"A new ‘Green Jobs’ report estimates that some 130 023 direct jobs could be created by South Africa’s renewable energy sector by 2025, but only if the renewables allocation outlined in the current Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010-2030 is materially expanded"
Source and More here on Engineering News
Friday, November 25, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS
CARBON TAX
SA carbon tax could have growth, jobs co-benefits – World Bank - Engineering News
Carbon Taxation: South Africa and beyond - Global Carbon Exchange
Sustainability Efforts reduce medical claims - Global Carbon Exchange
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Bank sees strong interest in renewable energy investments - Engineering News
As renewables bids flow, SA seeks ways to lower the deployment costs - Engineering News
Eskom weighs emission-reduction options as its launches PV pilot - Engineering News
World Bank OKs $297m for Morocco solar plant - Engineering News
SOLAR POWER
Big rooftop solar installation for Dube TradePort - Engineering News
R22m made available to kick start E Cape SWH project - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
Science not politics must drive Durban climate talks - Engineering News
Zuma calls for credible COP 17 outcome - Engineering News
As the COP 17 clock counts down, few signs of global consensus emerge - Engineering News
SWHs to help minimise COP 17 environmental footprint - Engineering News
Time running out for deal on global warming at climate talks - Engineering News
AVIATION & BIOFUELS
SAA mulls big biofuels shift in bid to avoid possible carbon penalties - Engineering News
SA carbon tax could have growth, jobs co-benefits – World Bank - Engineering News
Carbon Taxation: South Africa and beyond - Global Carbon Exchange
Sustainability Efforts reduce medical claims - Global Carbon Exchange
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Bank sees strong interest in renewable energy investments - Engineering News
As renewables bids flow, SA seeks ways to lower the deployment costs - Engineering News
Eskom weighs emission-reduction options as its launches PV pilot - Engineering News
World Bank OKs $297m for Morocco solar plant - Engineering News
SOLAR POWER
Big rooftop solar installation for Dube TradePort - Engineering News
R22m made available to kick start E Cape SWH project - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
Science not politics must drive Durban climate talks - Engineering News
Zuma calls for credible COP 17 outcome - Engineering News
As the COP 17 clock counts down, few signs of global consensus emerge - Engineering News
SWHs to help minimise COP 17 environmental footprint - Engineering News
Time running out for deal on global warming at climate talks - Engineering News
AVIATION & BIOFUELS
SAA mulls big biofuels shift in bid to avoid possible carbon penalties - Engineering News
The Monsterous Price of South Africa's Coal Addiction
Check out this GreenPeace Africa article highlighting a report they released about a month ago called 'the True Cost of Coal'.
This report calculates the actual cost of Kusile's entire coal chain. The report provides compelling evidence that South Africa should end its addiction to coal.
You can read the report and full article here.
This report calculates the actual cost of Kusile's entire coal chain. The report provides compelling evidence that South Africa should end its addiction to coal.
You can read the report and full article here.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Nuclear illness scourge
"Exposure to uranium at South African nuclear facilities over the years has left dozens of people dead and hundreds of others terminally ill, an investigation by The New Age has revealed."
Source and More here on: The New Age
Source and More here on: The New Age
Wind Turbines and Bird Fatalities
"Last month, biologists found 484 bird carcasses at the AES-owned Laurel Mountain wind installation in West Virginia. The mass mortality event did not involve turbines."
"...(apparently the) cause was that migrating birds were drawn to lights left on at the facility’s electrical substation in cold foggy weather. The birds, it is theorized, were galvanized and disoriented by the bright lights and circled until they died and fell out of the sky."
This article also provides an interesting chart on bird mortalities and the various causes.
Source and More here on greentechmedia
"...(apparently the) cause was that migrating birds were drawn to lights left on at the facility’s electrical substation in cold foggy weather. The birds, it is theorized, were galvanized and disoriented by the bright lights and circled until they died and fell out of the sky."
This article also provides an interesting chart on bird mortalities and the various causes.
