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
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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
Thursday, October 20, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS
GREEN FINANCE
R500m energy-efficiency fund will also support self-use renewables projects - Engineering News
NUCLEAR
Japan still considering total nuclear power pullout - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Lessons in driving an electric car - Engineering News
CLIMATE TALKS
Businesses becoming more involved in climate talks - Engineering News
ECOLOGY & ECONOMY
SA moves to begin reflecting the economic value of its ecosystems, biodiversity - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
South Africa faces COP 17 balancing act - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA gives carbon-heavy sectors two years to set carbon budgets - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Switch to green economy 'will be painful' - Engineering News
Wind power is key to KwaZulu-Natal’s green economy - Engineering News
R500m energy-efficiency fund will also support self-use renewables projects - Engineering News
NUCLEAR
Japan still considering total nuclear power pullout - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Lessons in driving an electric car - Engineering News
CLIMATE TALKS
Businesses becoming more involved in climate talks - Engineering News
ECOLOGY & ECONOMY
SA moves to begin reflecting the economic value of its ecosystems, biodiversity - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
South Africa faces COP 17 balancing act - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA gives carbon-heavy sectors two years to set carbon budgets - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Switch to green economy 'will be painful' - Engineering News
Wind power is key to KwaZulu-Natal’s green economy - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS
CLIMATE POLICY
Climate policy to map out transition to low-carbon economy - Engineering News
SOLAR GEYSERS
New initiative seeks to tap carbon-credit potential of SA’s solar-geyser roll-out - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Air France and Airbus complete green commercial flight - Engineering News
TRADE & CLIMATE CHANGE
SA should align trade and climate policies – Treasury official - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Environmental Affairs, DBSA to establish 'green' funding mechanism - Engineering News
DPE drafting climate change, green economy policy for SoEs - Engineering News
RENEWABLES FUNDING
SA to launch renewables funding scheme at climate conference - Engineering News
EMISSIONS
South Korea sets 2012 CO2 cut volume for industry, power - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA approves climate policy, confident on COP 17 - Engineering News
SA will not deviate from African bloc in key climate talks - Engineering News
Climate change negotiators see no major Durban deal - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Less is more, promises BMW - Engineering News
Nissan to launch Leaf electric car in SA in 2013 – if policy is in place - Engineering News
Hyundai SA starts construction on its new R75m green head office - Engineering News
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Lessons from Fukushima outlined in SA nuclear safety meeting - Engineering News
Japan begins energy debate as nuclear forces fight back - Engineering News
Climate policy to map out transition to low-carbon economy - Engineering News
SOLAR GEYSERS
New initiative seeks to tap carbon-credit potential of SA’s solar-geyser roll-out - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Air France and Airbus complete green commercial flight - Engineering News
TRADE & CLIMATE CHANGE
SA should align trade and climate policies – Treasury official - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Environmental Affairs, DBSA to establish 'green' funding mechanism - Engineering News
DPE drafting climate change, green economy policy for SoEs - Engineering News
RENEWABLES FUNDING
SA to launch renewables funding scheme at climate conference - Engineering News
EMISSIONS
South Korea sets 2012 CO2 cut volume for industry, power - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA approves climate policy, confident on COP 17 - Engineering News
SA will not deviate from African bloc in key climate talks - Engineering News
Climate change negotiators see no major Durban deal - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Less is more, promises BMW - Engineering News
Nissan to launch Leaf electric car in SA in 2013 – if policy is in place - Engineering News
Hyundai SA starts construction on its new R75m green head office - Engineering News
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Lessons from Fukushima outlined in SA nuclear safety meeting - Engineering News
Japan begins energy debate as nuclear forces fight back - Engineering News
50/50 - Wave Energy & SA's Energy Future (aired Monday, 17 October 2011)
On Monday night, 50|50 had an insert discussing wave energy technology and its potential to play a role in SA's energy future. The insert overview can be obtained on the 50|50 website:
"With the change in global production of energy imminent then, there’s now money to be made in investing in alternative energy. Wind and Solar energy have the biggest interest from investors. Other options are hydroelectric power – as we’ve seen produced from some of Eskom’s dams in the Drakensburg – tide energy, geothermal energy, photovoltaic energy and waves. So what’s the big fuss? If there are so many sustainable ways of getting energy, why are politicians and energy providers dragging their heels?"
"With the change in global production of energy imminent then, there’s now money to be made in investing in alternative energy. Wind and Solar energy have the biggest interest from investors. Other options are hydroelectric power – as we’ve seen produced from some of Eskom’s dams in the Drakensburg – tide energy, geothermal energy, photovoltaic energy and waves. So what’s the big fuss? If there are so many sustainable ways of getting energy, why are politicians and energy providers dragging their heels?"
Source and More here on 50/50
Eskom seeks transition from rebates to contracts to bolster solar-geyser roll-out
"State-owned power utility Eskom has indicated that it favours a transition to a competitive bidding, or contractual, model for the large-scale procurement of low-pressure solar water heaters (SWH) ahead of a continuation of the current rebate scheme, or the deployment of a so-called ‘standard offer’ incentive."
Source and more here on Engineering News
Source and more here on Engineering News
Friday, September 30, 2011
Japanese breakthrough will make wind power cheaper than nuclear [and coal?]
"A surprising aerodynamic innovation in wind turbine design called the 'wind lens' could triple the output of a typical wind turbine, making it less costly than nuclear power." Source: Mother Nature Network - by Karl Burkart.
This article tells all about this new invention and gives a summary on the wind energy potential in the US. Well worth the read!
This article tells all about this new invention and gives a summary on the wind energy potential in the US. Well worth the read!
Can Japan's Anti-Nuclear Protesters Keep the Reactors Shut Down?
"For months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami crippled Japan's Fukushima power plant, sparking fears of a possible nuclear meltdown, the country's anti-nuclear groups struggled to be heard. A few small rallies were held, but they failed to generate much media coverage. As debates raged from Germany to China about the safety of nuclear reactors, commentary in Japan, of all places, was strangely absent. Protests are just that unusual in this conservative country.
But this is starting to change. As Fukushima continues to spew more radioactivity into the air and trust in the government and Tokyo Electric Power Co. plunges, the mood in Japan is slowly shifting away from nuclear power. On Sept. 19, the mounting anger and fear culminated in a rally of some 60,000 anti-nuclear protesters in Tokyo — the largest such gathering since the March 11 quake and tsunami."
But this is starting to change. As Fukushima continues to spew more radioactivity into the air and trust in the government and Tokyo Electric Power Co. plunges, the mood in Japan is slowly shifting away from nuclear power. On Sept. 19, the mounting anger and fear culminated in a rally of some 60,000 anti-nuclear protesters in Tokyo — the largest such gathering since the March 11 quake and tsunami."
Massive increase in Green Star rated buildings in SA
"The green movement in the built environment is spreading like wildfire and in the month of September alone the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) certified three new green buildings in SA under the Green Star SA rating system."
