal," she said."...."Nuclear energy forms part of the integrated resources plan (IRP) which sets out the country's energy mix up to 2030. Nuclear would contribute 23% of the energy supply."..."Peters said South Africa should work with its regional neighbours on projects to secure energy supply."..."Peters said African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Niger and Gabon were rich in uranium needed to produce nuclear energy."...""This gives the African states the confidence that they can rely on Africa for their uranium supplies," she said."...""This mineral must also benefit Africans through job creation. Partnership with all stakeholders in this value chain, including trade unions involved in mining of energy minerals is essential.""..."The minister said the public's confidence in nuclear power had been shaken by the tragedy in Japan where a magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami in March crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing releases of radioactivity."...""All of us working in the nuclear field have an enormous task ahead of us to assure the public that nuclear power plants can be operated safely and to earn their trust," she said."...""It is our duty to work hard and communicate transparently about the risk of radiation and address the concerns raised by the Fukushima accident.""..."She warned, however, that this communication should not be "alarmist"." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
US bank grants R5,7bn loan for Kusile power station - Engineering News
China's ICBC to lend Zambia $285m for power line - Engineering News
Nuclear could ease energy shortage, create jobs – Adam - "Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (Niasa) president Dr Rob Adam said on Wednesday that investment in nuclear power would not only ease South Africa’s energy shortage, but would also allow for significant job creation. Adam, who is also Necsa [South African Nuclear Energy Corporation] CEO, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of Energy Minister Dipuo Peters at the Nuclear Industry Localisation Conference (NILC) in Cape Town. He said that nuclear would remain a large part of the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), which sets out South Africa’s energy mix over 20 years."..."The country’s intention to invest in nuclear power is “extremely positive” for the nuclear industry, said World Nuclear Association director of trade and transport Serge Gorlin."..."Germany is currently the only country to have taken the drastic step of completely closing its nuclear programme, with decommissioning of all its nuclear plants to be completed by 2022. Switzerland, while not closing its nuclear energy programme, has also been cautious and will not be replacing three units that have come to the end of their life cycle, Gorlin said. He added that other countries with established nuclear programmes, such as the UK and the US, were reviewing their existing nuclear plans, but have not fundamentally altered their stance towards nuclear energy generation. Developing countries, such as India and South Korea, were still pursuing growing nuclear energy programmes."" [*our highlighting] Extracted from this Engineering News article.[our highlighting]
Niger says nuclear plans to involve African peers - "Niger's plans to produce its own nuclear power will be developed in partnership with other African
nations, not alone, due to the country's low energy needs, the government said. Niger, *one of the world's poorest countries, is a major exporter of uranium and has oil reserves but currently imports some 70 percent of its energy from neighbouring Nigeria. *"If there is something that we have to do, it is to have our own civilian nuclear reactor," government spokesman Marou Amadou said late on Tuesday. "The one thing to highlight here is that our energy needs are low so we will only (have a reactor) in the context of a consortium of African states," Amadou said, without giving any details of which other countries might be involved."..."Niger's annual electricity consumption in 2007 was just under 590 million kilowatt-hours, according to the latest figures available on the CIA World Factbook."..."The West African nation's *key partner is French nuclear giant Areva, whose Imouraren mine should turn Niger into the world's No. 2 producer/exporter of uranmium."..."The mine will produce 5,000 tonnes of uranium a year from about 2013 or 2014, according to Areva."..."However, the country's north, *where the uramium deposits mostly are, is plagued with insecurity due to banditry, local rebellions and *armed groups linked to al Qaeda."..."Niger announced its nuclear plans last year but there are no target dates for the programme to get up and running." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
First Refit capacity to be procured by year-end, Peters asserts
"Despite the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) announcement this week that the outcome of its renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) review would be delayed until mid-June, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters told lawmakers on Thursday that the procurement programme should begin before the end of June and that transactions for the first 1 000 MW of Refit capacity should be concluded by year-end." Extracted from this Engineering News article
Manuel wants $100bn Green Climate Fund finalised by Dec
More, here on Engineering News.
Manuel urges Africa to start identifying Climate Fund projects - More here, on Engineering News.
Manuel urges Africa to start identifying Climate Fund projects - More here, on Engineering News.
Mittal sets aside billions to meet SA’s tightening enviro limits
How much time do you spend using your cell phone and other wireless devices?
Have you ever heard about the Electromagnetic Radiation Research Foundation of South Africa? Check out their website here. What about "electrosmog" (read this interesting Daily Mail article)?
For what appears to be a fairly unbiased article on the topic, read this Time magazine article.
Many agree that we should consider limiting our (or, if not ours, atleast our children's) long term exposure to cellphone masts, cellphones, Wi-fi and other wireless devices, atleast until conclusive evidence proves there is no increased risk of developing brain cancer, and other disorders as a result of extensive / regular exposure to these devices.
For what appears to be a fairly unbiased article on the topic, read this Time magazine article.