Source and More here on greentechmedia
Illovo aims for energy self-sufficiency in 3 to 5 years
"JSE-listed Illovo Sugar aims to move towards achieving self-sufficiency in electricity generation, as it increases its use of renewable energy, the sugar producer said on Wednesday.
GM Graham Clark tells Engineering News Online that with ongoing initiatives and capital investments, the group hopes to reach self-sufficiency within the next three to five years."
Source and More here on: Engineering News
GM Graham Clark tells Engineering News Online that with ongoing initiatives and capital investments, the group hopes to reach self-sufficiency within the next three to five years."
Source and More here on: Engineering News
Monday, November 21, 2011
Grid Connectivity Talk Hosted by Greencape Initiative (Cape Town)
We attended a "Grid Connectivity" talk hosted by the Greencape Initiative in the Cape Town CBD today. Our rough notes on what was covered are given below[for confirmation of the facts, refer to the Greencape Initiative website]:
FIRST, OUR COMMENTS:
It is interesting to note that at events such as this, it has become apparent that there is substantial public interest in smaller projects and home installations. The fact that getting net metering off the ground could be difficult due to the potential risk of loss of income to Municipalities is unfortunate and makes one wonder about the actual purpose of these public bodies (i.e. protecting the public's best interests v being a going concern as if a private company). We do, however, hope that the steps Eskom is taking to allow for IPPs to get RE projects off the ground in SA are going to be fruitful and we think that the Greencape Initiative is a valuable support structure to help this process get off the ground.
OUR ROUGH NOTES:
The main speaker was Riaan Smit, Chief Engineer of Network Planning at Eskom.
Riaan started by reviewing the outcome of the first bidding process for SA's tender for the procurement of renewable energy by Independant Power Producers for which applications were accepted up to 04 November 2011.
149 applications for wind power projects, 122 Solar PV, 9 CSP & 41 applications for 'other' projects were received. Wind was clearly proved the most popular (in terms of the number of applications submitted) with PV following close behind.
In terms of capacity (MW), wind power again came tops, taking roughly 75%.
Rebid progress (started 17 November 2011):
Only 53 bids have been confirmed as received.
Many applications are not meeting the necessary requirements (environmental and other)
[Note: preferred bidders to be announced by the DoE over Cop17 (Durban).]
THE GRID & DIFFERENT RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Challenge:
Where to develop new grid. Lead times of projects etc. New grids need to be built over the next 30 years.
Different technologies - Impact on the grid:
wind - You get the older and newer concepts all with different specs in terms of: power regulation; speed; gearbox; type; inverter, and voltage. There is a need to model the various types (a, b, c and d). Types C & D favoured (DFIG & PMSG[full power electronic converters]).
Ref: africa electricity.com
CSP - discussed two types of energy storage:
steam storage vessel (e.g. Spain example) or salt storage.
Indicated that steam storage "stabilised production during cloud transient - more grid friendly".
TECHNICAL CONCERNS / AWARENESS
1.thermal loading of lines and transformers
2.voltage variations during the normal operation
3. overvoltage studies for RE projects
4. voltage recovery after faults
5. phasing out old networks [instead of fixing existing infrastructure, maybe redo on new network.
(dependant on size and location)
Took Laingsberg wind power facility as an example - expect high voltages; small voltage changes due to line outages.
power factor control characteristic - need to choose correct wind turbine technology [C or d].
Line lengths are a big factor - Longer the line, increase in losses, voltage changes, limit transfer, capacity constrained.
what to do? Thicken[?] up conductor? Ask developers to move sites?
More technical concerns/awareness:
6.reactive power control
7.focus on load modelling
8.short circuit currents. fault level.
9.limit system losses vs maximum use of thermal capacities
10.reliability required by wind, pv, csp, other developers.
11.impact on power quality aspects.
12.transmission system requirements such as voltage stability
13.dynamic studies for various technologies, including mw networks.
14.impact on sub-synchronous resonance for cape network (rotor movement in cape v rotor movement north - can cause resonance).
15.voltage sags due to breaker operation
16.cable/transformer inrush currents
17.influence on ripple control systems.