Source and More here on - SA Commercial Prop News
Transforming South Africa’s Energy Sector Through Renewable Energy
"In this article Davin Chown argues that South Africa should take advantage of the opportunities presented by renewable energies and stop relying on coal-fired power stations which emit carbon emissions and pollute the environment."
"South Africa has long relied on coal to produce cheap electricity - or what we were led to believe was cheap electricity. This cheap, but dirty fossil fuel has driven our country’s economy for many decades, and has, alongside this development, created many thousands of jobs both in the mining and energy sector.
...
For everyone involved, the change to a new renewable energy system will be sometimes slow and frustrating, but it is clear that South Africa cannot go on with its polluting ways and continue to face the impacts of climate change on its agricultural systems and in general its eco-system which are the glue and foundation that keep the economic system going. We are in a once-off transition to sustainability and South Africa is in a position to learn from the mistakes made by others, and not to repeat these very costly mistakes."
Source and More here on - NGO Pulse.
"South Africa has long relied on coal to produce cheap electricity - or what we were led to believe was cheap electricity. This cheap, but dirty fossil fuel has driven our country’s economy for many decades, and has, alongside this development, created many thousands of jobs both in the mining and energy sector.
...
For everyone involved, the change to a new renewable energy system will be sometimes slow and frustrating, but it is clear that South Africa cannot go on with its polluting ways and continue to face the impacts of climate change on its agricultural systems and in general its eco-system which are the glue and foundation that keep the economic system going. We are in a once-off transition to sustainability and South Africa is in a position to learn from the mistakes made by others, and not to repeat these very costly mistakes."
Source and More here on - NGO Pulse.
NEWS SNIPPETS
WIND POWER
Danish wind turbine part maker mulls SA plant - Engineering News
DST to offer assistance packages to spur localisation in wind sector - Engineering News
Big wind power roll-out to bring transport headaches - Engineering News
MANUFACTURING
Proudly SA’s new CEO to place spotlight on govt procurement policies - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Entrepreneurs, SMEs urged to participate in clean tech competition - Engineering News
RENEWABLE ENERGY
UNDP adviser highlights renewable energy tender approach drawbacks - Engineering News
AfDB loan concludes 100-MW Eskom wind farm funding phase - Engineering News
CLIMATE CONFERENCE
SA’s latest climate study to reveal severe weather risks - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
DTI to mull over draft electric vehicle strategy before it goes to Cabinet - Engineering News
GM, SAIC sign electric vehicle development agreement - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
SA hosts deforestation emissions reduction workshop ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
We Up the Pressure on Govt to Stop Nuclear - Greenpeace
West African Fisheries Decline Steeply as Government Fails to Act - Greenpeace
GREEN ECONOMY
Carbon-neutral Green Cab helps to shrink carbon footprint - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
Three more office developments certified under Green Star SA - Engineering News
Green Building Council to launch pilot public and education rating tool - Engineering News
Danish wind turbine part maker mulls SA plant - Engineering News
DST to offer assistance packages to spur localisation in wind sector - Engineering News
Big wind power roll-out to bring transport headaches - Engineering News
MANUFACTURING
Proudly SA’s new CEO to place spotlight on govt procurement policies - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Entrepreneurs, SMEs urged to participate in clean tech competition - Engineering News
RENEWABLE ENERGY
UNDP adviser highlights renewable energy tender approach drawbacks - Engineering News
AfDB loan concludes 100-MW Eskom wind farm funding phase - Engineering News
CLIMATE CONFERENCE
SA’s latest climate study to reveal severe weather risks - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
DTI to mull over draft electric vehicle strategy before it goes to Cabinet - Engineering News
GM, SAIC sign electric vehicle development agreement - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
SA hosts deforestation emissions reduction workshop ahead of COP 17 - Engineering News
We Up the Pressure on Govt to Stop Nuclear - Greenpeace
West African Fisheries Decline Steeply as Government Fails to Act - Greenpeace
GREEN ECONOMY
Carbon-neutral Green Cab helps to shrink carbon footprint - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
Three more office developments certified under Green Star SA - Engineering News
Green Building Council to launch pilot public and education rating tool - Engineering News
Planting Day
23 September was Planting Day, according to the Planting Season team.
"One look at the international stock market tells you that now is the perfect time to get that vegetable garden growing." - Planting Season team
Seeds for Growth: Financing smallholder farming in southern Africa
The Book, "Seeds for Growth: Financing smallholder farming in southern Africa" explores how governance and political decision-making about the allocation of resources could transform the smallholder agricultural landscape in southern Africa. It affirms the role smallholder agriculture can play in a national and regional political system in the pursuit of social and economic justice."
Source and More here on - Idasa
Source and More here on - Idasa
Eskom signs two loan agreements for wind project
"Eskom signed two loan agreements totalling $365 million with the African Development Bank on Sunday, which will enable it to implement a renewable wind and solar generator, the electricity parastatal said.
"These are exciting times for Eskom," CEO Brian Dames said in a statement.
"We are committed to a cleaner energy future and we now have the capability to implement our large-scale wind and solar generation projects. We appreciate the roles the African Development Bank and the South African government have played in making this possible," he said."
Source and More here on - Times Live
"These are exciting times for Eskom," CEO Brian Dames said in a statement.
"We are committed to a cleaner energy future and we now have the capability to implement our large-scale wind and solar generation projects. We appreciate the roles the African Development Bank and the South African government have played in making this possible," he said."
Source and More here on - Times Live
NEWS SNIPPET - GREEN BUILDING
"Amendments were recently introduced to the Regulations to the Building Standards Act in Government Gazette 34586, Notice 711, dated 9 September 2011.
These aim to set down certain requirements for energy usage in buildings and will become effective two months after publication in the Gazette, i.e. on 10 November 2011. Developers, architects and builders can have a look at the regulations here ."
Source: STBB|Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes Attorneys
Sunday, September 25, 2011
24 Sept 2011 - Global Protest to Move Away from Fossil Fuels
A global initiative by organisations and individuals called "Moving Planet" headed by the organisation called 350 took place yesterday 24 September 2011, with 2000 events taking place in over 175 countries across the planet. The aim is to show world leaders that "a movement is rising to move our planet forward to a clean energy future". View a slideshow of images from all corners of the globe here on the Moving Planet website. In Cape Town, South Africa a "Tread Lightly" procession of people marched through the city centre carrying messages promoting renewable energy, greening, recycling, eating and buying local, and protests against fracking, nuclear and fossil fuels. Below are some pictures of the Cape Town event taken by Free Life on Earth.
