"Environmental organisation Earthlife Africa has slammed the Department of Energy’s (DoE’s) National Energy Regulator Amendment Bill and the Electricity Regulation Second Amendment Bill as “highly undemocratic”.
Programme officer Makoma Lekalakala urged the DoE to withdraw these bills, saying it would place significant decision-making power in the hands of Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, by eviscerating the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
“This goes against the Constitution and implementation of democratic institutions. An independent and impartial regulator is a critical part of the checks and balances that define modern representative democracies such as South Africa,” she stated.
Lekalakala also said the degree to which the public will be removed from the decision-making process was concerning." Source and more here.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Mines Operating Without Requisite Water Use Licences: Acting with Impunity Exacerbating Environmental Degradation
"For the past two years, there has been ongoing engagement between civil society, community organisations, academic institutions and law clinics increasingly concerned about the impacts of mining on the environment and on the communities that rely on those natural resources. This coalition has now evolved into a Mining, Environment and Community Alliance that works together to implement a civil society legal strategy to promote environmental compliance, transparency and accountability in mining." Source and read more here on Lawyers for Human Rights's website.
Wind Farm developments in SA - Articles on well-known news websites stir debate
Recently certain articles appeared on Engineering News in which the writer criticized wind farms to be developed in SA. The articles were interestingly filled with emotional and some questionable statements. Read one of the articles here, and the follow on article here then read the comments posted by readers in response to the articles below the articles.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
wind generator design uses recycled hard drives
This Urban Sprout article reports how an electrical engineering student (Hartmut Jagau)at Cape Town University won the Student Poster Presentation award at the 2011 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Energy Conversion Congress & Exposition that was held last year in the USA for his innovative wind generator design.
"His last prototype could generate 328W of electrical power – enough to provide a household with electricity to run one 19-inch colour television, two portable stereos, ten 16W compact fluorescent light bulbs and three mobile phone chargers."
Source and more here, on Urban Sprout.
"His last prototype could generate 328W of electrical power – enough to provide a household with electricity to run one 19-inch colour television, two portable stereos, ten 16W compact fluorescent light bulbs and three mobile phone chargers."
Source and more here, on Urban Sprout.
Friday, February 10, 2012
News Snippets
Coal-dependent South Africa has no explicit coal policy – Prof - Source and more here.
Hyundai launches pilot water recycling drive - "Hyundai Bryanston hopes to cut its municipal water use by 80% following the installation of a water capture and recycling system, says dealer principal Kosta Avgoustinos" Source and more here.
World lacks enough food, fuel as population soars - " The world is running out of time to make sure there is enough food, water and energy to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and to avoid sending up to three-billion people into poverty, a UN report warned on Monday.
As the world's population looks set to grow to nearly nine-billion by 2040 from seven-billion now, and the number of middle-class consumers increases by three-billion over the next 20 years, the demand for resources will rise exponentially.
Even by 2030, the world will need at least 50% more food, 45% more energy and 30% more water, according to UN estimates, at a time when a changing environment is creating new limits to supply." source and more here.
IWMSA welcomes withdrawal of Redisa approval - Source and more here.
Water Affairs confirms movement on long-term Acid Mine Drainage study - Source and more here.
Sexwale to join Antarctica climate change expedition - Source and more here.
Redisa waste tyre plan approval withdrawn - Source and more here.
Vodafone unveils ‘green’ innovation Centre - " A significant opportunity exists for companies to use their own sector technology and expertise in finding solutions to meet critical social, environmental and governance challenges, mobile group Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys highlighted at the unveiling of parent company Vodafone’s new innovation centre in Midrand, on Tuesday.
Rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa as the first six-star Green Star SA building in the country, the facility is also the greenest building in Africa." Source and more here.
SA urged to act before EU carbon project window closes in Dec - "Climate finance practitioners and regulators have urged South African developers of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to finalise their applications for registration of such projects with the United Nations during the first quarter of 2012, or face being excluded from the key European market." Source and more here.