CURRENT ESKOM ACTIVITIES:
Staff went to Denmark to visit two facilities for 3 weeks to gain practical experience. Feedback is that we are not as far behind as what was anticipatied. The main focus during this visit was skills development and new documentation.
Grid access unit established - customer service interface and applications.
Distribution master plans and network development plans to cater for RE scenarios. What to expect? Which applications will be approved? How to plan for networks in future.
Distribution self build policy and guideline - expect for it to be available Dec 2011.
Transmission updating generation connection capacity assessment future scenarios - A follow up of GCCA-2012. Making some changes to this. Should be available middle next year (scenerious up to 2040) [IRP going on to 2013]. Will build different scenarios, including less nuclear scenario to see if replaced by RE how it will be.
STILL NEED TO ADDRESS requirements for small renewable energy projects (based on NRS 097-2). Smaller i.e. 1mw and bigger.
Nothing yet for smaller than 1MW. Commented that maybe get the bigger ones goings and then tackle 100kw (household). Maybe next year. NRS 097-2 - making provision for smaller project technical requirements.
Smart grid working group.
people say smart grid(s) are the answer.
For this reason, this group has been established.
LESSONS LEARNT
company "A" does not transfer cost estimate from Eskom to company "B"
Mismatch between property ownership/rights and actual servitude requirements.
Mismatch between Eskom technical solutions offered and developer documents
point of utility coupling - gaps identified
developers risk project if scope not clearly defined and agreed with Eskom mismatch between developer EIA own solutions vs Eskom practical solution - eg cannot just rebuild new line on existing servitude while supplying customers.
Clear indication of self built with time lines/lead times to be well defined.
Q&A:
1. EIA time lapse - Can use of cables make it easier? - A: If the EIA needs to improve route - then it won't make it easier.
2. Someone from the floor said that NERSA has condoned roof top - unqualified access to grid for anything below 100kw. A:Rian says that nothing has been approved. If NERSA condones then it is something still to be developed, perhaps next year.
Another response to question 2 above: Someone added that we are talking about net metering and that local authorities are working together to try and achieve this. There is no problem with it, but we just haven't worked out the regulatory environment for it. Once this is in place, Eskom has to execute it, but to get this in place will take time. NERSA does the regulating, but at the end of the day, it must be dealt with on a local authority level. To get anything through, it will have to be sent through National Treasury. Local authorities make their revenue from electricity sales and Treasury may be weary of implementing systems which may lead to having to bail out local authorities that go bust.
3. Developers are not allowed to combine (resources?). DOE issue.
4. How to handle intermittent load of RE. Example of how Germany and Netherlands have good integrated networks and why gas can play a role as it does there, in allowing for quick response. Ramp rate of solar might also help. Noted that it is said that ramp rate in Britain is not a big issue. Example of sports event or royal wedding intermission times when there is major consumption peak (use of kettles, etc) and how the grid handled it. It is a matter of conventional and reserves being properly managed. Problem in SA is that we don't have reserve to allow for this.
................
FIRST, OUR COMMENTS:
It is interesting to note that at events such as this, it has become apparent that there is substantial public interest in smaller projects and home installations. The fact that getting net metering off the ground could be difficult due to the potential risk of loss of income to Municipalities is unfortunate and makes one wonder about the actual purpose of these public bodies (i.e. protecting the public's best interests v being a going concern as if a private company). We do, however, hope that the steps Eskom is taking to allow for IPPs to get RE projects off the ground in SA are going to be fruitful and we think that the Greencape Initiative is a valuable support structure to help this process get off the ground.
OUR ROUGH NOTES:
The main speaker was Riaan Smit, Chief Engineer of Network Planning at Eskom.
Riaan started by reviewing the outcome of the first bidding process for SA's tender for the procurement of renewable energy by Independant Power Producers for which applications were accepted up to 04 November 2011.
149 applications for wind power projects, 122 Solar PV, 9 CSP & 41 applications for 'other' projects were received. Wind was clearly proved the most popular (in terms of the number of applications submitted) with PV following close behind.
In terms of capacity (MW), wind power again came tops, taking roughly 75%.
Rebid progress (started 17 November 2011):
Only 53 bids have been confirmed as received.