NEWS SNIPPETS
GREEN BUILDING
The case for green retrofitting is clear, says CIDB’s Milford
NUCLEAR PROTEST
Greenpeace calls on SA to abandon nuclear energy plans
ELECTRICITY
5 000 MW solar park study to be finalised by end 2012
CARBON FINANCING
SA could lose out on carbon financing if EU moves ahead with LDC plan
RENEWABLE ENERGY
ABB to build two solar PV plants for Eskom
CLIMATE CHANGE
Businesses urged to get involved in climate negotiating process
AGRICULTURE
G20 to draft plan on agriculture, infrastructure
NUCLEAR
Nuclear plans to go before Cabinet soon, bidding to start in 2012
ENERGY
African Ministers to compile list of priority energy projects
COAL SUPPLY
Eskom to source another 5Mt of coal to boost stockpile
COGENERATION
SACC to build 8 MW cogen plant in Newcastle
The case for green retrofitting is clear, says CIDB’s Milford
NUCLEAR PROTEST
Greenpeace calls on SA to abandon nuclear energy plans
ELECTRICITY
5 000 MW solar park study to be finalised by end 2012
CARBON FINANCING
SA could lose out on carbon financing if EU moves ahead with LDC plan
RENEWABLE ENERGY
ABB to build two solar PV plants for Eskom
CLIMATE CHANGE
Businesses urged to get involved in climate negotiating process
AGRICULTURE
G20 to draft plan on agriculture, infrastructure
NUCLEAR
Nuclear plans to go before Cabinet soon, bidding to start in 2012
ENERGY
African Ministers to compile list of priority energy projects
COAL SUPPLY
Eskom to source another 5Mt of coal to boost stockpile
COGENERATION
SACC to build 8 MW cogen plant in Newcastle
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Simplified tender for small-scale renewables by November
"Simplified tender documentation for small-scale renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) projects of between 1 MW and 5 MW were currently being prepared and should be released by November, the South African government reported on Wednesday.
Speaking at a media briefing held on the sidelines of a renewable energy bidders conference being hosted to canvass responses to the Department of Energy’s (DoE’s) request for proposals (RFP) for the procurement of 3 725 MW of renewables capacity from IPPs capable of delivering projects by 2016, the National Treasury’s Karen Breytenbach said work was currently under way on the documentation.
The tender should be available for release by the time the first bid window closed for the current RFP on November 4, 2011, and she promised that it would be “much simpler” and would “lower the barriers to entry”."
Source and More here on Engineering News.
NEWS SNIPPETS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewables bidders conference reflects high levels of interest in SA roll-out
Lack of solar preparedness could see capacity reallocated to wind
Aveng confirms plans to take equity in wind, solar projects
CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
COP 17 key for decision on carbon capture’s inclusion under CDM
SOLAR POWER
R1.6m solar PV system installed at new Valpré spring water plant
ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE
Sanbi accredited as UN Adaptation Fund implementing entity
CLIMATE CHANGE
Concerns grow over common position for Africa at climate negotiations
Infrastructure needed to help farmers cope with climate change
EU wants firm decisions on legally binding climate agreement
Level of ambition in climate talks a ‘serious concern’ − Zuma
Funding shortfall will not impact COP 17 quality – Minister
POWER GENERATION
SA still attractive to IPP investors despite current poor growth
GREEN BUILDING
Green building council sharpens its focus on training
UNCONVENTIONAL GAS
More technical work needed to define SA’s shale gas framework
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Climate technology mechanism team concludes first meeting
GREENING JOBURG
196 trees to be planted along Empire BRT route in Joburg
Renewables bidders conference reflects high levels of interest in SA roll-out
Lack of solar preparedness could see capacity reallocated to wind
Aveng confirms plans to take equity in wind, solar projects
CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
COP 17 key for decision on carbon capture’s inclusion under CDM
SOLAR POWER
R1.6m solar PV system installed at new Valpré spring water plant
ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE
Sanbi accredited as UN Adaptation Fund implementing entity
CLIMATE CHANGE
Concerns grow over common position for Africa at climate negotiations
Infrastructure needed to help farmers cope with climate change
EU wants firm decisions on legally binding climate agreement
Level of ambition in climate talks a ‘serious concern’ − Zuma
Funding shortfall will not impact COP 17 quality – Minister
POWER GENERATION
SA still attractive to IPP investors despite current poor growth
GREEN BUILDING
Green building council sharpens its focus on training
UNCONVENTIONAL GAS
More technical work needed to define SA’s shale gas framework
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Climate technology mechanism team concludes first meeting
GREENING JOBURG
196 trees to be planted along Empire BRT route in Joburg
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A renewed focus on green energy
This Mail&Guardian online article gives a good overview of the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
SA reports big interest in DoE's renewables tender - Engineering News
Eskom gets new loan for wind project - Engineering News
SOLAR POWER
Solar geyser programme roll-out to be accelerated - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Climate technology committee kicks off first meeting in Germany - Engineering News
CONSERVATION
Agreement signed to preserve integrity of Mapungubwe - Engineering News
UNCONVENTIONAL GAS
Shell could spend $200m on SA shale gas search - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Minister invites comments on environmental legislation changes - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT
Nedbank commits R9m to WWF water programme - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
UN climate boss says Durban talks can deliver - Engineering News
Innovative climate funding key to low-emission development − UNDP - Engineering News
Nkoana-Mashabane urges labour to support govt’s ambitions for COP 17 - Engineering News
CLIMATE FINANCE
SA to benefit should climate funding target be met, Manuel says - Engineering News
AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Greener vehicle manufacturing could prove challenging for SA - Engineering News
SA should step up its biofuels efforts – Toyota - Engineering News
SA reports big interest in DoE's renewables tender - Engineering News
Eskom gets new loan for wind project - Engineering News
SOLAR POWER
Solar geyser programme roll-out to be accelerated - Engineering News
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Climate technology committee kicks off first meeting in Germany - Engineering News
CONSERVATION
Agreement signed to preserve integrity of Mapungubwe - Engineering News
UNCONVENTIONAL GAS
Shell could spend $200m on SA shale gas search - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Minister invites comments on environmental legislation changes - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT
Nedbank commits R9m to WWF water programme - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
UN climate boss says Durban talks can deliver - Engineering News
Innovative climate funding key to low-emission development − UNDP - Engineering News
Nkoana-Mashabane urges labour to support govt’s ambitions for COP 17 - Engineering News
CLIMATE FINANCE
SA to benefit should climate funding target be met, Manuel says - Engineering News
AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Greener vehicle manufacturing could prove challenging for SA - Engineering News
SA should step up its biofuels efforts – Toyota - Engineering News
Friday, September 2, 2011
Barrels of radioactive uranium (yellow cake) discovered near Swakop beach
"Unguarded barrels of radioactive uranium (yellow cake) have been discovered on Swakopmund beach. Near the sewerage works at Tamariskia investigators found 4 barrels." See more on Namibian News Forum
Solar Boat's progress in circumnavigating the globe
The Tûranor PlanetSolar vessel recently docked in Hong Kong. "....Designed in New Zealand, built in Germany and flying a Swiss flag, the 102-foot boat has completed about two-thirds of a voyage that began in Monaco last September. So far it has sailed nearly 24,000 miles."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Recent Renewable Energy Updates Out of Africa
Check out this "Fresh Air Newsletter" from the African Wind Energy Association. Below is a preview of some of the stories covered:
Tanzania: Expert stresses significance of renewable energy options
Ghana’s Minister of Energy Joins West Africa’s ECREEE
Green light for renewable energy in Namibia
MALI - Constructing their sixth turbine.