Heavyweight industry group issues carbon tax warning - " An industry lobby group comprising large mining groups and mineral processing companies is cautioning against the proposed introduction of a carbon tax in South Africa until South Africa has fully charted its abatement potential and the costs implications of implementing its renewable-energy heavy power generation plans." Source and more here.
2012 'make-or-break' year for Joule as it seeks govt commitment - Source and more here.
Nersa postpones power price hearings as it receives notice of policy review - Source and more here.
Cosatu calls for protests over solar sector jobs failure - "Cosatu in the Western Cape is planning protests at Parliament over what it claims is government's failure to implement job commitments regarding the importation of components for solar panels." source and more here.
3E to host renewable energy seminars next week - " Renewable energy technical advisers 3E will host two free breakfast seminars next week to mark the opening of its Cape Town office.
The seminars, which will focus on technical risk management for solar and wind project investments, will take place on January 25 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and on the January 26 at the Lagoon Beach Hotel, in Cape Town."
source and more here.
Gathering to home in on SA’s solar jobs potential - " The link between job creation and the deployment of solar energy solutions in South Africa will come under the spotlight during a SolarPlaza conference in Johannesburg on January 25.
The gathering comes as the Department of Energy (DoE) prepares to open the second bidding window in March for the procurement of 3 725 MW of renewable capacity to be installed between 2012 and 2016." Source and more here.
Better scientific understanding of link between climate change, food security needed - source and more here.
Deputy Minister to launch energy savings roadshow - Source and more here.
Hyundai launches pilot water recycling drive - "Hyundai Bryanston hopes to cut its municipal water use by 80% following the installation of a water capture and recycling system, says dealer principal Kosta Avgoustinos" Source and more here.
World lacks enough food, fuel as population soars - " The world is running out of time to make sure there is enough food, water and energy to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and to avoid sending up to three-billion people into poverty, a UN report warned on Monday.
As the world's population looks set to grow to nearly nine-billion by 2040 from seven-billion now, and the number of middle-class consumers increases by three-billion over the next 20 years, the demand for resources will rise exponentially.
Even by 2030, the world will need at least 50% more food, 45% more energy and 30% more water, according to UN estimates, at a time when a changing environment is creating new limits to supply." source and more here.
IWMSA welcomes withdrawal of Redisa approval - Source and more here.
Water Affairs confirms movement on long-term Acid Mine Drainage study - Source and more here.
Sexwale to join Antarctica climate change expedition - Source and more here.
Redisa waste tyre plan approval withdrawn - Source and more here.
Vodafone unveils ‘green’ innovation Centre - " A significant opportunity exists for companies to use their own sector technology and expertise in finding solutions to meet critical social, environmental and governance challenges, mobile group Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys highlighted at the unveiling of parent company Vodafone’s new innovation centre in Midrand, on Tuesday.
Rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa as the first six-star Green Star SA building in the country, the facility is also the greenest building in Africa." Source and more here.
SA urged to act before EU carbon project window closes in Dec - "Climate finance practitioners and regulators have urged South African developers of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to finalise their applications for registration of such projects with the United Nations during the first quarter of 2012, or face being excluded from the key European market." Source and more here.
Heavyweight industry group issues carbon tax warning - " An industry lobby group comprising large mining groups and mineral processing companies is cautioning against the proposed introduction of a carbon tax in South Africa until South Africa has fully charted its abatement potential and the costs implications of implementing its renewable-energy heavy power generation plans." Source and more here.
2012 'make-or-break' year for Joule as it seeks govt commitment - Source and more here.
Nersa postpones power price hearings as it receives notice of policy review - Source and more here.
Cosatu calls for protests over solar sector jobs failure - "Cosatu in the Western Cape is planning protests at Parliament over what it claims is government's failure to implement job commitments regarding the importation of components for solar panels." source and more here.
3E to host renewable energy seminars next week - " Renewable energy technical advisers 3E will host two free breakfast seminars next week to mark the opening of its Cape Town office.