Many applications are not meeting the necessary requirements (environmental and other)
[Note: preferred bidders to be announced by the DoE over Cop17 (Durban).]
THE GRID & DIFFERENT RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Challenge:
Where to develop new grid. Lead times of projects etc. New grids need to be built over the next 30 years.
Different technologies - Impact on the grid:
wind - You get the older and newer concepts all with different specs in terms of: power regulation; speed; gearbox; type; inverter, and voltage. There is a need to model the various types (a, b, c and d). Types C & D favoured (DFIG & PMSG[full power electronic converters]).
Ref: africa electricity.com
CSP - discussed two types of energy storage:
steam storage vessel (e.g. Spain example) or salt storage.
Indicated that steam storage "stabilised production during cloud transient - more grid friendly".
TECHNICAL CONCERNS / AWARENESS
1.thermal loading of lines and transformers
2.voltage variations during the normal operation
3. overvoltage studies for RE projects
4. voltage recovery after faults
5. phasing out old networks [instead of fixing existing infrastructure, maybe redo on new network.
(dependant on size and location)
Took Laingsberg wind power facility as an example - expect high voltages; small voltage changes due to line outages.
power factor control characteristic - need to choose correct wind turbine technology [C or d].
Line lengths are a big factor - Longer the line, increase in losses, voltage changes, limit transfer, capacity constrained.
what to do? Thicken[?] up conductor? Ask developers to move sites?
More technical concerns/awareness:
6.reactive power control
7.focus on load modelling
8.short circuit currents. fault level.
9.limit system losses vs maximum use of thermal capacities
10.reliability required by wind, pv, csp, other developers.
11.impact on power quality aspects.
12.transmission system requirements such as voltage stability
13.dynamic studies for various technologies, including mw networks.
14.impact on sub-synchronous resonance for cape network (rotor movement in cape v rotor movement north - can cause resonance).
15.voltage sags due to breaker operation
16.cable/transformer inrush currents
17.influence on ripple control systems.
CURRENT ESKOM ACTIVITIES:
Staff went to Denmark to visit two facilities for 3 weeks to gain practical experience. Feedback is that we are not as far behind as what was anticipatied. The main focus during this visit was skills development and new documentation.
Grid access unit established - customer service interface and applications.
Distribution master plans and network development plans to cater for RE scenarios. What to expect? Which applications will be approved? How to plan for networks in future.
Distribution self build policy and guideline - expect for it to be available Dec 2011.
Transmission updating generation connection capacity assessment future scenarios - A follow up of GCCA-2012. Making some changes to this. Should be available middle next year (scenerious up to 2040) [IRP going on to 2013]. Will build different scenarios, including less nuclear scenario to see if replaced by RE how it will be.
STILL NEED TO ADDRESS requirements for small renewable energy projects (based on NRS 097-2). Smaller i.e. 1mw and bigger.
Nothing yet for smaller than 1MW. Commented that maybe get the bigger ones goings and then tackle 100kw (household). Maybe next year. NRS 097-2 - making provision for smaller project technical requirements.
Smart grid working group.
people say smart grid(s) are the answer.
For this reason, this group has been established.
LESSONS LEARNT
company "A" does not transfer cost estimate from Eskom to company "B"
Mismatch between property ownership/rights and actual servitude requirements.
Mismatch between Eskom technical solutions offered and developer documents
point of utility coupling - gaps identified
developers risk project if scope not clearly defined and agreed with Eskom mismatch between developer EIA own solutions vs Eskom practical solution - eg cannot just rebuild new line on existing servitude while supplying customers.
Clear indication of self built with time lines/lead times to be well defined.
Q&A:
1. EIA time lapse - Can use of cables make it easier? - A: If the EIA needs to improve route - then it won't make it easier.
2. Someone from the floor said that NERSA has condoned roof top - unqualified access to grid for anything below 100kw. A:Rian says that nothing has been approved. If NERSA condones then it is something still to be developed, perhaps next year.
