Small West Yorkshire town aims to be first town with food self-sufficiency by growing all its own vegetables

"(NaturalNews) Different local authorities throughout the USA have been harassing homeowners for growing veggies or herbs in their front lawns. But in the small town of Todmorden, England, a grass-roots food movement has been started by one woman who grew veggies in her front yard and let neighbors pick them free." Read more HERE.

News Snippets

RENEWABLE ENERGY
Kruger park to replace geysers with solar water heaters, heat pumps - Engineering News

Solar panel-covered parking bays for Lepelle Northern Water - Engineering News

Standard Bank registers solar water heater CDM programme - Engineering News

Internal approvals in hand for first renewable projects - Eskom - Engineering News

Further financial-close delay in prospect for 28 renewables bidders - Engineering News

India encourages SA firms to participate in big renewables push - Engineering News

Third renewables bid window to open ‘soon’, despite window-one delay - Engineering News

Deadline for closure of first 28 renewables bids extended to meet developers 'halfway' - Engineering News

GREEN BUILDING
DEA breaks ground on R8bn ‘green’ head office -Engineering News
-Engineering News

GREEN COURSES / TRAINING / JOBS
Terra Firma Academy - Green Career Training - Launches new website / greeb courses - check it out here

Jobs and Plastic Recycling (South Africa) - An article in Legalbrief Environmental

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Eskom starts Phase 2 of residential energy efficiency programme -Engineering News

The most common energy efficiency mistake that cannot be undone - Global Carbon Exchange

ENERGY RESEARCH
Enlarged institute aims to stimulate home-grown green-energy innovations -Engineering News

WATER
2012 Youth Water Awards Winners named - Simply Green

UPCYCLING
Upcycling Ship Containers - Simply Green

NATURAL GAS
An article about the Natural Gas Debate - Simply Green

FOOD
Antibiotics in Chickens Linked to Bladder infections - Simply Green

Soy as animal feed, now for fish - This is an interesting Simply Green article on the topic of the use of soy as animal feed, also in fish farming.

Organic vs Industrial Agriculture - the key to feeding a warming world? - Another interesting read on Simply Green

New Genetically Modified Food Arrives in SA - Find out more and/or get involved to stop it here.

EVENT GREENING
A case study on event greening - Global Carbon Exchange

Sustainability Week 25 to 29 July 2012 - Sandton Convention Center (Johannesburg)

Find out more here.

A bit of good news from Greenpeace

Loud and Clear - Solar Radio Launch Success (in Oshwe) - read more here, on the Greenpeace Africa Blog

Our Victories Continue (West Africa Anti-overfishing campaigns) - read more here, on the Greenpeace Africa Blog.

Rainbow Warrior coming to Cape Town - 12 August 2012 - Greenpeace's newest greenest working activist ship is coming to South Africa, read more here.

News Snippets

SOLAR ENERGY
Local solar training academy launched - Engineering News

LCD Panel Makers Could Drive 60% Reduction in Thin-Film Solar PV Costs - Simply Green

Minister outlines Upington solar park jobs potential - Engineering News

Solar roof construction at Vodacom building progressing - Engineering News

Solar water heater target exceeded – Peters - Engineering News

RENEWABLE ENERGY
French new energy research group seeks SA collaborators - Engineering News

MetroWind expects to deliver first power from PE project in 13 months - Engineering News

WATER
WRC study to map out areas for fog harvesting - Engineering News

ELECTRICITY - SOUTH AFRICA
SA power supply tightens as nuclear unit trips - Engineering News

Russian nuclear group opens office in South Africa - Engineering News
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
AMD feasibility study to be completed in 2013 - Engineering News

FOOD SECURITY
Food security threat looming – Land Bank - Engineering News

Global food security index reveals food-secure nations - Engineering News

CLIMATE CHANGE
Carbon emission targets lack ambition – Basic Ministers - Engineering News

DAIRY HORMONES
The Staying Power of Dairy Hormones - Simply Green

New Hydrogen Catalyst Takes off Like a Rocket - Simply Green

AFRICA/CHINA
China aims to rewrite perceptions on Africa investment - Engineering News

AUTO INDUSTRY
Go green, for less – Toyota’s new 3.8l/100 km Yaris hybrid - Engineering News

SUGAR & POWER
Illovo ‘well positioned’ for cane, sugar and cogeneration growth - Engineering News


The 2012 Living Planet  has been published, view it here.

Orange you glad I said biofuel?

Check out this Simply Green article that gives an overview of converting orange peels to biofuel and how it should soon become a reality.

Solar Technology

Check out this Simply Green article on double-sided solar cells, the cells are supposed to produce up to 50% mor energy than regular solar cells.

This Simply Green article gives an update on the progress of the world's largest solar bridge in London.

News Snippets

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Green economy to be phased in to achieve sustainable development – Minister - Engineering News

SOLAR  AND WAVE ENERGY
Acquisition expands solar company’s SA sales network - Enigneering News

Solar Impulse Completes World Record Flight from Spain to Morocco - Simply Green

There is yet to be sufficient discussion in South Africa over decommissioning costs of existing or future nuclear build - Simply Green

Eco Wave Successfully Test Two Wave Energy Devices - Simply Green

New Graphene Solar Cell Efficiency Record - Simply Green

All-Carbon Solar Cell Harnesses Infrared Light - Simply Green

One Step Closer to Invisible Solar Cells in Our Windows - Simply Green

GREEN BUILDING
Nedbank unveils Menlyn Maine green-star-rated building - Engineering News

Growthpoint acquires and ‘greens’ R210m Pta office - Money Web

CLIMATE CHANGE
Gigaba unveils climate change policy framework for State firms - Engineering News

BIOFUELS
Initial aviation biofuel strategy to be released in Q3 - Engineering News

RENEWABLE ENERGY
40% growth in global renewable energy generation forecast - Engineering News

NUCLEAR
Department of Energy Holding Back Information on Nuclear Readiness - NGO Pulse

COAL
South Africa hopes carbon capture will make coal a clean energy source - Engineering News

Coal’s Share of Electricity Generation Continues to Decline - Simply Green

GREEN HOUSING
Real Economy Report - Engineering News

Rio+20 - An overview

This Berkley Center article provides an overview of how things unfolded at the Rio +20 Convention.

And here is another take from SANGONET on the carbon footprint of these talks.

Cheap Coal is Dead

This Simply Green Article provides some key facts and quotes from Part 1 of Carl Pope's series on “Cheap Coal Is Dead”.