The seminars, which will focus on technical risk management for solar and wind project investments, will take place on January 25 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and on the January 26 at the Lagoon Beach Hotel, in Cape Town."
source and more here.
Gathering to home in on SA’s solar jobs potential - " The link between job creation and the deployment of solar energy solutions in South Africa will come under the spotlight during a SolarPlaza conference in Johannesburg on January 25.
The gathering comes as the Department of Energy (DoE) prepares to open the second bidding window in March for the procurement of 3 725 MW of renewable capacity to be installed between 2012 and 2016." Source and more here.
Better scientific understanding of link between climate change, food security needed - source and more here.
Deputy Minister to launch energy savings roadshow - Source and more here.
Friday, January 20, 2012
News Snippets
TCTA again warns of funding shortfall for acid water projects - Source and more here.
Tyre recycling plan unsustainable, jobs potential overestimated - " Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has overestimated the number of jobs that can be created through the new tyre recycling programme, Democratic Alliance (DA) water and environment spokesperson Gareth Morgan said on Wednesday, adding that the initiative was unsustainable.
He also said that Minister, who unveiled the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative South Africa (Redisa) on Tuesday, may have flouted sections of the Waste Tyre Regulations (WTR), by failing to publish the plan in the Government Gazette for a 30-day comment period or bring it to the attention of relevant organs of State and interested persons.
“Despite the existence of another long-standing industry driven plan on the table, the Minister has effectively given Redisa a monopoly over tyre recycling in South Africa, as manufactures, dealers and importers must become a subscriber to the plan as long as it is the only plan approved by the Minister,” Morgan told Engineering News Online." Source and more here.
Renewables to be fastest-growing energy segment over 20 years - BP - " Fossil fuels will continue to dominate the global energy mix in 2030, oil group BP forecasts in its latest ‘Energy Outlook 2030’, in which it estimates that such primary energy sources should still comprise 81% of global energy demand by that date. But the overall share of fossil fuels in the mix is likely to be 6% lower than is the case currently as fuel switching accelerates, with gas and renewables replacing coal and oil.
This “gradual” switching should result in renewables, including biofuels, remaining the fastest-growing sources of energy supply globally, rising at a yearly rate of more than 8% – materially quicker that the rate of growth of the fastest-growing fossil fuel, natural gas, the use of which is likely to increase by 2% a year over the period." Source and more here.
Minister Molewa unveils plan to deal with waste tyres - " A levy of R2.30/kg would be introduced on new tyres manufactured in or imported into South Africa from February 1 to pay for the collection and recycling of waste tyres, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa announced in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Over 200 000 t of tyres become waste tyres in South Africa every year, with about 11-million used tyres being dumped illegally or burnt to retrieve the steel wire in the tyre. “With this figure estimated to increase by around 9.5% annually, the country has a serious waste tyre problem,” Molewa said at a briefing." Source and read more here.
US renewables firms eyeing SA’s next IPP bidding windows - " US Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman confirmed on Monday that two American renewable energy firms were among the first 28 project developers named as preferred bidders by South Africa’s Department of Energy in December. The companies were identified as SolarReserve and SunEdison." Source and more here.
Metals lobby gears up for talks on EU carbon tax - " LONDON – Europe's metals sector is gearing up for talks with the European Commission on plans to start taxing its carbon emissions but at the same time prevent factories and smelters from shutting shop or moving abroad.
Metals lobby group Eurometeaux, which is meeting with the commission at the end of January, wants to persuade it to grant the sector full exemption from the indirect carbon costs embedded in electricity prices." Source and more here.
Tyre recycling plan unsustainable, jobs potential overestimated - " Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has overestimated the number of jobs that can be created through the new tyre recycling programme, Democratic Alliance (DA) water and environment spokesperson Gareth Morgan said on Wednesday, adding that the initiative was unsustainable.