Another response to question 2 above: Someone added that we are talking about net metering and that local authorities are working together to try and achieve this. There is no problem with it, but we just haven't worked out the regulatory environment for it. Once this is in place, Eskom has to execute it, but to get this in place will take time. NERSA does the regulating, but at the end of the day, it must be dealt with on a local authority level. To get anything through, it will have to be sent through National Treasury. Local authorities make their revenue from electricity sales and Treasury may be weary of implementing systems which may lead to having to bail out local authorities that go bust.
3. Developers are not allowed to combine (resources?). DOE issue.
4. How to handle intermittent load of RE. Example of how Germany and Netherlands have good integrated networks and why gas can play a role as it does there, in allowing for quick response. Ramp rate of solar might also help. Noted that it is said that ramp rate in Britain is not a big issue. Example of sports event or royal wedding intermission times when there is major consumption peak (use of kettles, etc) and how the grid handled it. It is a matter of conventional and reserves being properly managed. Problem in SA is that we don't have reserve to allow for this.
................
Renewables sector makes local content pledge as SA unveils new green deal
South Africa's emerging renewable-energy industry committed to a minimum local content level of 35% for the initial roll-out of renewables projects, but indicated that steps would be taken to raise that level towards government's aspirational target of 75% over time.
The commitment was made in a new 'Green Economy Accord', which was signed by government, business, labour and organised community groups at a ceremony held in Cape Town on Thursday.
Source and More here on Engineering News
The commitment was made in a new 'Green Economy Accord', which was signed by government, business, labour and organised community groups at a ceremony held in Cape Town on Thursday.
Source and More here on Engineering News
Sunday, November 20, 2011
News Snippets
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Enel GP in solar power bid in South Africa - Engineering News
Standard Bank eyes solar lamp CO2 offsets in Asia - Engineering News
Evaluation of first renewable-energy project bids begins as first deadline closes - Engineering News
SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental sustainability seen as a driver for competitiveness - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Policy shows SA ready to take action on climate change - Engineering News
Industry questions SA climate change plan - Engineering News
SA should showcase low carbon investment opportunities at COP 17 - Engineering News
SA not backing away from its GHG reduction targets – Minister - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
SA to strive for climate, development balance at COP 17 - Engineering News
WWF sees COP 17 as laying foundation for future deal - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUND
Africa urged to unite against corruption ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
UN climate fund rifts linger, Durban talks loom – EU - Engineering News
POWER
Japan, Korean firms win Kenya geothermal contract - Engineering News
Enel GP in solar power bid in South Africa - Engineering News
Standard Bank eyes solar lamp CO2 offsets in Asia - Engineering News
Evaluation of first renewable-energy project bids begins as first deadline closes - Engineering News
SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental sustainability seen as a driver for competitiveness - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Policy shows SA ready to take action on climate change - Engineering News
Industry questions SA climate change plan - Engineering News
SA should showcase low carbon investment opportunities at COP 17 - Engineering News
SA not backing away from its GHG reduction targets – Minister - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
SA to strive for climate, development balance at COP 17 - Engineering News
WWF sees COP 17 as laying foundation for future deal - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUND
Africa urged to unite against corruption ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
UN climate fund rifts linger, Durban talks loom – EU - Engineering News
POWER
Japan, Korean firms win Kenya geothermal contract - Engineering News
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Vac-from-the-Sea (Plastic Recycling, green art and raising awareness about ocean pollution)
On International Coastal Clean-Up Day, plastic was collected at Hout Bay Harbour by 50 divers. The plastic debris collected was then handed over to local artist and eco-warrior, Simon Max Bannister, to construct South Africa’s first Vac from the Sea artwork in a Woodstock studio in Cape Town. By melting the plastic and using a heated spray gun Simon applies different coloured plastics onto a re-cycled vacuum cleaner to highlight our unique coastal Cape Town position where the hot and cold currents of the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. The underlying purpose being to raise awareness about the necessity of plastic recycling and to empower people to take responsibility for ensuring a cleaner ocean and beaches.