South Africa adopts air quality standard to promote public health

"Water and Environmental Affairs Minster Edna Molewa on Friday established a national ambient air quality standard, aimed at improving public health. The 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines found that airborne particulate matter and public health is consistent in showing adverse health effects at exposures experienced by urban populations in cities throughout the world. “The guidelines suggest that there are currently no safe levels against ultrafine particulate matter and recommend that countries consider adoption of an increasingly stringent set of standards, tracking progress through emission reductions and declining concentrations of particulate matter,” the department said in a statement. The range of health effects of ultrafine particulate matter on humans is broad, affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Current scientific evidence indicates that guidelines cannot be proposed that would lead to complete protection against adverse health effects of particulate matter, as thresholds have not been identified. “It is important that South Africa develops the ambient air quality standard for 2.5 micron meter (PM2.5) as it will contribute positively in protecting and enhancing the health of South African citizens,” the department said." Source and more here, on Engineering News

News Snippets

RIO+20 CONFERENCE
Assess sustainable development progress, says Zuma - Engineering News

World leaders pledge $513bn to sustainable development - Engineering News

24 Companies Worth $500bn Commit to Assigning a Value to Nature at Rio+20 - More here on triplepundit

SOLAR POWER
Intermittency could limit solar PV market penetration - Thupela Video - Engineering News

SA should consider upscaled CSP roll-out plan – BrightSource - Engineering News

Solar PV could achieve grid parity by 2015 - Engineering News

SA banks have capacity to fund solar projects – Standard Bank - Engineering News

GREEN BUILDING
First refurbished green building to earn 5-star rating - Engineering News

ELECTRIC VEHICLES/TRANSPORT
SA electric vehicle unplugged as Optimal Energy closes its doors - Engineering News

Article about the Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius now 3rd in World Auto Sales -  CleanTechnica

Trucking fleet reduces carbon emissions by 7% - More here on SHEQ Africa

CLEAN ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
UN chief unveils clean energy pledges, investments - Engineering News

Dulux South Africa implementing ‘green’ initiatives - Engineering News

Waterberg declared national air-quality priority area - Engineering News

AfDB and WWF urge leaders to invest in Africa’s natural capital - Engineering News

OCEAN ENERGY
TIA, Eskom extends ocean-energy open-innovation deadline - Engineering News

WIND POWER
Challenge lay beyond initial renewable energy target – WWF - Engineering News

Power from the Wind in South Africa"South Africa should invest in wind energy as a means to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and also take a lead in promoting green energy on the continent" - NGO Pulse

GEOTHERMAL
Kenya courts private geothermal investors - Engineering News - Engineering News

Article on moving South Africa forward

"In this article, the author emphasises the need for South Africa to consider stepping up efforts to introduce renewable energy and to enable all citizens to enjoy their constitutional right to accessible energy."

Source and More here on NGO Pulse

Article on Eskom's performance

Read this EE publishers article about Eskom's performance

"The annual financial results for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 of South Africa's primary electricity supplier, Eskom, were announced today. Eskom is a state owned enterprise, wholly owned by the South African government."
 
Source and More here on EE Publishers

DoE tests market appetite for small-scale renewables projects

"South Africa’s Department of Energy (DoE) has initiated the long-awaited process to procure electricity from small-scale renewable energy projects of between 1 MW and 5 MW.

The department has indicated that it intends procuring 100 MW from small-scale wind, solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas and landfill gas technologies under its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), which was initiated in 2011."
Source and More here on Engineering News

Renewables Global Status Report

"First released in 2005, REN21's Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) has grown to become a truely collaborative effort of over 400 authors, contributors and reviewers, and is today the most frequently referenced report on renewable energy market, industry and policy trends. It provides testimony of the undeterred growth of electricity, heat, and fuel production capacities from renewable energy sources, including solar PV, wind power, solar hot water/heating, biofuels, hydropower, and geothermal. Complementary country information can be viewed on http://www.map.ren21.net/"

Source and More Here on REN21

Article on SA's Energy Sector

Check out this Institute for Security Studies article on the above topic. NGO Pulse.

News Snippets

SOLAR POWER
AEG sets up solar equipment factory outside Cape Town - Engineering News

RENEWABLE ENERGY
Calls for wind energy localisation road map - Engineering News

Chinese wind towers hit with US tariffs - Engineering News 

Nersa approves 28 renewables licences as financial close deadline nears - Engineering News

50 MW SA solar project part of Saudi group’s diversification drive - Engineering News

Seven window-two solar PV developers set to invest R12bn - Engineering News

Eskom, TIA call for ocean-energy innovation bids - Engineering News 

Small renewables tender within weeks, DoE says  - Engineering News

Second-window renewables developers begin to emerge - Engineering News

AUTO INDUSTRY
Ford clinches engine of the year title with powertrain small enough to fit on A4 paper - Engineering News

AVIATION
EU emissions trading scheme a ‘polarising obstacle’ – Iata CEO - Engineering News

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
‘No-go’ mining areas to be announced soon – Molewa - Engineering News

CARBON CREDITS
Promethium launches initiative to consolidate carbon projects - Engineering News

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
China retains position as top clean energy technology manufacturer - Engineering News

AUTO INDUSTRY
Industry to endorse oil companies jumping 2017 clean fuels gun – Naamsa - Engineering News

POWER SYSTEM
Eskom pursues winter maintenance sans big buy-back cushion - Engineering News

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
World can feed more people more efficiently – FAO - Engineering News

Shale gas can contribute to greener economy – says Econometrix - Engineering News 

NUCLEAR ENERGY
SA’s assessment of nuclear readiness to be handed to IAEA for review - Engineering News 

AUTO INDUSTRY
BMW 5 Series hybrid kicks off German car maker's green campaign  - Engineering News 

CLIMATE CHANGE
Deadlock breaks at UN climate talks, agenda agreed - Engineering News 

AGRICULTURE
Power, ethanol production from sugar cane to benefit Tongaat Hulett - Engineering News

SA policies should encourage investment in agriculture - Engineering News 

GHG EMISSIONS
Emissions-cut hiatus slows work to limit warming - Engineering News

CARBON EMISSIONS
EU allows aid to limit CO2 cost for big power users - Engineering News

4th Annual Wind Power Africa Conference & Renewable Energy Exhibition (28 - 30 May 2012)

A FLOE article providing some feedback on this event:
On short notice, we managed to secure a complimentary space at the 4th Wind Power Africa Conference and Renewable Energy Exhibition which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28 to 30 May 2012. I had to think quickly about how we could add value to the exhibition with the very few resources at our disposal.