He also said that Minister, who unveiled the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative South Africa (Redisa) on Tuesday, may have flouted sections of the Waste Tyre Regulations (WTR), by failing to publish the plan in the Government Gazette for a 30-day comment period or bring it to the attention of relevant organs of State and interested persons.
“Despite the existence of another long-standing industry driven plan on the table, the Minister has effectively given Redisa a monopoly over tyre recycling in South Africa, as manufactures, dealers and importers must become a subscriber to the plan as long as it is the only plan approved by the Minister,” Morgan told Engineering News Online." Source and more here.
Renewables to be fastest-growing energy segment over 20 years - BP - " Fossil fuels will continue to dominate the global energy mix in 2030, oil group BP forecasts in its latest ‘Energy Outlook 2030’, in which it estimates that such primary energy sources should still comprise 81% of global energy demand by that date. But the overall share of fossil fuels in the mix is likely to be 6% lower than is the case currently as fuel switching accelerates, with gas and renewables replacing coal and oil.
This “gradual” switching should result in renewables, including biofuels, remaining the fastest-growing sources of energy supply globally, rising at a yearly rate of more than 8% – materially quicker that the rate of growth of the fastest-growing fossil fuel, natural gas, the use of which is likely to increase by 2% a year over the period." Source and more here.
Minister Molewa unveils plan to deal with waste tyres - " A levy of R2.30/kg would be introduced on new tyres manufactured in or imported into South Africa from February 1 to pay for the collection and recycling of waste tyres, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa announced in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Over 200 000 t of tyres become waste tyres in South Africa every year, with about 11-million used tyres being dumped illegally or burnt to retrieve the steel wire in the tyre. “With this figure estimated to increase by around 9.5% annually, the country has a serious waste tyre problem,” Molewa said at a briefing." Source and read more here.
US renewables firms eyeing SA’s next IPP bidding windows - " US Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman confirmed on Monday that two American renewable energy firms were among the first 28 project developers named as preferred bidders by South Africa’s Department of Energy in December. The companies were identified as SolarReserve and SunEdison." Source and more here.
Metals lobby gears up for talks on EU carbon tax - " LONDON – Europe's metals sector is gearing up for talks with the European Commission on plans to start taxing its carbon emissions but at the same time prevent factories and smelters from shutting shop or moving abroad.
Metals lobby group Eurometeaux, which is meeting with the commission at the end of January, wants to persuade it to grant the sector full exemption from the indirect carbon costs embedded in electricity prices." Source and more here.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
New tyre recycling law to tackle waste problem
"A waste tyre management plan to be rolled out later this year will create a "sustainable recycling industry" to deal with a major waste problem, the recycling initiative said on Monday.
Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) said the Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan, which had been approved by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, would create jobs and foster small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country."
Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) said the Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan, which had been approved by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, would create jobs and foster small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country."
Source and More here on Engineering News
Friday, December 30, 2011
SA renewable energy associations to launch umbrella body
"Four of South Africa’s leading renewable energy associations plan to launch an umbrella body, provisionally named the South African Renewable Energy Council, to act as a “single voice” for the industry, which is believed to be on the verge of a significant expansion phase.
The organisation’s founding members will include the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia), the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea), the South African Solar Thermal Industry Association (Sastela) and the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (Sessa). But it is envisioned that other partners will be included at a later stage.
In fact, Sawea CEO Johan van den Berg reports that a variety of stakeholders could be included in future, noting that a number of nongovernmental organisations have considerable expertise in renewable energy.
“There are also other renewable technologies that have industry bodies, or the beginnings thereof. We will strive to be as inclusive as possible. The idea is not to create an overarching industry body but rather to create an overarching renewable energy custodian,” Van den Berg explains."
Source and more here, on Engineering News
The organisation’s founding members will include the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia), the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea), the South African Solar Thermal Industry Association (Sastela) and the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (Sessa). But it is envisioned that other partners will be included at a later stage.