Source here on: http://5050.internext.co.za/?p=169
NEWS SNIPPETS
SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE
Sponsorships up for grabs to enter SA's third solar car race - Engineering News
RENEWABLE ENERGY
SA evaluating 53 mostly wind, solar bids worth R7bn, next bid window set for March - Engineering News
SA moves to establish ‘Renewable Energy Fund’ - Engineering News
World Bank’s African renewables funding rises to $3.6bn - Engineering News
LOCAL MANUFACTURING
Local solar water heater manufacturers taking strain - Engineering News
HYDROPOWER
SA, DRC hope MoU will foster more ‘inclusive’ Grand Inga plan - Engineering News
GREEN FUND
Anglo launches R100m ‘green’ development fund - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Africa's Nile, Limpopo at risk from climate change - Engineering News
WIND POWER
Kenyan firm plans 61 MW wind power farm - Engineering News
Sponsorships up for grabs to enter SA's third solar car race - Engineering News
RENEWABLE ENERGY
SA evaluating 53 mostly wind, solar bids worth R7bn, next bid window set for March - Engineering News
SA moves to establish ‘Renewable Energy Fund’ - Engineering News
World Bank’s African renewables funding rises to $3.6bn - Engineering News
LOCAL MANUFACTURING
Local solar water heater manufacturers taking strain - Engineering News
HYDROPOWER
SA, DRC hope MoU will foster more ‘inclusive’ Grand Inga plan - Engineering News
GREEN FUND
Anglo launches R100m ‘green’ development fund - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Africa's Nile, Limpopo at risk from climate change - Engineering News
WIND POWER
Kenyan firm plans 61 MW wind power farm - Engineering News
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Greenpeace Confronts Eskom - End coal addiction and embrace renewables today
07 November 2011 -
"Greenpeace activists today dropped a banner from a crane inside the construction grounds of ESKOM’s latest colossal coal-fired power plant, Kusile - reading ‘Kusile: climate killer’. At the same time, other activists have locked themselves to gates at the plant’s front entrance - protesting with banners saying ‘green jobs now’ and ‘no future in coal’ – calling on ESKOM, the utility company, to stop its coal addiction and instead invest in renewable energy projects in South Africa."
Source and read more: Greenpeace
"Greenpeace activists today dropped a banner from a crane inside the construction grounds of ESKOM’s latest colossal coal-fired power plant, Kusile - reading ‘Kusile: climate killer’. At the same time, other activists have locked themselves to gates at the plant’s front entrance - protesting with banners saying ‘green jobs now’ and ‘no future in coal’ – calling on ESKOM, the utility company, to stop its coal addiction and instead invest in renewable energy projects in South Africa."
Source and read more: Greenpeace
Friday, November 4, 2011
Solardome closes production facility after 42 years
"Solardome, the oldest solar water heater (swh) manufacturer in the Western Cape, will be closing its production facility at the end of November 2011.
This family owned business, founded in 1969 by Gustaf Lindenberg and run by his son, Tertius, has been producing high quality durable swh systems for 42 years. Solardome has been a landmark in the swh industry, advancing research into innovative technology, product development and most importantly creating valuable jobs in this sector.
Tertius lays the blame for the closing of their production facility at the door of the regulatory environment in this country.
At least three more swh manufacturers in the Western Cape are at the point of making the same decision as Solardome.
Since the implementation of the Eskom swh incentive programme in 2008, the industry has been through incredible flux. This programme has brought with it new regulatory costs and often unclear policy or programme changes that caused knee jerk reactions to the market. Had the programme managed to stimulate the demand for swh’s this higher regulatory cost might have been absorbed. After three years of the programme, the installation of high pressure swh’s has grown from about 16,000 to about 30,000 units per year. Even though this is a reasonable percentage growth, we are working from such a low base that it cannot be considered significant. Furthermore, if compared to the more than 500 000 standard geysers installed every year in South Africa, it is clear that the market is still operating at well below its potential. What is even more significant is that the number of suppliers of swh’s has in the same time grown from 45 to more than 500. This programme has managed to convince new businesses (mostly importers) to enter the market, but has failed to stimulate the demand in the same way.