I did some research on the internet and came across an association of organisations called "Wind Empowerment". Wind Empowerment currently has 27 member organisations based across the globe, all of which somehow promote wind energy projects, specifically empowering rural poor communities by teaching them how to build their own wind turbines based on Hugh Piggott's open source wind turbine design. The design is such that it allows for the builders to make the turbine completely from scratch using mostly locally sourced materials. Wind Empowerment offers a platform for these organisations and the public to network, share experiences and learn from each other.

I immediately contacted Hugh and via Hugh came into contact with Piet Chevalier who is the founder of "I Love Wind Power" and who is also assisting Wind Empowerment with some work. "I Love Wind Power" has kicked off educational wind power community projects in Mali, Tanzania, Mexico and more recently in Brazil.

Piet and I had a long Skype conversation one week before the wind power conference and he kindly shared some resources with me.

As we always try to do when participating in such events, I decided to use recycled materials where possible in building our stand. I managed to source a large refrigerator cardboard box at Game's depot at my local mall and spent the Saturday before the conference painting the box to make a colourful background for our stand. The background shows a big bright sun shining on South Africa, the South African flag blowing in the wind and little houses with solar panels on roofs, wind turbines up on a hill and a boiling kettle on a solar cooker in the foreground. Most importantly, it shows the people of South Africa, all with smiles on their faces and a sign that says "Power for People" and "RE for SA!". Our objective with this background was to convey the clear message that we believe renewable energy solutions are do-able solutions for the benefit of the people of South Africa. Cleaner decentralised power solutions with free and 100% clean "fuel" is what South Africans (humans and animals) need and want!

In addition to our bright background, I made a 'chart' showing the map of Africa pinpointing all the locations where Wind Empowerment organisations are active. Noticeably, South Africa is not (yet) one of the countries, but hopefully this will change soon. I also ran an "I Love Windpower" video presentation on my laptop for people to see what work this organisation has done so far in Mali and elsewhere.

A fair amount of interest was generated in our stand and I met some great people and listened to interesting presentations. Interestingly, I found that the few members of the public I spoke to who came to view the exhibition were looking for more information on how they can buy or make their own wind turbines. Our stand offered some information in this regard. Most of the other stands were geared at marketing machinery and services available to developers of large wind farms although there was one local company that does smaller installations and also offers an "Off the Grid" course. There were quite a few delegates from abroad, especially Europe, some of who were representing businesses selling smaller wind turbines geared towards the domestic market. One of these companies actually offers for sale an 'all in one' power station geared towards rural environments that is set up in a container and which utilises a wind turbine and pv panels to harvest renewable energy. Their wind turbine design is apparently 'storm proof' and can easily be set up and relocated.

Below are a few snippets of things I learned/took out of this event:

*the general consensus is that small (single) wind turbine projects are more suited to rural environments, although there are designs and methods available for use of small turbines in urban environments, there are certain obstacles to overcome for example, insufficient height allowance, surrounding objects such as trees, buildings and other structures that interfere with wind flow, close proximity to neighbours who may find the turbine to be a disturbance, not to mention whether the wind blows enough or not.

*In Africa, rural communities make use of diesel generators as their main source of energy. Diesel is expensive and renewable energy solutions are therefore competitive even in these environments.

*There is much experimentation going on with wind turbine designs. Prof Jooste from the Vaal University of Technology gave a talk about some designs they have been experimenting with and how they are finding more efficient alternatives to the more conventional wind turbine design. Of note was his statement regarding larger wind farms is that his research showed that to rather use more small turbines than fewer large ones can prove to be more efficient/provide better output.

*I also met a few individuals from small towns surrounding Cape Town, who shared with me their experiences in implementing and experimenting with their own renewable energy solutions, some of whom offer home/farm installation services and some who have come up with their own unique inventions. David, one of FLOE's founders, gave a presentation on his idea for how we can all start producing our own clean power at home, sell excess back to Eskom and also get paid by Eskom for using less grid power, all the while saving Eskom money, costing government nothing, reducing our reliance on dirty/risky conventional power, and even earning additional income for your households!

*One speaker said that a good distance between a wind turbine and a house to avoid noise disturbance is 60 to 70 meters (this also depends on the design of the wind turbine, how it is erected and also the noise insulation of the building).

*Although Germany is very active in re installations, organisations have been formed by some German citizens who strongly oppose wind turbines due to their belief that they are not aesthetically pleasing and also cause noise disturbance, etc.

*Everybody is very excited about pv prospects for S Africa.

*The cost of PV / Wind power has come down dramatically since the early 1990s and the trend is continuing, with the speed of cost reduction increasing rapidly, especially over the past few years.

*Large RE projects are taking off in other African countries and ironically, SA, the most "advanced" African country is lagging behind.

*There is a lot of interest in underwater turbines to harness the immense power capacity of ocean currents which are available 24/7.

*One speaker said that wind turbines were being designed to accommodate a certain type of wind which is experienced over a very short portion of the year, when they should rather be designed around what the conditions are like for the majority of the year.

*Speakers shared valuable information regarding their experiences in constructing wind farms in other African regions. An interesting point that stood out for me regarding site selection was how holes would need to be drilled to check if the ground conditions were suitable for the building of wind turbine foundations. Developers also needed to take into consideration external costs e.g. fixing neglected infrastructure or even building new.

*Another topic of interest was the logistical problems encountered (i.e. transporting large wind turbine components in Africa where infrastructure, roads and even suitable trucks and cranes were lacking.). One speaker pointed out his concern for how this will be tackled with the upcoming roll out of large wind power developments in South Africa.

*Yats Gopaul of Cape Africa Renewable Energy Services gave a talk titled "1 - 15MW - The other side of delivering power to the people" and reminded us all that we need to start thinking out of the box for our energy solutions. It was encouraging to hear that this local company is showing an interest in community based projects.

*The Endangered Wildlife Trust gave a talk about wind turbines and the impact on birdlife. The message was an over-all positive one in that they don't oppose all wind turbine developments but do call for proper processes to be followed to ensure correct siting of wind turbines. I also learned that the public can report wildlife mortality/ies on any of Eskom’s infrastructures by calling the ESKOM-EWT Toll free number on 0860 111 535 or by email wep@ewt.org.za.

All and all, I am extremely pleased that we were able to participate. We learned a lot and I believe we achieved our goal of showing delegates and visitors that the ordinary residents of SA want RE.