First Renewable Energy Exhibition goes online
Beyond Capacity: Why Italy changed its PV Strategy
China’s largest Wind Developer acquires stake in Canadian wind farm
Tanzania: Expert stresses significance of renewable energy options
Ghana’s Minister of Energy Joins West Africa’s ECREEE
Green light for renewable energy in Namibia
MALI - Constructing their sixth turbine.
First Renewable Energy Exhibition goes online
Beyond Capacity: Why Italy changed its PV Strategy
China’s largest Wind Developer acquires stake in Canadian wind farm
Spain overtakes US with biggest Solar Power Station
World’s first Commercial Wave Power Project
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY - The INgSOC hybrid bike that is out of this world!
World’s first Commercial Wave Power Project
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY - The INgSOC hybrid bike that is out of this world!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Greepeace Africa Receives Feedback From Eskom
Extracted from Greenpeace Africa website:
"In June this year, we unloaded five tons of coal on Eskom’s doorstep. We did this to highlight the fact that coal kills, and to publicly demand that Eskom clean up its act by stopping the construction of Kusile coal-fired power station. One of our latest reports, ‘The Advanced Energy [R]evolution, a sustainable energy outlook for South Africa’, outlines a pathway to a future based on renewable energy, and found that Kusile need not be built at all to keep South Africa’s lights on.
We are asking for three key things from Eskom: stop the construction of Kusile, substantially increase investments in renewable energy, and no investments in any new nuclear projects. In light of the urgency to address climate change, we requested an in-depth meeting with Eskom’s senior experts to discuss our Energy [R]evolution scenario.
This week, we had exactly that technical discussion with Eskom. We wanted to get feedback on the report, but also to better understand the utility’s position on renewables, and the assumptions that Eskom is making when it comes to energy planning in South Africa. We also took the opportunity to explain the solid basis of our Energy [R]evolution scenario, hopefully increasing Eskom’s understanding of our work."
"In June this year, we unloaded five tons of coal on Eskom’s doorstep. We did this to highlight the fact that coal kills, and to publicly demand that Eskom clean up its act by stopping the construction of Kusile coal-fired power station. One of our latest reports, ‘The Advanced Energy [R]evolution, a sustainable energy outlook for South Africa’, outlines a pathway to a future based on renewable energy, and found that Kusile need not be built at all to keep South Africa’s lights on.
We are asking for three key things from Eskom: stop the construction of Kusile, substantially increase investments in renewable energy, and no investments in any new nuclear projects. In light of the urgency to address climate change, we requested an in-depth meeting with Eskom’s senior experts to discuss our Energy [R]evolution scenario.
This week, we had exactly that technical discussion with Eskom. We wanted to get feedback on the report, but also to better understand the utility’s position on renewables, and the assumptions that Eskom is making when it comes to energy planning in South Africa. We also took the opportunity to explain the solid basis of our Energy [R]evolution scenario, hopefully increasing Eskom’s understanding of our work."
Read more here at Greenpeace Africa.
What tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline mean for climate change
Environmentalist Bill McKibben was among 100 people arrested at the weekend for protesting against the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. But why are climate campaigners so concerned?
Read more here at Guardian Environment Network.
GBCSA: South Africa's first 5 star Green Star SA rating
"The GBCSA is thrilled that South Africa has its first 5 star certified building and that Cape Town is on the Green Star SA map
Aurecon’s office building is the first building in South Africa to be awarded a 5 star Green Star SA - Office Design v1 rating by the GBCSA. This building is located in Century City, Cape Town, and nearing completion. The Rabie Property Group developed the building which will serve as Aurecon’s new regional offices for global engineering, management and specialist technical services."
Extracted from GBCSA newsletter, 17 August 2011.
Aurecon’s office building is the first building in South Africa to be awarded a 5 star Green Star SA - Office Design v1 rating by the GBCSA. This building is located in Century City, Cape Town, and nearing completion. The Rabie Property Group developed the building which will serve as Aurecon’s new regional offices for global engineering, management and specialist technical services."
Extracted from GBCSA newsletter, 17 August 2011.
NEWS SNIPPETS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewables bid represents ‘substantive progress’, but raises compliance burden - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Golf BlueMotion sets SA fuel record, says VW - Engineering News
URBAN REGENERATION
Green building techniques key to R140m Benoni development - Engineering News
CARBON EMISSIONS
China studying regional CO2 caps – official - Engineering News
WATER
Red lights flash for SA rivers - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Silicon Smelters fined R3m for contravening environmental laws - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Durban unveils low-carbon road map ahead of climate gathering - Engineering News
Business needs stronger voice in global climate negotiations − De Boer - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
Greener building techniques begin to gain traction in South Africa - Engineering News
WATER & POWER
SA and Lesotho to build 1 200 MW hydropower plant - Engineering News
SHALE GAS PROSPECTING IN KAROO
Shabangu extends shale gas prospecting moratorium - Engineering News
Renewables bid represents ‘substantive progress’, but raises compliance burden - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
Golf BlueMotion sets SA fuel record, says VW - Engineering News
URBAN REGENERATION
Green building techniques key to R140m Benoni development - Engineering News
CARBON EMISSIONS
China studying regional CO2 caps – official - Engineering News
WATER
Red lights flash for SA rivers - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Silicon Smelters fined R3m for contravening environmental laws - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Durban unveils low-carbon road map ahead of climate gathering - Engineering News
Business needs stronger voice in global climate negotiations − De Boer - Engineering News
GREEN BUILDING
Greener building techniques begin to gain traction in South Africa - Engineering News
WATER & POWER
SA and Lesotho to build 1 200 MW hydropower plant - Engineering News
SHALE GAS PROSPECTING IN KAROO
Shabangu extends shale gas prospecting moratorium - Engineering News
Friday, August 12, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Cabinet notes document on national climate change position - Engineering News
Business engaging with government on climate change - Engineering News
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Nersa concurs with renewables bidding process - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
BMW unveils its electric future; new i8 set to come to JHB motor show - Engineering News
CARBON TAX
UK lobby group urges business carbon price rebate - Engineering News
CARBON CREDITS
Tanzania cookstoves to earn 840 000 voluntary CO2 credits - Engineering News
Friday, August 5, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS - RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewables project developers pore over tender documents - Engineering News
Glitches and pleasant surprises as renewables tender gets under way - Engineering News
SA finally sets renewables bidding process in motion - Engineering News
Japan to mull reform of power system, says PM - Engineering News
Suzlon aims to add market share, eyes South Africa - Engineering News
German solar tracking company eyeing SA market - Engineering News
Glitches and pleasant surprises as renewables tender gets under way - Engineering News
SA finally sets renewables bidding process in motion - Engineering News
Japan to mull reform of power system, says PM - Engineering News
Suzlon aims to add market share, eyes South Africa - Engineering News
German solar tracking company eyeing SA market - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
New partnerships needed to meet global sustainability targets − Stigson - Engineering News
Cape Town commercial buildings could improve efficiencies - Engineering News
Sustainable infrastructure seen as core to Joburg's 2040 growth vision - Engineering News
Cape Town commercial buildings could improve efficiencies - Engineering News
Sustainable infrastructure seen as core to Joburg's 2040 growth vision - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - CLIMATE TALKS
Cabinet to consider SA’s COP 17 negotiation stance in Oct - Engineering News
Durban talks unlikely to strike climate deal – UN - Engineering News
Durban COP17 meeting should focus on ‘fair’ climate regime – Molewa - Engineering News
Durban talks unlikely to strike climate deal – UN - Engineering News
Durban COP17 meeting should focus on ‘fair’ climate regime – Molewa - Engineering News
Greenpeace pushes for nuclear-free power mix, big renewable scale-up
"Nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Greenpeace has called on the government to make “bold and courageous” energy choices, to ensure a cleaner energy future without any additional nuclear and coal-fired power, after construction of the Medupi power station.