Many agree that we should consider limiting our (or, if not ours, atleast our children's) long term exposure to cellphone masts, cellphones, Wi-fi and other wireless devices, atleast until conclusive evidence proves there is no increased risk of developing brain cancer, and other disorders as a result of extensive / regular exposure to these devices.
Eskom seeks to reward household energy-saving champions
A new award category - energy savings in households - has been added to the 2011 Eskom Eta awards, which recognise energy efficiency innovations and achievements.
The new category would seek to acknowledge and reward those individuals who have implemented innovative energy efficiency applications at home, with the winner to receive R30 000, and the runner-up R5 000. Entries close Aug 10th 2011. Extracted from this Engineering News Article.
Nominations sought for 2011 energy awards - More here on Engineering News
The new category would seek to acknowledge and reward those individuals who have implemented innovative energy efficiency applications at home, with the winner to receive R30 000, and the runner-up R5 000. Entries close Aug 10th 2011. Extracted from this Engineering News Article.
Nominations sought for 2011 energy awards - More here on Engineering News
Automotive News
SA mulls support for electric vehicles, draws up position paper - "It appears unlikely that South African consumers will secure special incentives or tax breaks to buy electric vehicles (EVs), as has been the case in many developed countries in the world. While government says it is seeking to support this new technology, it cautions that it will have to find other mechanisms to do so than what has become the norm in countries with deeper pockets." MOre here, on Engineering News
First green BMW dealership hopes for 30% cut in electricity costs - Engineering News
NMMU to build solar car, VW to provide sponsorship - "The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMU’s) Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre(AMTC), and the Volkswagen Group/DAAD International Chair in the School of Engineering at the university, have initiated a project to design and build a solar car to compete in the biennial South African Solar Challenge in 2012."...."The challenge sees participants from all over the world compete in a two-week race, driving solar-powered vehicles across South Africa."...."The 2012 event will be the third race on local soil, and has, to date, been dominated by Japanese teams." Extracted from this Engineering News article.
New EfficientDynamics measures on BMW 3 Series cut fuel use further - Engineering News
Eastern Cape auto sector receives R7m green production boost - Engineering News
Fuel costs now higher than some vehicle installments? Read this Engineering News article.
First green BMW dealership hopes for 30% cut in electricity costs - Engineering News
NMMU to build solar car, VW to provide sponsorship - "The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMU’s) Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre(AMTC), and the Volkswagen Group/DAAD International Chair in the School of Engineering at the university, have initiated a project to design and build a solar car to compete in the biennial South African Solar Challenge in 2012."...."The challenge sees participants from all over the world compete in a two-week race, driving solar-powered vehicles across South Africa."...."The 2012 event will be the third race on local soil, and has, to date, been dominated by Japanese teams." Extracted from this Engineering News article.
New EfficientDynamics measures on BMW 3 Series cut fuel use further - Engineering News
Eastern Cape auto sector receives R7m green production boost - Engineering News
Fuel costs now higher than some vehicle installments? Read this Engineering News article.
Norway to build northernmost green energy building
A planned building in Norway will be at the most northern location so far to generate more energy than it uses, demonstrating that "green" buildings can work anywhere, its backers said on Friday. Engineering News
Brazil, SA, India and China want Kyoto Protocol extended
"As Ministers of the Brazil, South Africa, India, China (Basic) grouping met to firm their position before further global climate change negotiating sessions, they reiterated that a second commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol was central to a comprehensive outcome at the 17th conference of the parties COP17) in Durban in November, and December."..."The next Basic Ministerial meeting was scheduled for August, and would be held in Brazil."..."COP 17 will be held from November 28 to December 9 in Durban." Extracted from this Engineering News article
10 reasons to go organic
For more detail, check out this Urban Sprout article:
1. Rid your body (and the environment) of toxins
2. Boost your immune system
3. Enjoy the taste
4. Care for animals
5. No GM
6. Trust our food again
7. Fight Global warming
8. Promote biodiversity
9. protect future generations
10. support organic farmers.
1. Rid your body (and the environment) of toxins
2. Boost your immune system
3. Enjoy the taste
4. Care for animals
5. No GM
6. Trust our food again
7. Fight Global warming
8. Promote biodiversity
9. protect future generations
10. support organic farmers.
fairtrade sales in sa reached R18,4 million in 2010
Fairtrade Label South Africa (FLSA) is the local marketing organisation for Fairtradee and aims to alleviate rural poverty and to empower small-scale farmers and disadvantaged workers primarily in Africa by creating market opportunities for increasing sales of Fairtrade labelled products in South Africa. More, in this Urban Sprout article
SA won’t finalise existing Karoo fracking applications ahead of probe
More, here on Engineering News
Eskom reduces power supply to BHP to manage system
Eskom's spokeswoman Hilary Joffe said on Monday that under a special pricing agreement signed between the utility and BHP in the 1980s Eskom can temporarily interrupt supplies to the smelters, but only for up to two hours a week. Engineering News
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