I would like to thank Mr Hermann Oelsner and Dominique of AFRIWEA (African Wind Energy Association) and the CITCC for organising the event and making it possible for us to attend by sponsoring a space for us and I would like to thank Mr Hugh Piggott of Wind Empowerment and Mr P Chevalier of I Love Wind Power for the information offered and also for the great work you are doing across the African continent and abroad. I am hoping that we will be able to collaborate with a few other individuals in SA whom I met at the conference to work together on getting a project off the ground in SA.

Aside: I hope that the CTICC and other such facilities will soon consider switching from using small plastic water bottles to re-usable glass jugs for serving water. Regarding catering, although we were pleased to see the nice variety of veggie dishes on offer at this event, it would be wonderful if such facilities would consider stepping it up a notch, for example maybe changing the buffet ratio from 80% meat/20% veggies to 20% meat/80% veggie and by perhaps avoiding beef all together... and for a 'green geared' event (such as this one) to be all veg. Article by Ninette Tarlton of Free Life on Earth.

Premier Helen Zille switched on solar energy system at Carbon-Neutral garment manufacturer

On Tuesday, 22 May, Premier Helen Zille switched on and launched the recently installed solar energy system of the Impahla Clothing textile factory in Maitland as part of the Western Cape government's championing of renewable, especially solar, energy to promote a more sustainable future in the province. Impahla Clothing became the first carbon-neutral garment manufacturer in South Africa through implementing carbon off-setting projects (including tree-planting in Khayelitsha). The company's installation of a solar-powered electricity generation system, funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), marks a significant boost to the factory's drive towards energy security and self-sufficiency.

Solar PV, wind dominate again as second window renewables bidders are named

" The South African government announced on Monday that 19 companies had been selected as preferred bidders during the second bidding window for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), which closed on March 5. A total of 79 bids were submitted by the deadline, representing more than 3 200 MW of potential capacity. Overall, the REIPPP programme, which is seeking to procure 3 725 MW of renewables capacity, was expected to attract investments of around R100-billion between 2012 and 2016." Source and more here, on Engineering News

SWH programme now geared towards local procurement – Minister

" From this year, only suppliers which commit to localising their product would be allowed to participate in the government-funded solar water heating (SWH) programme, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said this week." Source and more here, on Engineering News

WWF warns of over-consumption, calls for sustainable policies

"The ever-growing demand for resources, driven by a growing global population, which could hit 10.9-billion by 2050, is putting “tremendous” pressure on the planet’s biodiversity and is threatening South Africa’s future security, health and well-being, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said in a report on Tuesday." Source and more here, on Engineering News

Mexican wind energy boom plays out on gusty shores

" LA VENTOSA - On an arid plain where sudden gusts of wind can rip roofs off buildings and knock over tractor trailers, Mexico is building a new engine for its energy future. Surrounded by towering turbines in every direction, the town of La Ventosa - which means "the windy place" in Spanish - is at the heart of a wind power boom in the country. Mexico, the world's 14th biggest economy, still punches well below its weight in terms of wind energy, ranking 24th on the planet in installed capacity last year, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). But the market is growing fast. By the end of this year, the national wind energy association expects Mexico to jump to number 20 on the list, which is dominated by wealthy European nations, the United States, China and India." Source and more here, on Engineering News

News Snippets

Vestas says close to deal on 297 MW SA orders - Engineering News

Bank pleased with its share of R28bn renewables projects - Engineering News
V&A Waterfront’s green credentials awarded - Engineering News

Mobile services could help smaller farmers improve productivity - Engineering News

New Holland Agriculture shows off new hydrogen tractor at Nampo - Engineering News

Sasol backs solar car race, SA to host record attempt - Engineering News

Final fate of PBMR to be decided during 2013 - Engineering News

Call to Think Green When Introducing Policies - more here on SangoNet

Second renewables bidder announcement delayed to May 21 - Engineering News

SA battles to keep blackouts at bay - Engineering News

News from the DTI on SA's nuclear plans - Engineering news
Scientists urge action on world's biggest problems (water & energy) - Engineering News

SA aims to use fuel cell research as an innovation, beneficiation catalyst - Engineering News

Honda in breakthrough rare earths recycling move - Engineering News

Eastern Cape Sustainable Rural Development Needs Multi-Faceted Intervention - more here.

US$400 Million earmarked for small holding farmers in Africa - Read more here.

Global solar power capacity set to jump - Engineering News

EU nations get cold feet over climate change fund - Engineering News

Draft of delayed water resources review by September, says DG - Engineering News

Nine bidders vie for Transnet electric-locomotive order - Engineering News

Green building council to host fifth convention in October - Engineering News

SA endorses carbon capture roadmap- Engineering News

ity works towards a carbon neutral future - City of Cape Town

Nuclear Power will worsen the wealth gap - an article by Bishop G Davies of SAFCEI.

GMO Threat to Consumer Rights to Have Market Influence - SAFCEI

5-5-12 Climate Impacts Day (International)

View pics from around the world of people taking part in this day of action.

China must act urgently to curb city emissions – World Bank

" China must act urgently on multiple fronts if it is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its rapidly expanding cities and hit government targets for curbing carbon intensity, a new report from the World Bank said on Thursday. Cities generate an estimated 70% of energy-related greenhouse gases and with China set to increase its number of urban residents by 350-million over the next 20 years, the Bank says the case for urgent action is strong." Source and more here.

New global body to push for solar-supporting trade policies

" A new high-level industry coalition comprising multinational companies operating across the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain was officially launched in Belgium this week. The CE-level Global Solar Council (GSC) would seek to accelerate the deployment of the renewable-energy solution globally by engaging with policymakers on trade and policy regimes that would support the technology’s full migration to grid parity." Source and more here.

News snippets

GREEN PROJECTS / JOBS (SOUTH AFRICA)
R7.7bn green projects push to create thousands of jobs - Molewa - Engineering News

RENEWABLE ENERGY
UK's Cameron sees North Sea as green energy hub - Engineering News

SCIENTIFIC REPORT
Scientists call for rethink on consumption, population - Engineering News

MINING AND THE ENVIRONMENT(SOUTH AFRICA)
SA to unveil new mining, biodiversity planning tool this year - Engineering News

SA'S ENERGY FUTURE
NUM blasts abandoned PBMR project - "...Matsepe further affirmed that the PBMR project’s cost of R10-billion was unjustifiable, that the project “delivered nothing”, that the PBMR Company’s plans to build a 400 MW commercial-scale reactor first, instead of a smaller test reactor, were “sheer madness” and that the PBMR management seemed not to know what they were doing. “The NUM was outraged that the reactor design was changed seven times in ten years.”"Source and read more here, on Engineering News

In this article, our Energy Minister tries to justify SA's nuclear plans.