This would require a much more ambitious renewable-energy policy, climate campaigner Melita Steele said.
Greenpeace launched its report entitled ‘The advanced energy [R]evolution – a sustainable energy outlook for South Africa’, in Johannesburg on Wednesday, after already having met with Department of Energy (DoE) officials, as well as the Minister, about the report." - Engineering News
This would require a much more ambitious renewable-energy policy, climate campaigner Melita Steele said.
Greenpeace launched its report entitled ‘The advanced energy [R]evolution – a sustainable energy outlook for South Africa’, in Johannesburg on Wednesday, after already having met with Department of Energy (DoE) officials, as well as the Minister, about the report." - Engineering News
Thursday, August 4, 2011
GASWALK - Anti-fracking Protest March - Cape Town - 9 August 2011
A group of Capetonians, initiated by renowned photographer Kian Erikson, has organised GASWALK, a protest march against fracking, in partnership with NPOs Climate Justice Campaign and Earthlife Africa CT.
The procession through the streets of Cape Town
The GASWALK will start at 11h00 from the Natural History Museum in the Company Gardens Strand Street Company Gardens Adderley Street
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
City launches home waste recycling pilot
“The refuse recycling programme Think Twice of the City of Cape Town is finally kicking off in the northern suburbs on Monday 1 August.
This will enable about 44 000 households to do their recycling in the comfort if their own homes. This includes areas north of the N1 – from Bellville east of the Tygerberg Hills to Durbanville, Brackenfell and Kraaifontein and up to, but excluding, the Kraaifontein smallholdings.
Residents have already received letters from the City of Cape Town about the City’s planned separate collection of dry recyclables projects in which residents can apply for a special recycling container in which to put recyclable items.
They can apply for a 130-litre recycling bit at the municipal offices in Durbanville, Kraaifontein or the Bloemhof municipal offices in Bloemhof Street, Bellville from Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays and public holidays from 08:00 to 13:00.
These free containers will only be issued to interested residents and are not compulsory. The charcoal container will have wheels and come with a green lid.
The recycling bins will be collected weekly by the City one work day after the official collection day of other household waste.
The project is managed by Waste Plan.
This rollout in the northern suburbs is part of a three-year pilot project to asses the programme’s long-term sustainability and financial viability.
Cape Town’s 3.5 million residents generate up to 6000 tons of waste per day, said Shehaam Sims, the City’s mayoral committee member for utility services.
“With this initiative we can encourage and ensure that not all waste thrown away ends up at a landfile site.” he said.
The recycling bins may only be used for their intended purpose and mixed waste or contaminated recyclables will not be collected, Sims said.
The City has installed radio frequency devices in all bins which will be automatically scanned when serviced, providing the City will valuable data, he said. “All recyclables will be taken to the City’s Kraaifontein Integrated Waste Management facility.” ”
Esme Erasmus
TygerBurger Kraaifontein, Page 11
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Carton recycling creates local jobs
"The local recycling of juice and milk cartons, produced by packaging company Tetra Pak South Africa, has created 18 jobs and removed the need to ship the recovered cartons to India for recycling, says Tetra Pak South Africa environmental manager Rodney Reynders.
The company signed an agreement with Germiston-based Gayatri Paper Mills, which is a part of the packaging and labelling supplier Golden Era Group, to use hydropulping technology to recycle the cartons and use the fibre to produce board for secondary packaging.
"What we have done with the paper mill has created 18 sustainable, local jobs at a single mill. Before the agreement, we were exporting our recovered cartons to India for recycling. We were exporting valuable fibre instead of reusing it locally,” he says." Engineering News
The company signed an agreement with Germiston-based Gayatri Paper Mills, which is a part of the packaging and labelling supplier Golden Era Group, to use hydropulping technology to recycle the cartons and use the fibre to produce board for secondary packaging.
"What we have done with the paper mill has created 18 sustainable, local jobs at a single mill. Before the agreement, we were exporting our recovered cartons to India for recycling. We were exporting valuable fibre instead of reusing it locally,” he says." Engineering News
Kenya approves law to allow GM crops
"Kenya has become the fourth country in Africa to open up to genetically modified (GM) crops after approving laws to allow their production and importation.
East Africa's leading economy follows South Africa, a leader in the continent on biotechnology and a major exporter of GM maize, as well as Egypt and Burkina Faso, but it faces growing resistance from lobbyists against the move.
In a Legal Notice dated June 22, acting Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Hellen Sambili said the laws would come into effect on July 1, ending restrictions on GM maize and other various products in the country." Engineering News
East Africa's leading economy follows South Africa, a leader in the continent on biotechnology and a major exporter of GM maize, as well as Egypt and Burkina Faso, but it faces growing resistance from lobbyists against the move.
In a Legal Notice dated June 22, acting Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Hellen Sambili said the laws would come into effect on July 1, ending restrictions on GM maize and other various products in the country." Engineering News
Delayed Joule project seeks R9bn to produce market-ready vehicle
"Optimal Energy is seeking around R9-billion to commercialise its home-grown Joule electric vehicle (EV). This includes developing the final product, and securing a local production facility, says CEO Kobus Meiring.
“We are getting there – slowly, but surely,” he notes.
Meiring says it was vital for the Joule project to remain on government’s books, so to speak, when its industrial policy action plan was fine-tuned recently." Engineering News
“We are getting there – slowly, but surely,” he notes.