In fact, Sawea CEO Johan van den Berg reports that a variety of stakeholders could be included in future, noting that a number of nongovernmental organisations have considerable expertise in renewable energy.
“There are also other renewable technologies that have industry bodies, or the beginnings thereof. We will strive to be as inclusive as possible. The idea is not to create an overarching industry body but rather to create an overarching renewable energy custodian,” Van den Berg explains."
Source and more here, on Engineering News
News Snippets
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Basil Read outlines role in 26 MW wind project - Engineering News
Law firm advised 15 of first 28 renewables preferred bidders - Engineering News
Solar Capital says 75 MW De Aar project is ‘first phase’- Engineering News
Soitec, Schneider team up on Touwsrivier solar project - Engineering News
Vestas sets sights on more SA work as first two projects advance - Engineering News
'All systems go' for Eskom’s 100 MW wind project - Engineering News
International partnership gives SA renewables scale-up a boost - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
SA team insists COP 17 was a success, but accepts serious gaps remain - Engineering News
COP 17 breathes life into climate fund, sets agenda for future treaty - Engineering News
Countries still committed to launching $100bn climate fund - Engineering News
EU climate chief urges US, China to come on board - Engineering News
US denies delaying global climate deal - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Companies commit to energy efficiency - http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/companies-commit-to-energy-efficiency-2011-12-08 Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA should consider placing a price on carbon - Engineering News
Canada first nation to pull out of Kyoto protocol - Engineering News
Cities sign climate change adaptation charter - Engineering News
CARBON EMISSIONS
China sees opportunities for CDM cooperation - Engineering News
FOOD MANUFACTURING
Durban’s new R670m food plant sets green benchmark - Engineering News
CARBON MARKETS
Carbon markets still on life support after climate deal - Engineering News
SOLAR TECHNOLOGY
Research facility planned to ‘fine tune’ thin solar technology - Engineering News
Basil Read outlines role in 26 MW wind project - Engineering News
Law firm advised 15 of first 28 renewables preferred bidders - Engineering News
Solar Capital says 75 MW De Aar project is ‘first phase’- Engineering News
Soitec, Schneider team up on Touwsrivier solar project - Engineering News
Vestas sets sights on more SA work as first two projects advance - Engineering News
'All systems go' for Eskom’s 100 MW wind project - Engineering News
International partnership gives SA renewables scale-up a boost - Engineering News
CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS
SA team insists COP 17 was a success, but accepts serious gaps remain - Engineering News
COP 17 breathes life into climate fund, sets agenda for future treaty - Engineering News
Countries still committed to launching $100bn climate fund - Engineering News
EU climate chief urges US, China to come on board - Engineering News
US denies delaying global climate deal - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Companies commit to energy efficiency - http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/companies-commit-to-energy-efficiency-2011-12-08 Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
SA should consider placing a price on carbon - Engineering News
Canada first nation to pull out of Kyoto protocol - Engineering News
Cities sign climate change adaptation charter - Engineering News
CARBON EMISSIONS
China sees opportunities for CDM cooperation - Engineering News
FOOD MANUFACTURING
Durban’s new R670m food plant sets green benchmark - Engineering News
CARBON MARKETS
Carbon markets still on life support after climate deal - Engineering News
SOLAR TECHNOLOGY
Research facility planned to ‘fine tune’ thin solar technology - Engineering News
IDC lends R5.2bn in support to 12 renewables bidders
"State-owned development financier the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) reports that it has approved funding worth R5.2-billion for 12 of the 28 preferred bidders recently identified by the Department of Energy (DoE) as part of a process to procure 3 725 MW of renewable energy capacity from independent power producers (IPPs) by 2016."
Source and More here on Engineering News
Mainstream wind, solar projects worth R5bn advance to next stage
"A consortium led by global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports that South Africa’s Department of Energy (DoE) has named three of its wind and solar projects, representing a combined capacity of 230 MW, among the initial 28 to have progressed to the preferred-bidder stage."
