"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
Friday, September 30, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)