In this article, it is reported that Eskom spent R1 billion since 2005 to upgrade safety at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

REPORT: TRACKING CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS - Read more here.

TRANSPORT
As Joule funding falters, Optimal Energy looks to electric buses, promoting a 20% cost saving - Engineering News

OIL SPILL (AFRICA)
Shell Nigeria spill 60 times worse than said - Amnesty - Engineering News

BUSINESS
IDC to issue green bond, divest shares - Engineering News

CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH (AFRICA)
South African Countries collaborate to establish Climate Change Research Centre in Namibia - more here.

Climate Change Impacts on South Africa - read more here.

SUSTAINABILITY
Natural resources & Consumption - from the Industrial Revolution to now - where are we headed? Read this interesting article about the Sixth Wave of Innovation.

SMALL SCALE AGRICULTURE
In this article, the author looks at different possible roles that small-scale farming could play in growing local economies, combating food insecurity, creating employment and eradicating poverty

This article touches on how South African unemployed mothers could consider venturing into small-scale farming to feed their families, create jobs and provide food security for their communities

Minister outlines farm-supporting infrastructure plan - Engineering News

STUDY ON EXTREME ORGANISMS IN SA MINES MAY HOLD ANSWERS TO ET LIFE AND POLLUTION THREATS - read more here.

Property giants go green as the penny slowly drops

"JOHANNESBURG – In 2011 Moneyweb reported that only three out of nine property funds listed on the JSE (JSE:JSE) had elected to participate in a voluntary exercise to measure the carbon footprint of the JSE’s top 100. It appears sentiment is turning with more and more property developers opting for sustainability not only as an alternative building initiative, but as a selling point to discerning buyers." Source and more here on Moneyweb.

South Africa's Energy Future

Here is another article recently published on this topic: "Sustainable energy is a current issue that requires urgent attention in South Africa. Energy is essential to communities and for the maximum functionality of the economy. The growing global trends of industrialisation also create a great demand for energy use, hence the necessity to opt for the sustainable route. Addressing the current energy challenges in the country and moving towards clean energy sources will not only ensure that the country meets its energy demands, but enable it to realise the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 7 of ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015...." Source and read more here, on SANGONet.

News Snippets

TRANSPORT - Joule developer shifts focus to electric buses - Engineering News

BUSINESS Africa's scarce infrastructure breeds 'self-reliant' companies - Source & more here on Engineering News

WATER Africa sitting on sea of groundwater reserves - Source and more here, on Engineering News

NNR suspends receipt of radioactive waste at Vaalputs

" The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has suspended the receipt of all radioactive waste packages by South Africa’s radioactive waste repository Vaalputs, in the Northern Cape, following the discovery of noncompliance with the waste acceptance criteria set out in its nuclear installation licence. The noncompliance identified during a NNR routine inspection relates to Vaalputs storing a radioactive waste package from the Koeberg nuclear power plant at a surface contact dose of 2.8 mSv/h, exceeding the maximum permitted surface contact dose rate of 2 mSv/h." Source and more here, on Engineering News

Water

Changing socioeconomic conditions to strain SA’s water security - Engineering News

Tyre Recycling

Tyre management plan again released for comment - Source & read more here on Engineering News

SA Climate Change Leadership Awards 2012

Check out the list of winners and an overview of this initiative here.

News Snippets

Rainbow Paper urges businesses to recycle paper - Engineering News

SA wind map welcomed by industry - Engineering News

Solar park study should begin during May, Peters says - Engineering News

Boosting coal with solar has localisation potential, Areva argues - Engineering News

Enviro study for initial nuclear site to be finalised by year-end - Engineering News

Solar Panels Imported from China to USA

"The Commerce Department has found that China provided illegal trade incentives for Chinese made solar panels for the U.S. market, and that this was unfair to solar panel manufacturers in the United States. As a result, beginning this summer our Commerce Department will charge a tariff upon all Chinese imports of modules. Here is more information to help better understand this dispute, as well as what it means for ordinary consumers"... source and more here on Simply Green

6 Things You really need to know about Renewable Energy

Read the article here, on Simply Green.

Eskom tests market interest for 100 MW solar power-tower project

" State-owned power utility Eskom has issued a request for information (RFI) to test supplier-market interest for the design, supply and installation of the 100 MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant it is planning to construct near Upington, in the Northern Cape, by 2016.

The RFI documentation was released on April 1 and potential suppliers and contractors had until May 8 to register their interest." Source and more here, on Engineering News

Ellies aims to save another 30 MW

"JSE-listed Ellies completed the first phase of its joint initiative Project Power Save and started a new phase this week to reduce energy consumption by an additional 30 MW, the company said on Wednesday.

Ellies said the first phase of the project aimed to eventually reduce the energy demand on the national grid by about 45 MW, with over 270 000 homes now boasting new energy-saving equipment installations."

Source and more here on Engineering News.

Exxaro-Tata energy venture aims to generate 16 GW of cleaner power by 2025

" Private energy company Cennergi, a joint venture between mining group Exxaro and the power unit of Indian multinational Tata, was formally launched in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where it announced its aspiration to acquire and develop 16 GW of energy generation projects in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana by 2025.

The company, which is headed by Thomas Garner, has already submitted solar and wind bids for the second bidding round under South Africa's renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme, which closed on March 5." Source and more here on Engineering News

SA - Renewable Energy News

Cape Times 29 March 2012 reports that the implementation of a renewable energy strategy by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), one of the players in the area of green energy, will undoubtedly contribute immensely to its objectives such as job creation, revenue generation and advancing socio-economic development and transformation in the Eastern Cape.

Currently, wind projects with a combined capacity of more than 6 000 MW are at various stages of the environmental impact assessment process (EIA) in the Eastern Cape, placing the province at the forefront of wind renewable energy projects. The total of 6032 MW of energy projects still in the EIA process outstrips the Medupi coal-fired power station that is currently under construction and that will have an output of 4 788 MW.

Nationally, wind projects totalling 9 345 MW are planned.
There are major projects which have been proposed for theEastern Cape. In the Blue Crane Route Municipality Terra Wind has a plan for a wind farm with the capacity of 1 713 MW and Windlab Developments is planning to erect 350 turbines with a capacity of 700 MW between Cookhouse andBedford.