Source and More here on Engineering News
IEA assisting in Africa wind-mapping project
"Developing a resource map and establishing a wind atlas for Africa, particularly for the Southern African Development Community region, was key for the development of the renewable energy sector and providing access to electricity for millions across the continent, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters told Engineering News Online on Thursday."
Source and More here on Engineering News
Source and More here on Engineering News
Sunday, December 11, 2011
SA unveils the names of first 28 preferred renewables bidders
"South Africa’s Energy Minister Dipuo Peters has officially disclosed the names of the first 28 renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) preferred bidders, which now have until June 2012 to take their projects to financial closure."
Source and More here on Engineering News
Source and More here on Engineering News
News Snippets
RENEWABLE ENERGY
135 MW Cookhouse wind farm the largest in first renewables round - Engineering News
Seven-year payback time for Dube TradePort solar installation - Engineering News
Saldanha steel mill supports wind-energy project - Engineering News
Cape Verde eyes 50% wind power by 2020 - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
'Blue carbon' policy framework seeks inclusion of coastal marine areas - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
MBSA’s East London plant cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 32% - Engineering News
Electric Smart may enter SA in 2013, Mercedes-Benz hybrids to follow - Engineering News
COP17 CONFERENCE
Africa fails to profit from UN carbon-offset scheme - Engineering News
World cannot accept ‘no’ for an answer in Durban – UN chief - Engineering News
Debt and doubt loom large over Durban climate talks - Engineering News
Finance questions raised in draft UN climate paper - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUNDING
Development banks move to help cities fight climate change - Engineering News
GREEN FUNDING
Mechanisms sought to offset incremental costs of SA’s renewables roll-out - Engineering News
CARBON MARKET
Strong growth in CDM projects in Africa - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
GE sees opportunities emerging from green economy in Africa - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
SAWS moving towards real-time monitoring of air pollution - Engineering News
ELECTRICITY
Electricity utilities collaborate on climate change - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy saving LED streetlights showcased in Durban - Engineering News
CLIMATE FINANCE
Developed world must honour climate finance commitments – Sisulu - Engineering News
$100bn climate fund ‘badly needed’ – World Bank economist - Engineering News
New rules needed to accelerate investment in Africa - Engineering News
CARBON MARKET
Power utilities seek clarity on carbon market future - Engineering News
TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
Carbon tax will push up SA transport bill by up to R6bn, warns Imperial Logistics - Engineering News
CARBON DISCLOSURE
SA’s top companies rate high in carbon disclosure - Engineering News
135 MW Cookhouse wind farm the largest in first renewables round - Engineering News
Seven-year payback time for Dube TradePort solar installation - Engineering News
Saldanha steel mill supports wind-energy project - Engineering News
Cape Verde eyes 50% wind power by 2020 - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE
'Blue carbon' policy framework seeks inclusion of coastal marine areas - Engineering News
AUTO INDUSTRY
MBSA’s East London plant cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 32% - Engineering News
Electric Smart may enter SA in 2013, Mercedes-Benz hybrids to follow - Engineering News
COP17 CONFERENCE
Africa fails to profit from UN carbon-offset scheme - Engineering News
World cannot accept ‘no’ for an answer in Durban – UN chief - Engineering News
Debt and doubt loom large over Durban climate talks - Engineering News
Finance questions raised in draft UN climate paper - Engineering News
CLIMATE FUNDING
Development banks move to help cities fight climate change - Engineering News
GREEN FUNDING
Mechanisms sought to offset incremental costs of SA’s renewables roll-out - Engineering News
CARBON MARKET
Strong growth in CDM projects in Africa - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
GE sees opportunities emerging from green economy in Africa - Engineering News
ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
SAWS moving towards real-time monitoring of air pollution - Engineering News
ELECTRICITY
Electricity utilities collaborate on climate change - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy saving LED streetlights showcased in Durban - Engineering News
CLIMATE FINANCE
Developed world must honour climate finance commitments – Sisulu - Engineering News
$100bn climate fund ‘badly needed’ – World Bank economist - Engineering News
New rules needed to accelerate investment in Africa - Engineering News
CARBON MARKET
Power utilities seek clarity on carbon market future - Engineering News
TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
Carbon tax will push up SA transport bill by up to R6bn, warns Imperial Logistics - Engineering News
CARBON DISCLOSURE
SA’s top companies rate high in carbon disclosure - Engineering News
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Reports on Outcome of Cop17
Cop17 approves 2015 Climate Pact - Durban - A marathon UN climate conference on Sunday approved a roadmap towards an accord that for the first time will bring all major emitters of greenhouse gases under a single legal roof.