Meiring says it was vital for the Joule project to remain on government’s books, so to speak, when its industrial policy action plan was fine-tuned recently." Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - CLIMATE CHANGE
Negotiators should resolve political issues ahead of Durban climate talks - Engineering News
Africa to launch own fund to manage climate cash - Engineering News
Africa to launch own fund to manage climate cash - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - RENEWABLE ENERGY
R100bn investment needed to meet SA’s renewable energy aspirations - Engineering News
Renewables tender should be issued next week - DoE - Engineering News
R2bn E Cape wind project passes key enviro, community milestones - Engineering News
Photovoltaic projects being rolled out despite Refit uncertainty - Engineering News
90 renewables firms call for 'frank' dialogue to end procurement uncertainties - Engineering News
Nersa set to concur with DoE on renewables bid process, but raises questions - Engineering News
Govt confirms inclusion of price competition in first renewables round - Engineering News
Renewables tender should be issued next week - DoE - Engineering News
R2bn E Cape wind project passes key enviro, community milestones - Engineering News
Photovoltaic projects being rolled out despite Refit uncertainty - Engineering News
90 renewables firms call for 'frank' dialogue to end procurement uncertainties - Engineering News
Nersa set to concur with DoE on renewables bid process, but raises questions - Engineering News
Govt confirms inclusion of price competition in first renewables round - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - SOLAR WATER HEATERS / GREEN BUILDING
Western Cape mulling policy changes to promote use of solar water heaters - Engineering News
New Aurecon office achieves SA’s first 5-star green building rating - Engineering News
Solar water heaters to help improve healthcare in Qunu - Engineering News
New Aurecon office achieves SA’s first 5-star green building rating - Engineering News
Solar water heaters to help improve healthcare in Qunu - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - WASTE MANAGEMENT / NUCLEAR CLEAN-UP / EMISSIONS
UN atomic watchdog head lauds Fukushima cleanup - Engineering News
Waste offenders face stiff penalties, but enforcement capacity questioned - Engineering News
SA wants Fukushima lessons integrated into nuclear plan, as IEA warns on emissions - Engineering News
Underground coal gasification has key role to play in Southern Africa - Engineering News
Waste offenders face stiff penalties, but enforcement capacity questioned - Engineering News
SA wants Fukushima lessons integrated into nuclear plan, as IEA warns on emissions - Engineering News
Underground coal gasification has key role to play in Southern Africa - Engineering News
NEWS SNIPPETS - ELECTRICITY CONSERVATION / ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SAB has cut power use by 17% since 2008 crisis - Engineering News
SA could see its first hybrid power station after Kusile - Engineering News
New energy efficient data centre could save Vodacom R1m a year - Engineering News
MTN ‘greening’ initiatives cut head office power usage by 37% - Engineering News
Public Works reviewing draft green building framework - Engineering News
SA could see its first hybrid power station after Kusile - Engineering News
New energy efficient data centre could save Vodacom R1m a year - Engineering News
MTN ‘greening’ initiatives cut head office power usage by 37% - Engineering News
Public Works reviewing draft green building framework - Engineering News
Friday, July 29, 2011
UN sees small-scale farming as future
" Governments must strive to make a major shift towards small-scale farming if endemic food crises are to be overcome and the production boosted to support the global population, according to the UN.
In its annual World Economic and Social Survey, released yesterday, the UN said a transformation from large-scale and intensive systems of agriculture was vital if growing environmental and land degradation was to be avoided.
The food crisis of 2007/8 and a price spike this year “have revealed deep structural problems in the global food system and the need to increase resources and innovation in agriculture as to accelerate food production”, it said.
Food production would have to increase by between 70 percent and 100 percent by 2050 to sustain a world population that would have grown by 35 percent from the present 6.9 billion to around 9 billion by that time.
“With current agricultural technology, practices and land use patterns, this cannot be achieved without further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and land degradation,” the UN said.
In its turn, the resulting environmental degradation would undermine any growth in food productivity.
Of the 925 million people – nearly a seventh of the population – who are undernourished, 98 percent live in developing countries.
The survey said that achieving food security would provide a long-term solution to hunger and malnutrition, easing price volatility and protecting the environment.
“The main challenge is to improve incentives so that they promote and lead to the development of sustainable agriculture by small farm holders,” the survey said.
“Evidence has shown that for most crops the optimal farm is small in scale and that it is at this level that most gain in terms of both sustainable productivity increases and rural poverty reduction can be achieved.” –Reuters "
Cape Times July 2011
Robert Evans
Geneva
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Local guide being developed for ‘green leasing’
"Research by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) has shown that South African tenants and landlords are starting to request “green leases”.
To this end, a working group of members from the GBCSA and Sapoa has been established to jointly develop a guide to green leasing.
A green lease, explains GBCSA executive chairperson Bruce Kerswill, lays out certain contractual lease obligations between a landlord and a tenant of a building, that require or encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices." Engineering News
To this end, a working group of members from the GBCSA and Sapoa has been established to jointly develop a guide to green leasing.
A green lease, explains GBCSA executive chairperson Bruce Kerswill, lays out certain contractual lease obligations between a landlord and a tenant of a building, that require or encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices." Engineering News
Greenpeace protestors dump 5 t of coal outside Eskom head office
"Nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Greenpeace has staged a demonstration dumping five tons of coal on the doorstep of power utility Eskom’s head office, Megawatt Park, in Johannesburg.
The NGO demanded that Eskom “clean up its act” and stop the construction of the Kusile coal-fired power station near Delmas in Mpumalanga.
“Eskom should end its addiction to coal and shift massive investments to large-scale renewable energy projects,” said the organisation." Engineering News
The NGO demanded that Eskom “clean up its act” and stop the construction of the Kusile coal-fired power station near Delmas in Mpumalanga.
“Eskom should end its addiction to coal and shift massive investments to large-scale renewable energy projects,” said the organisation." Engineering News
News snippets
€50m IFC investment to support SMEs, energy efficiency projects - Engineering News
Joburg CBD safe from acid mine water – study - Engineering News
Developers call for sustainable form of renewable energy procurement - Engineering News "South African Wind Energy Association CEO Johan van den Berg said at a briefing in Johannesburg that price-competitive tender process could breach the trust on which potential wind developers have invested some R400-million, and could tarnish the country’s credibility.
He said that shifting away from the Refit programme could be illegal and that it would stall the renewable energy drive and stifle economic growth."
Drinking water quality improving, but wastewater still a concern - Engineering News
Logistical arrangements for COP17 meeting in Durban on track − Zuma - Engineering News
Push on to clear COP 17 hazards and set realistic Durban goals - Engineering News
Joburg CBD safe from acid mine water – study - Engineering News
Developers call for sustainable form of renewable energy procurement - Engineering News "South African Wind Energy Association CEO Johan van den Berg said at a briefing in Johannesburg that price-competitive tender process could breach the trust on which potential wind developers have invested some R400-million, and could tarnish the country’s credibility.
He said that shifting away from the Refit programme could be illegal and that it would stall the renewable energy drive and stifle economic growth."
Drinking water quality improving, but wastewater still a concern - Engineering News
Logistical arrangements for COP17 meeting in Durban on track − Zuma - Engineering News
Push on to clear COP 17 hazards and set realistic Durban goals - Engineering News
Eskom warns it will pass on full carbon tax effect to consumers
"South African power utility Eskom has warned that it will not be able to absorb the carbon tax proposed by the National Treasury in a recent discussion document, and that it will be forced to pass on the full cost to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
The utility, which burnt 124.7-million tons of coal and produced 230.3-million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the year to March 31, 2011, reports that it has submitted a “strong” response to government. The group is South Africa’s biggest emitter, producing about 1 t of CO2 for every megawatt hour of production.