Prior to the implementation of the swh programme approximately 50% to 70% of swh’s installed in South Africa was locally manufactured. At the outset concern was raised by several local swh manufacturers about the future viability of the industry. As part of the terms of reference of the programme, there was a commitment to implement a local manufacturing component to the calculation of the subsidy value within one year from the launch of the programme. This local content multiplier was to be implemented no later than 2009. This local content multiplier was however only announced in June 2011, but was later cancelled. It was announced that a revised structure would be implemented in October 2011. In September 2011 the implementation of the multiplier was postponed to January 2012.
On the eve of our country hosting COP17 and with the supposed promotion of renewable energy, reduction of carbon emissions and especially local economic development, it is a tragedy that a swh manufacturing business that has been in operation for more than 40 years has to close its doors.
It is probably too late for Solardome, but something has to change so that we don’t look back in a year’s time and see that every last one of our factories have closed and the only swh’s on the market are imports."
SOURCE: K Kritzinger - Greencape
This family owned business, founded in 1969 by Gustaf Lindenberg and run by his son, Tertius, has been producing high quality durable swh systems for 42 years. Solardome has been a landmark in the swh industry, advancing research into innovative technology, product development and most importantly creating valuable jobs in this sector.
Tertius lays the blame for the closing of their production facility at the door of the regulatory environment in this country.
At least three more swh manufacturers in the Western Cape are at the point of making the same decision as Solardome.
Since the implementation of the Eskom swh incentive programme in 2008, the industry has been through incredible flux. This programme has brought with it new regulatory costs and often unclear policy or programme changes that caused knee jerk reactions to the market. Had the programme managed to stimulate the demand for swh’s this higher regulatory cost might have been absorbed. After three years of the programme, the installation of high pressure swh’s has grown from about 16,000 to about 30,000 units per year. Even though this is a reasonable percentage growth, we are working from such a low base that it cannot be considered significant. Furthermore, if compared to the more than 500 000 standard geysers installed every year in South Africa, it is clear that the market is still operating at well below its potential. What is even more significant is that the number of suppliers of swh’s has in the same time grown from 45 to more than 500. This programme has managed to convince new businesses (mostly importers) to enter the market, but has failed to stimulate the demand in the same way.
Prior to the implementation of the swh programme approximately 50% to 70% of swh’s installed in South Africa was locally manufactured. At the outset concern was raised by several local swh manufacturers about the future viability of the industry. As part of the terms of reference of the programme, there was a commitment to implement a local manufacturing component to the calculation of the subsidy value within one year from the launch of the programme. This local content multiplier was to be implemented no later than 2009. This local content multiplier was however only announced in June 2011, but was later cancelled. It was announced that a revised structure would be implemented in October 2011. In September 2011 the implementation of the multiplier was postponed to January 2012.
On the eve of our country hosting COP17 and with the supposed promotion of renewable energy, reduction of carbon emissions and especially local economic development, it is a tragedy that a swh manufacturing business that has been in operation for more than 40 years has to close its doors.
It is probably too late for Solardome, but something has to change so that we don’t look back in a year’s time and see that every last one of our factories have closed and the only swh’s on the market are imports."
SOURCE: K Kritzinger - Greencape
Life Cycle Cost of Coal Power
"A new Harvard University study examines the life cycle cost of coal power including all the resulting environmental and health expenses and found that although the coal itself might be cheap, the price of generating power from it is not. The study found that coal power actually costs the U.S. somewhere between $345 billion and $500 billion each year.
The study says that if all of those expenses were included in people's electricity bills, it would double to triple the cost of coal power, adding $0.09 - $0.27 per kWh, making it no longer the cheapest source of electricity, but one of the most expensive.
Some of the hidden expenses outlined in the study are elevated rates of cancer and other diseases in coal-mining regions, environmental damage to those areas (including water and air pollution), loss of tourism dollars and costs related to climate change.
The full study titled "Full cost accounting for the life cycle of coal" will be published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences soon.
via Reuters and Greenpeace"
Source: EcogeekWritten by Megan Treacy on 17/02/11
The study says that if all of those expenses were included in people's electricity bills, it would double to triple the cost of coal power, adding $0.09 - $0.27 per kWh, making it no longer the cheapest source of electricity, but one of the most expensive.