Electrawinds has invested R 1,2 billion in the Coega Wind Farm project and each of the 25 turbines has a capacity of 1,8 MW which translates into an annual yield of 5 700 kWh, enough energy to power about 1 700 households. In addition, 7 000 MW of solar power developments have also been announced, with Langa Energy having confirmed their investment in a 100 MW photovoltaic facility at Berlin outside King Williams town.

CDC Marketing & Communication Manager,MrAyandaVilakazisays given the volume of both wind and solar projects both in the province and nationally thee is a "solid business case" for component manufacturing inSouth Africafor wind and solar technologies. He points out that there is a "huge market" particularly for solar PV and Off-Grid Technologies adding that the South African government is committed to reducing the country's carbon footprint and "supports green technologies through various incentives". Vilakazi says the 7 000 MV of solar power that is planned has increased the demand for localisation of solar PV panels.

He says theCoegaIDZis the "ideal manufacturing platform" for renewable energy components that, in addition to contributing to the battle against global warming, are revenue generating, create jobs and advance socio-economic development and transformation.

Source: afriwea.org

News snippets

Eskom issues request for coal supplies - Engineering News

Earth Hour 2012 - South Africa - more here.

South Africa opts for incremental smart-grid migration - Engineering News

SA’s second renewables bid window heavily oversubscribed - Engineering News

Falling renewable energy costs an opportunity for Africa - Engineering News

Measuring Sustainability: A new age for data management for Microsoft - article here.

Busting Sustainability Myths - read article here.

South African Businesses are unaware of their water footprints - article here.

Outcry over Rio+20 'outcome document' negotiations - source and more here.

Population adds to planet’s pressure cooker, but few options - source and more here.

Greening the Future Awards 2012 - "The Mail & Guardian in association with the Department of Environmental Affairs, invites entries for the Greening the Future Awards 2012." Source and more here.

Fossil fuels to remain dominant in Africa’s energy mix - Engineering News

Omnia CDM project to receive over a million emission credits - Engineering News

South Africa’s nightmare nuclear bill

"The six new nuclear reactors envisaged in South Africa's energy road map are likely to cost between R322-billion and R712-billion to build and finance, but the total could spiral quickly into trillion-rand territory if they are not built to deadline and budget, according to experts." Source & Read more here (Mail & Guardian)

News Snippets

US intelligence sees global water conflict risks rising - Engineering News

South Africa urges EU suspend airline carbon scheme - Engineering News

Basil Read eyes big energy growth as it submits solar bid - Engineering News

SA may turn to private sector for help with mine-water pollution - Engineering News

Alstom open to wind-energy acquisitions - CEO - Engineering News


Sanral SA’s first parastatal to achieve Green Star rating - Engineering News

Minister says short-term AMD plan sufficient, but more needs to be done - Engineering News

Anglo Zimele reports substantial interest in Green Fund - Engineering News

Eskom says credit warning shows cost-reflectivity push still needed - Engineering News

Small wind market has big potential, report shows

" The small wind power market holds “enormous potential”, especially for nonelectrified areas in developing countries, yet only a handful of governments are offering specific support policies for small wind generating capacity, the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) said in a report this week.

“Wherever the wind blows, small wind turbines can provide electricity at affordable prices to local citizens, be it for rural electrification, like in China or in other developing countries or, connected to the grid, like often in the industrialised countries,” WWEA president He Dexin said." Source and read more here.

African E-Waste 'Call to Action' on Regulation & Standards

"Representatives from 18 African states, the United Nations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the private sector and academia have agreed on a set of priority actions for reducing the environmental and health impacts of growing levels of e-waste in Africa." Source and more here.

SABS introduces energy efficiency labelling standard for appliances

"Following several calls by government for households to reduce their daily energy consumption and alleviate pressure from the electricity grid, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has introduced a product-labelling standard for electronic appliances." Source and more here.

News Snippets

Paper, pulp industry eager to participate in renewables tender - Engineering News

SA seeks R25bn in foreign investment for water infrastructure - Engineering News

The internal combustion engine dead? Think again, shows BMW - Engineering News

European aviation CEOs appeal to EU Prime Ministers over emissions scheme - Engineering News

Absa teams up with AFD to fund clean energy projects - Engineering News

South African businesses urged to assess water supply risk - Engineering News

Green Cross seeks stricter standards as Fukushima anniversary nears - Engineering News

South Africa goes big on nuclear a year on from Fukushima - Engineering News

Support for successful ecological infrastructure scheme grows beyond R1bn - Engineering News

Philips launches energy efficient lighting company - Engineering News

SA wind turbine maker I-WEC completes first prototype blade - Engineering News

Nersa lowers 2012 power price increase from 25.9% to 16% - Engineering News

Public comment invited on plan to enlarge five national parks - Engineering News

French firm lauds SA commitment to energy efficiency - Engineering News

Eskom shuts one Koeberg nuclear unit for refuelling - Engineering News

Internet Solutions introduces 'green' data centre - Engineering News

SA’s second renewables bid window closes - Engineering News

BASF produces 50-millionth emissions control catalyst in PE - Engineering News

DWA stepping up enforcement activities in Vaal catchment area - Engineering News

Genetically modified crops increase in SA

"Biotech maize occupies 72% of commercially planted maize in South Africa.

Biotech crops in South Africa have increased by 100,000 hectares for the second consecutive year, an independent biotech scientist said on Thursday." Source and more here.

IN THE MEANWHILE:

SA to sign new biotechnology agreement with the ICGEB - Engineering News

New SA wind atlas to help with renewables site selection

"Deputy Energy Minister Barbara Thompson on Tuesday launched South Africa’s first verified numerical wind atlas for the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Thompson said that the atlas, which is part of the Wind Atlas for South Africa (Wasa) project, would be a useful tool for comparison and identification of potential sites for future wind turbine projects." Source and more here.

Press Release: Earthlife Africa Cape Town - Nuclear

Earthlife Africa Cape Town invites members of the press and the public to engage with them and their "nuclear cyclist" at the finish of the Cape Argus cycle tour opposite the Shell garage near the Mouille Point lighthouse from 8am until 2pm on Sunday the 11th of March 2012. We will be commemorating the 1st anniversary of the worlds worst industrial accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plants and highlighting the threat of nuclear power in the Cape.

Nuclear Barrels in Cape Town

"Activists from Greenpeace Africa have placed look-a-like radioactive barrels on a Three Anchors Bay beach in Sea Point, Cape Town to highlight the risks and true costs associated with nuclear power. Through the simulated radioactive pollution, Greenpeace aims to encourage South Africans to ask the key questions that the government has so far failed to answer. " Read more here.