The National Treasury has issued a discussion paper on a proposed tax and has indicate that it will seek to finalise its policy ahead of the 2012 Budget.
In the paper, government says it favours a direct tax on carbon emissions, which it says will “impose the lowest distortion” on the economy. In fact, the discussion document asserts that a tax of R75/t carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), increasing to around R200/t CO2e, “would be both feasible and appropriate to achieve the desired behavioural changes and emissions reduction targets”." Engineering News
The utility, which burnt 124.7-million tons of coal and produced 230.3-million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the year to March 31, 2011, reports that it has submitted a “strong” response to government. The group is South Africa’s biggest emitter, producing about 1 t of CO2 for every megawatt hour of production.
The National Treasury has issued a discussion paper on a proposed tax and has indicate that it will seek to finalise its policy ahead of the 2012 Budget.
In the paper, government says it favours a direct tax on carbon emissions, which it says will “impose the lowest distortion” on the economy. In fact, the discussion document asserts that a tax of R75/t carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), increasing to around R200/t CO2e, “would be both feasible and appropriate to achieve the desired behavioural changes and emissions reduction targets”." Engineering News
Northern Cape solar resources among the best in the world
"The 5 000 MW solar park, which government is planning to build near Upington in the sun-drenched Northern Cape, would have some of the best solar resources in the world, the Stellenbosch University said on Friday." Engineering News
News snippets
Europe seeks industrial scale aviation biofuel production by 2020 - Engineering News
Vodacom aims for top green building rating with R24m green innovation centre - Engineering News
Fresh concern that SA is poised to abandon Refit in favour of competitive bidding - Engineering News
Eskom to complete CSP design by 2013, commission plant in 2016 - Engineering News
Cloud of uncertainty still hanging over SA renewables sector - Engineering News
Transatlantic flight a historic step in the development of aviation biofuels - Engineering News - "Honeywell Green Jet Fuel can be produced from a number of crops and, to date, the company has manufactured more than 700 000 (US) gallons (some 2 653 000 l) of biofuels, from inedible feedstocks like algae, camelina and jatropha."
SA renewable sector could compete globally – European merchant bank - Engineering News
R225m for acid mine drainage not enough, Parliament hears - Engineering News - "The R225-million set aside to deal with acid mine drainage (AMD) would not be enough, and closer to R750-million would be needed to address the problem successfully, Johann Claassens from the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) said on Tuesday."
SA urges developed nations to extend Kyoto Protocol - Engineering News
Treasury sets aside R200m for hosting of climate change meeting - Engineering News
As 2011 rhino killings look set to reach 400, VW donates Amaroks to help stem tide - Engineering News
Vodacom aims for top green building rating with R24m green innovation centre - Engineering News
Fresh concern that SA is poised to abandon Refit in favour of competitive bidding - Engineering News
Eskom to complete CSP design by 2013, commission plant in 2016 - Engineering News
Cloud of uncertainty still hanging over SA renewables sector - Engineering News
Transatlantic flight a historic step in the development of aviation biofuels - Engineering News - "Honeywell Green Jet Fuel can be produced from a number of crops and, to date, the company has manufactured more than 700 000 (US) gallons (some 2 653 000 l) of biofuels, from inedible feedstocks like algae, camelina and jatropha."
SA renewable sector could compete globally – European merchant bank - Engineering News
R225m for acid mine drainage not enough, Parliament hears - Engineering News - "The R225-million set aside to deal with acid mine drainage (AMD) would not be enough, and closer to R750-million would be needed to address the problem successfully, Johann Claassens from the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) said on Tuesday."
SA urges developed nations to extend Kyoto Protocol - Engineering News
Treasury sets aside R200m for hosting of climate change meeting - Engineering News
As 2011 rhino killings look set to reach 400, VW donates Amaroks to help stem tide - Engineering News
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Economy, public seen as key to climate deal
Wider public unease about climate change and stronger economic growth are likely to be needed to revive sluggish UN talks after hopes for quick agreement on a treaty have fizzled, experts say. More here, on Engineering News
SA solar PV uptake lags but Refit, solar park seen as growth drivers
"Despite the South African photovoltaic (PV) market expected to earn a revenue of $29.8-million by 2014, up from $21.6-million in 2010, the market would continue to grow at a much slower pace than many of its international counterparts, research consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) said on Wednesday.
This would continue until such time that the renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) programme, which is in a waiting phase, is implemented. “The South African market will be limited primarily to off-grid applications, such as rural electrification, road signage, isolated farms and lodges and telecommunications,” said F&S in its ‘South African Solar Photovoltaic Market’ report." Read more here, on Engineering News
This would continue until such time that the renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) programme, which is in a waiting phase, is implemented. “The South African market will be limited primarily to off-grid applications, such as rural electrification, road signage, isolated farms and lodges and telecommunications,” said F&S in its ‘South African Solar Photovoltaic Market’ report." Read more here, on Engineering News
Solar Water Heaters
Including solar water heaters in building codes to help SA reach 2014 target - "While power utility Eskom’s rebate programme has facilitated interest in solar water heaters (SWHs) , a greater, more assertive framework would be required to attract the mass SWH adoption needed to reach South Africa’s target of one-million installations by the end of 2014.
Global consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) suggested that such a framework could include making SWHs mandatory for new buildings, which would eradicate the restrictive high initial cost of the product, by incorporating this into a new building’s operating cost." More here, on Engineering News
Nedbank launches pilot project to convert burst geysers to solar - "Banking giant Nedbank’s insurance division, Nedgroup Insurance, has launched a pilot project allowing its home-owner clients to install solar geysers as replacements when existing geysers burst or malfunction." More here, on Engineering News
Global consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S) suggested that such a framework could include making SWHs mandatory for new buildings, which would eradicate the restrictive high initial cost of the product, by incorporating this into a new building’s operating cost." More here, on Engineering News
Nedbank launches pilot project to convert burst geysers to solar - "Banking giant Nedbank’s insurance division, Nedgroup Insurance, has launched a pilot project allowing its home-owner clients to install solar geysers as replacements when existing geysers burst or malfunction." More here, on Engineering News
Crucial to get first renewables round right, bank argues
"Banking group Investec, which is participating in a range of renewable energy projects in South Africa, says that while it is keen for the delayed renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) procurement process to begin as soon as possible, it also accepts that it is more important for South Africa that the first round is concluded successfully than hastily." More here, on Engineering News
World off course on climate, renewables vital – UN panel
"The world is off course in fighting climate change and governments need to boost green energies to build new momentum, the head of the UN panel of climate scientists said on Monday." Read more here, on Engineering News
Japan Doubles Admission of Radiation, Admits Three Meltdowns
Read more here, on IPA.