If approved as scheduled in 2015, the pact will be operational from 2020 and become the prime weapon in the fight against climate change. News24
Cop17 Ends: Earth and Africa still heading for disaster - At around 5am this morning, the Durban COP approved various agreements to muted applause in a sleep-deprived, numbed plenary room.
These agreements still leave Earth on track for 3-4 degrees of warming or 5-6 degrees for Africa, by 2100, almost certainly disastrous. Source: http://cop17insouthafrica.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/cop-17-ends-earth-and-africa-still-headed-for-disaster/
COP17 agrees on second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol - After an extra day's hard negotiations, the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed Sunday on the second commitment period under Kyoto Protocol. Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2011-12/11/c_131299821.htm
A brief summary of the Outcome with a link to a more detailed summary
If approved as scheduled in 2015, the pact will be operational from 2020 and become the prime weapon in the fight against climate change. News24
Cop17 Ends: Earth and Africa still heading for disaster - At around 5am this morning, the Durban COP approved various agreements to muted applause in a sleep-deprived, numbed plenary room.
These agreements still leave Earth on track for 3-4 degrees of warming or 5-6 degrees for Africa, by 2100, almost certainly disastrous. Source: http://cop17insouthafrica.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/cop-17-ends-earth-and-africa-still-headed-for-disaster/
COP17 agrees on second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol - After an extra day's hard negotiations, the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed Sunday on the second commitment period under Kyoto Protocol. Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2011-12/11/c_131299821.htm
A brief summary of the Outcome with a link to a more detailed summary
Friday, December 9, 2011
Protest outside COP 17 hall
"Durban - A group of about 60 protesters blocked the corridor leading to the hall where negotiations were taking place at the COP 17 climate change conference in Durban on Friday.
They held up posters reading: "Don't kill Africa" and "stand strong Africa".
A line of United Nations security personnel in blue shirts stood in front of them.
The protesters were not violent, but were noisy, chanting slogans such as "we need a deal in Durban to happen now" and "seal the deal now".
They also started singing Shosholoza and clapping their hands.
The Greenpeace banner "Listen to the people not the polluters" could be seen at the front of the group."
Source and more here, on News24
They held up posters reading: "Don't kill Africa" and "stand strong Africa".
A line of United Nations security personnel in blue shirts stood in front of them.
The protesters were not violent, but were noisy, chanting slogans such as "we need a deal in Durban to happen now" and "seal the deal now".
They also started singing Shosholoza and clapping their hands.
The Greenpeace banner "Listen to the people not the polluters" could be seen at the front of the group."
Source and more here, on News24
COP-17: All countries still not on board for deal
If "big" countries such as the US, India and China did not sign up to the new deal taking shape at the Durban-hosted United Nations climate change talks (COP-17), there would be no deal, European Union climate change commissioner Connie Hedegaard said on Friday morning.
Source and more here, on Business Day
Source and more here, on Business Day
Sunday, December 4, 2011
VWSA cuts electricity consumption by 55%
"Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has cut electricity use at its Uitenhage plant by 42% from 2009 to 2010, with a further 13% reduction achieved from 2010 to 2011, says VWSA communications GM Matt Gennrich.
This forms part of Volkswagen’s Blue Factory initiative, to be found under the Think Blue banner, which guides the German brand’s approach to environmental issues."