South African Fuel-Free Generator Preparing for Market

Sterling Allan reports on his recent trip to South Africa to visit a company who has developed a 5 kilowatt Fuel Free Generator that will be available beginning March for their existing customers. Sterling will be getting a generator to test and use on his home from that first batch of 200. Source and read more here.

SA moves to find consensus on how to tackle tyre-mountain scourge

"It is common cause that South Africa requires a plan to deal with its growing ‘tyre mountain’ problem, which is growing at a rate of about 200 000 t a year, or one-million waste tyres each month. This is aggravated by the fact that about 11-million used tyres, are dumped illegally yearly, or burnt to retrieve the steel wire inside, resulting in air pollution." Source and read more here.

Fracking Survey Results Questioned

Local anti-fracking lobby, Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) today dismissed the results of an IPSOS Markinor opinion survey, as to whether or not South Africans want fracking.

Jonathan Deal, chairman of TKAG stated, “On the face of it, and without an untimely debate on this technical and controversial technology, we dismiss the report results on, inter alia, the following points:

Source and read more here.

The State of the Nation in Terms of Sustainability

"President Jacob Zuma’s State of The Nation Address, on 9 February 2012, has received mixed responses. The focus on economic development and infrastructure was well received in general; as well as the continued focus on growth and job creation. In particular, the Industrial Policy Action Plan is likely to provide far reaching opportunities to boost the green economy, as well as the President’s mention of the 10 billion rand to be set aside by the IDC for job creation with the mandate to lean toward a low carbon economy with regards to industrial job creation.

On the eve of these seemingly positive outcomes, however, a report (available online at www.epi.yale.edu) was released which proposes that South Africa’s natural environment has, over the past 20 years, deteriorated nearly the fastest of most countries in the world." Source and read more here on Global Carbon Exchange

News Snippets

Merger to tap into energy opportunities in SA and Africa - Engineering News

Determining carbon tax rate a fine balancing act – Treasury - Engineering News

R50bn from first renewables projects, as next bid window nears - Engineering News

Too early to put definitive price tag to nuclear programme - Engineering News

N Cape’s renewables potential underlined as Nersa gears up for licence hearings - Engineering News

SA won’t stipulate where nuclear solution is sourced – Peters - Engineering News

Vunani investigates greening of older buildings - Engineering News

UK supports SA prosperity, low-carbon growth projects - Engineering News

SA moves to find consensus on how to tackle tyre-mountain scourge - Engineering News

SA’s coal fleet has 2 GW of CSP-hybrid potential - Alstom - Engineering News

Coal miner Exxaro to submit five renewable energy bids - Engineering News

Renewables firms urge binding EU 2030 energy targets - Engineering News

Mondi invests in energy projects as it targets 97.5% self-sufficiency - Engineering News

Current power price path will squeeze SA competitiveness - Engineering News

Levy on power from nonrenewable sources to increase - Engineering News

New carbon tax discussion document this year - Engineering News

Instrument needed to cushion municipalities from energy efficiency revenue losses - Engineering News

Nuclear features in State’s R3.2tr project pipeline - Engineering News

Kenya's Kengen to raise $12bn for new plants - "Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) said on Monday it planned to raise $12-billion to build six geothermal power plants that should generate 585 MW by 2016, as it pushes to diversify its power sources." Engineering News

SA sees R2bn ethanol plant by 2014 - Engineering News

IFM engaging with Eskom on possible power buy-back options - Engineering News

SA to make nuclear decision soon, Peters reveals - Engineering News

South Africa's 2012 Budget Speech and the Environment

Letter to Editor:

"Unfortunately I missed most of the budget speech so decided to look up a copy of the speech on the net. I was eager to find out what would be said about SA's plans to channel funds to more environmentally sound practices that would see our nation excel in spearheading green technologies and transporting our current unsustainable dirty economy into a thriving green one.

Because the speech was so long, I first tried to search by using the keyword 'environment' but found that out of the 8 times it was used (excluding subheadings), it was only used once in the context of environmental protection... the rest was in the context of the 'economic' environment!

There was one short paragraph covering 'environmental protection' which was grouped with 'economic services'. 15.8 billion allocated to this group, the bulk of which will go to "the manufacturing competitiveness enhancement programme" and "for industrial development and special economic zones".

Strangely, when I checked a Budget Speech 'highlights' graph published by National Treasury, they show 'environmental protection' getting 9.5 billion. I tried to figure out how this figure was derived at based on what was said in the speech. If out of 15.8 billion, 5.8 is going to 'the manufacturing competitive enhancement programme' and 'for industrial development and special economic zones', that leaves us with 10 billion (not 9.5 as per the graph). If this is the same R10 billion referred to in the speech as R9.5 Billion, it is to be spent on the following (per the speech):

'• Sanparks for tourism infrastructure;
• National Metrology Institute for equipment;
• Dept Agriculture, forestry and Fisheries to improve agricultural support services
• land bank to 'conclude its recapitalisation'
• provincial and municipal agricultural colleges
• Dept Rural Dev and Land reform for settlement of restitution claims.'

Of the above, I fail to recognize which part of it should be classified as 'environmental protection'? (You may be interested in looking at this graph to see what other areas (such as defence and prisons) are receiving in comparison here [2.28MB]).

Okay, so moving along, I did a search on the word 'renewable energy' to see what would pop up. The word appeared once when the Minister reflected on the first round of renewable energy projects that were successfully tendered to independent power producers. However, not a word was mentioned about government's plans for spending on this promising sector.

So what has been allocated to the energy sector in general? R300 billion. Of this, the Minister mentioned how R6 billion of it will be spent but was silent on the rest. Media reports however have long ago enlightened me to the missing piece of the puzzle: our government plans for rolling out Eskom's nuclear fleet build programme has an estimated price tag of R300 billion. So there it is. :(

Looking at other decisions which may (or may not - depending on how things actually unfold) have a positive impact on our natural environment: Carbon tax to be finalised; an increase in the electricity levy on electricity generated from non-renewable sources (to be used in place of 'current funding mechanisms for energy-efficiency initiatives such as the solar water geyser programme'). Even though the power producers are responsible for paying this levy, we all know that you and I pay for it in the long run, yet we are not given the choice whether to consume non or renewable power. Fuel levies will also go up and 4.7 billion is allocated to 'complete the installation of one million solar water geyers'. There will also be R600 million going to municipalities to install low-energy lighting and equipment (we can only hope that this includes an allocation to educate the public regarding how to handle the proper disposal of the millions of flourescent lamps they are dumping on doorsteps). An additional R1.1 billion is to go to Working for Water and Working on Fire.