Meanwhile, here in SA, Earthlife Africa (with partners) will be hosting a series of meetings (in the second part of July 2011) around South Africa on the EIA for Nuclear -1, the legal issues, and a possible legal challenge if the EIA is granted. Find out more here.
and on the other hand:
Two top universities to jointly offer special nuclear courses - Engineering News
Meanwhile, here in SA, Earthlife Africa (with partners) will be hosting a series of meetings (in the second part of July 2011) around South Africa on the EIA for Nuclear -1, the legal issues, and a possible legal challenge if the EIA is granted. Find out more here.
and on the other hand:
Two top universities to jointly offer special nuclear courses - Engineering News
Friday, June 10, 2011
R250m set aside for business-focused power-saving scheme
"State-owned power utility Eskom has confirmed that R250-million has been set aside as part of a ‘standard offer’ to business consumers, including hotels, commercial property companies and light manufacturers, that are able to prove a reduction in their power consumption patterns.
Successful applicants will secure a three-year contract with Eskom, with 40% of the payment made after the energy savings have been made and verified. The balance will be paid in tranches at the end of each year." More, here on Engineering News
Successful applicants will secure a three-year contract with Eskom, with 40% of the payment made after the energy savings have been made and verified. The balance will be paid in tranches at the end of each year." More, here on Engineering News
Municipalities seek higher power tariffs to fund infrastructure upgrades
More here, on Engineering News
SA’s resource-intensive economic trajectory unsustainable – NPC
"Balancing the potential benefits from further development of South Africa’s mineral and agricultural endowments with a less resource- and energy-intensive development path has been highlighted as a key future challenge for future deliberations by the nascent National Planning Commission (NPC).
In its ‘Diagnostics Overview’, released by NPC chairperson Minister Trevor Manuel and deputy chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Thursday, the NPC warns that the costs of such a transition would not “fall evenly” and export sectors could “suffer”.
Nevertheless, it describes the prevailing resource-intensive nature of the South African economy as “unsustainable”, while making it vulnerable to external forces that can induce local booms and busts. Further, it notes that the coal-heavy nature of the economy open it to penalties as the world seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide." More here, on Engineering News
In its ‘Diagnostics Overview’, released by NPC chairperson Minister Trevor Manuel and deputy chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Thursday, the NPC warns that the costs of such a transition would not “fall evenly” and export sectors could “suffer”.
Nevertheless, it describes the prevailing resource-intensive nature of the South African economy as “unsustainable”, while making it vulnerable to external forces that can induce local booms and busts. Further, it notes that the coal-heavy nature of the economy open it to penalties as the world seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide." More here, on Engineering News
SA market for energy-efficient solutions to grow to $64.9m by 2016 – study
More here, on Engineering News
Imperial Cargo HQ switches on solar power system
"Imperial Cargo’s Paarl-based headquarters has switched on its new solar power system, while also opening the valves of its self-sufficient water treatment plant.
Imperial Cargo, a member of the Imperial Logistics group, has spent two years transforming what was a dump site into a green energy site." More here, on Engineering News
Imperial Cargo, a member of the Imperial Logistics group, has spent two years transforming what was a dump site into a green energy site." More here, on Engineering News
SA commits R18.6m for solar park feasibility study
"South Africa has committed R18.6-million to complete a feasibility study for a solar park, in Upington, and localisation would be “vigorously pursued” in moving ahead with the project, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said on Tuesday.
The feasibility study for the solar park, which would produce 5 000 MW of renewable energy, would be completed by the end of July." More here, on Engineering News
The feasibility study for the solar park, which would produce 5 000 MW of renewable energy, would be completed by the end of July." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom hopes to conclude more renewable energy funding soon
"State-owned power utility Eskom hopes to conclude more funding for its renewable energy projects in the near future, the utility, which secured a $365-million African Development Bank (AfDB) loan, said on Monday.
Eskom would use the AfDB loan towards financing its 100-MW Sere wind project in the Western Cape and a planned 100-MW concentrated solar plant in the Northern Cape.
The utility said that the AfDB loan formed part of a broader funding plan for renewable energy projects, which includes other development finance agencies.
The loan consists of $265-million from the bank’s own resources and $100-million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The CTF loan is for 40 years and was concluded under the South African government guarantee for Eskom’s debt." More here, on Engineering News
Eskom would use the AfDB loan towards financing its 100-MW Sere wind project in the Western Cape and a planned 100-MW concentrated solar plant in the Northern Cape.
The utility said that the AfDB loan formed part of a broader funding plan for renewable energy projects, which includes other development finance agencies.
The loan consists of $265-million from the bank’s own resources and $100-million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The CTF loan is for 40 years and was concluded under the South African government guarantee for Eskom’s debt." More here, on Engineering News
Standard Bank to launch efficient lighting CDM programme
"Standard Bank will kick off an energy efficient lighting programme aimed at replacing the estimated 40-million inefficient lamps in office buildings across South Africa, by early 2012." More here, on Engineering News
Solar PV has emerged as big IRP ‘winner’, report asserts
"Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies have emerged as the “big winner” in South Africa’s 20-year integrated resource plan (IRP) for electricity, which indicates that the PV solutions could deliver 8 400 MW of new capacity by 2030, a new report by Frost & Sullivan argues.
The target could translate into the deployment of a “staggering” 300 MW a year of large-scale solar PV from 2012 onwards, potentially transforming the country into a “solar gold mine”." More here, on Engineering News
The target could translate into the deployment of a “staggering” 300 MW a year of large-scale solar PV from 2012 onwards, potentially transforming the country into a “solar gold mine”." More here, on Engineering News
Google invests more in Renewable Energy
"The world’s most popular search engine has furthered its investment in green energy resources by purchasing the largest solar power tower plant on the planet. Located in the Mojave Desert, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is already under construction and is reportedly looking to produce 392 MW on completion in 2013 (1MW would power approximately 650 homes)." Read more here, on World Architecture News
Saturday, June 4, 2011
China gives bleak assessment of its battered environment
"More than half of China's cities are affected by acid rain and one-sixth of major rivers are so polluted the water is unfit even for farmland, a senior official said on Friday in a bleak assessment of the environmental price of the country's economic boom."..."The environmental degradation which has accompanied China's breakneck growth has emerged as one of the most potent fault lines in Chinese society, driving protests against Beijing's perceived inability to effectively tackle the problem."..."China has repeatedly promised to clean up its stressed environment. But it often fails to match that with the resources and political will to enforce Beijing's mandates, as local officials put growth, revenue and jobs ahead of environmental protection." Extracted from this Engineering News article [our highlighting]
World Environment Day 5 June
Read about it here. Find out more about "Eat for EArth" project, here in SA.
No ‘green’ earmarking plan for carbon tax revenue
Should South Africa, which produced about 500-million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)yearly, move ahead with the implementation of a carbon tax, the revenue generated would not necessarily be set aside specifically for environmental projects, National Treasury environmental and fuel taxes director Sharlin Hemraj stressed on Thursday. Engineering News
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