Some of the hidden expenses outlined in the study are elevated rates of cancer and other diseases in coal-mining regions, environmental damage to those areas (including water and air pollution), loss of tourism dollars and costs related to climate change.
The full study titled "Full cost accounting for the life cycle of coal" will be published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences soon.
via Reuters and Greenpeace"
Source: EcogeekWritten by Megan Treacy on 17/02/11
News Snippets
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Eskom secures yet more development finance for wind, solar projects - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Train starts journey to raise awareness ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
CARBON CREDITS
Standard Bank, Sable to complete first Zimbabwe CDM project - Engineering News
ENERGY
Fossil fuels still seen as dominant energy source by 2050 - Engineering News
Carbon capture and storage losing momentum - Engineering News
Coal's role in SA power future - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
COP 17 no walk in the park – Zuma - Engineering News
COGENERATION
Mondi up to 79% energy self-reliant - Engineering News
CARBON TAX & PROPERTY
Carbon tax to have significant impact on property sector - Engineering News
Eskom secures yet more development finance for wind, solar projects - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Train starts journey to raise awareness ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
CARBON CREDITS
Standard Bank, Sable to complete first Zimbabwe CDM project - Engineering News
ENERGY
Fossil fuels still seen as dominant energy source by 2050 - Engineering News
Carbon capture and storage losing momentum - Engineering News
Coal's role in SA power future - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
COP 17 no walk in the park – Zuma - Engineering News
COGENERATION
Mondi up to 79% energy self-reliant - Engineering News
CARBON TAX & PROPERTY
Carbon tax to have significant impact on property sector - Engineering News
News Snippets
SOLAR WATER HEATING
East London SWH plant officially launched - Engineering News
WATER & POWER
Ratification sought for next Lesotho Highlands phase, separate $15bn power scheme is unveiled - Engineering News
WIND POWER
Big wind turbine mould arrives in Cape Town - Engineering News
NUCLEAR POWER
SA nuclear power programme closer to R400bn – DG - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
GBCSA launches rating tool for multi-unit residential buildings - Engineering News
Vodacom achieves SA's first 6-star green building rating - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUNDING
$100bn Green Climate Fund hits barrier - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Durban climate change meeting ‘won’t be easy’ – Minister - Engineering News
Big business, investors urge tough climate action - Engineering News
East London SWH plant officially launched - Engineering News
WATER & POWER
Ratification sought for next Lesotho Highlands phase, separate $15bn power scheme is unveiled - Engineering News
WIND POWER
Big wind turbine mould arrives in Cape Town - Engineering News
NUCLEAR POWER
SA nuclear power programme closer to R400bn – DG - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
GBCSA launches rating tool for multi-unit residential buildings - Engineering News
Vodacom achieves SA's first 6-star green building rating - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUNDING
$100bn Green Climate Fund hits barrier - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Durban climate change meeting ‘won’t be easy’ – Minister - Engineering News
Big business, investors urge tough climate action - Engineering News
Relief for South Africa's pigs in sight
"Sow stalls are to give way to group housing on deep litter.
Sow stalls for breeding pigs are likely to be phased-out in South Africa by 2020. Confirmation of the date of phase-out is anticipated by the end of November this year, Mr James Jenkinson, board member of theSouth African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) told Compassion in World Farming (South Africa) last week."
Sow stalls for breeding pigs are likely to be phased-out in South Africa by 2020. Confirmation of the date of phase-out is anticipated by the end of November this year, Mr James Jenkinson, board member of theSouth African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) told Compassion in World Farming (South Africa) last week."
Source and More here on Urban Sprout
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Hout Bay Green Faire 2011
This year's Hout Bay Green Faire took place on Saturday the 29th of October. Although the rain clouds threatened from time to time it turned out to be an amazing day! Free Life on Earth participated as an exhibitor. This year we raised awareness about deforestation because 2011 was declared International Year of the Forests. Find out more about the Hout Bay Green Faire here.
Pics: Free Life on Earth Committee Members at the Hout Bay Green Faire 2011; Free Life on Earth 'Year of the Forests' stand
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