To quote the Minister (speaking of our short-term energy plans): "In energy, the focus is on demand-side management to address the impact of limited supply until new generation comes online."

I was hoping to be inspired by this year's budget speech, but instead I was left feeling sad and defeated. The many hidden messages laced throughout the speech which lead to a vision of ‘business as usual’, a vision where our leaders have completely ignored the need to shift to sustainable solutions and reducing environmental degradation, but instead one shortsighted vision of improving the short-term 'bottom' line. It is just disturbing to think that they don't realise that their plans might look good on paper for now, but this will be short lived.

I will now leave you with some quotes from the speech that will shed some light on the path our leaders have decided to take (if you are able to read between the lines). It was disheartening to see how the skill used in choosing words outweighed the skill used in deciding our country's future!

I've included some of my own comments and highlighting regarding the irony of some statements.

"We will not turn away from our challenges. We must confront them boldly, and with hope. [then why are we not shifting away from non-renewables?, I ask] In harnessing all the resources at our disposal, we have to do more, with less; we have to work smarter and harder. South Africans must focus on our strenghts and opportunities, to identify and activate the levers of economic and social change at our disposal." [what about the wind and solar at our disposal??, I ask]
"To succeed in this environment, we have to seize the opportunities presented by this changing world." [why aren't we then?!, I ask]... and then in the very next breath:

"As a major mining economy, we should be benefiting more from the continued buoyancy in commodity markerts internationally. We also need to take advantage of rising demand for agricultural and manufacturing goods. Some 85 million manufacturing jobs in China will shift to other countries over the years ahead. Do we have the right policies, conditions and boldness to enable South African business to gain from these immense shifts in the patterns of production and trade?" [am I right that the Minister is saying that we should grab at the "opportunity" of having foreign countries come in to use our labour and resources to strengthen their own economies for the sake of 'job creation'? What about creating our own jobs and strengthening our own economy from the inside out?]

Interestingly, under the subheading 'Vision for the economy in 2030, one of the key objectives is 'raising mining output'.

A copy of the full budget speech can be downloaded here: http://www.treasury.gov.za/documents/national%20budget/2012/speech/speech.pdf

N.B.: This is a letter based on opinion and a single person’s interpretation. Please verify facts/figures before quoting anything from this post.

Brace yourself for the mother of all tenders

"DID the Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, really think that a decision to spend R300-billion over the next 17 years on nuclear power stations did not merit a mention in his budget speech?"

Source and more here.

Fukushima Accident Proves that Nuclear is Dangerous

"Greenpeace today urges the South African government to learn from the lessons of Fukushinma and to stop the use of nuclear in South Africa’s energy mix. Almost a year after the Fukushima nuclear disaster thousands of Japanese are still reeling from the devastation and displacement as a result. This remains sad reminder that nuclear power is dangerous and will only lead South Africa to a deadly energy future.

As part of activities to remember the March 11th 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Greenpeace Africa is hosting a survivor of the nuclear tragedy from the 27 February to 2 March 2012. Evacuee Ms Ayako Oga is a long-time resident and farmer from the village of Okuma Machi, around 7.5 kilometres from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Ms Oga was forced to leave her home and abandon her dream to live and farm in the countryside as she knows she may never return home."

Source and more here.

Cape Town initiates net-metering pilot project

"The City of Cape Town has initiated a net-metering pilot project to allow domestic energy producers to feed electricity back into the grid, Dr Anthony Keen told an audience at a South African National Energy Association meeting in Cape Town on Tuesday.

“I am pleased to be able to report to you that there are three of us in Cape Town . . . [and] we’ve been privileged [that] the City of Cape Town has accepted us onto a pilot project for grid feed-in,” said Keen, a medical doctor who is pursuing his interest in sustainable energy after retiring from an academic career at the University of Cape Town’s medical school." Source and more here.

African clean-energy projects showcased to investors

"Potential investors were given exposure to ten small-scale African clean-energy projects, representing a potential combined investment value of $297-million, at an event held in Johannesburg this week.

The gathering, known as the Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing, or Africef, was hosted by the Climate Technology Initiative’s Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI PFAN), a global multilateral initiative designed to connect clean energy project developers with investors and financiers.

The projects showcased included biofuels developments, as well as solar, biogas and waste-to-energy initiatives that were being promoted by entrepreneurs from Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe." Source and more here.

Earthlife Africa labels proposed energy bills as ‘undemocratic’

"Environmental organisation Earthlife Africa has slammed the Department of Energy’s (DoE’s) National Energy Regulator Amendment Bill and the Electricity Regulation Second Amendment Bill as “highly undemocratic”.

Programme officer Makoma Lekalakala urged the DoE to withdraw these bills, saying it would place significant decision-making power in the hands of Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, by eviscerating the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).

“This goes against the Constitution and implementation of democratic institutions. An independent and impartial regulator is a critical part of the checks and balances that define modern representative democracies such as South Africa,” she stated.

Lekalakala also said the degree to which the public will be removed from the decision-making process was concerning." Source and more here.

Mines Operating Without Requisite Water Use Licences: Acting with Impunity Exacerbating Environmental Degradation

"For the past two years, there has been ongoing engagement between civil society, community organisations, academic institutions and law clinics increasingly concerned about the impacts of mining on the environment and on the communities that rely on those natural resources. This coalition has now evolved into a Mining, Environment and Community Alliance that works together to implement a civil society legal strategy to promote environmental compliance, transparency and accountability in mining." Source and read more here on Lawyers for Human Rights's website.

Wind Farm developments in SA - Articles on well-known news websites stir debate

Recently certain articles appeared on Engineering News in which the writer criticized wind farms to be developed in SA. The articles were interestingly filled with emotional and some questionable statements. Read one of the articles here, and the follow on article here then read the comments posted by readers in response to the articles below the articles.

wind generator design uses recycled hard drives

This Urban Sprout article reports how an electrical engineering student (Hartmut Jagau)at Cape Town University won the Student Poster Presentation award at the 2011 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Energy Conversion Congress & Exposition that was held last year in the USA for his innovative wind generator design.

"His last prototype could generate 328W of electrical power – enough to provide a household with electricity to run one 19-inch colour television, two portable stereos, ten 16W compact fluorescent light bulbs and three mobile phone chargers."

Source and more here, on Urban Sprout.