Source and read more
This forms part of Volkswagen’s Blue Factory initiative, to be found under the Think Blue banner, which guides the German brand’s approach to environmental issues."
Source and read more
Friday, December 2, 2011
NEWS SNIPPETS
Renewable Energy
Evaluation of first renewables bids complete, preferred bidders to be unveiled soon - Engineering News
Group Five confirms six renewables bids, to submit more in March - Engineering News
BMW to supply Rosslyn plant with electricity from waste - Engineering News
COP 17 CONFERENCE
COP 17 events progressing well – Minister - Engineering News
China decries Canada's 'bad example' in climate talks - Engineering News
Banks seen as climate culprits at global talks – report - Engineering News
SA temperature rise above global average - Engineering News
Climate Negotiations
Qatar to host 2012 UN climate talks - Engineering News
Africa holds big green economy potential - Zuma - Engineering News
COP 17 Durban meeting will be a 'decisive moment' – Minister - Engineering News
CLIMATE MEETING
Heated debate over $100bn climate fund, says Saudi Arabia adviser - Engineering News
EU demands roadmap for global climate deal - Engineering News
Angola calls for common African position at COP 17 - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Climate-resilient infrastructure investments part of low-carbon transition - Engineering News
GREEN FINANCE
EIB, Investec unveil €100m green energy fund - Engineering News
SOLAR WATER HEATING
Eskom's Lennon sees ‘significant’ opportunities for SWH firms - Engineering News
SUSTAINABLE RETAIL
Walmart begins sharing green best practices with Massmart - Engineering News
CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE TECHNOLOGY
Norway to commission $1bn carbon capture and storage project in 2012 - Engineering News
SA supports carbon capture and storage but costs still a concern - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Philips, Eskom launch big LED lighting initiative - Engineering News
GEOTHERMAL
Kenyan KenGen raises $920m for geothermal plant - Engineering News
HYDROELECTRIC DAM
Portugal sale of stake in Mozambique dam delayed - Engineering News
ENERGY
Deputy Minister urges open mind on shale gas - Engineering News
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Any new disaster could spell the end of nuclear industry – economist - Engineering News
SA sets up nuclear oversight body, to name participants ‘in due course’ - Engineering News
Nuclear power seen (by some) as climate change mitigation option - Engineering News
Evaluation of first renewables bids complete, preferred bidders to be unveiled soon - Engineering News
Group Five confirms six renewables bids, to submit more in March - Engineering News
BMW to supply Rosslyn plant with electricity from waste - Engineering News
COP 17 CONFERENCE
COP 17 events progressing well – Minister - Engineering News
China decries Canada's 'bad example' in climate talks - Engineering News
Banks seen as climate culprits at global talks – report - Engineering News
SA temperature rise above global average - Engineering News
Climate Negotiations
Qatar to host 2012 UN climate talks - Engineering News
Africa holds big green economy potential - Zuma - Engineering News
COP 17 Durban meeting will be a 'decisive moment' – Minister - Engineering News
CLIMATE MEETING
Heated debate over $100bn climate fund, says Saudi Arabia adviser - Engineering News
EU demands roadmap for global climate deal - Engineering News
Angola calls for common African position at COP 17 - Engineering News
GREEN ECONOMY
Climate-resilient infrastructure investments part of low-carbon transition - Engineering News
GREEN FINANCE
EIB, Investec unveil €100m green energy fund - Engineering News
SOLAR WATER HEATING
Eskom's Lennon sees ‘significant’ opportunities for SWH firms - Engineering News
SUSTAINABLE RETAIL
Walmart begins sharing green best practices with Massmart - Engineering News
CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE TECHNOLOGY
Norway to commission $1bn carbon capture and storage project in 2012 - Engineering News
SA supports carbon capture and storage but costs still a concern - Engineering News
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Philips, Eskom launch big LED lighting initiative - Engineering News
GEOTHERMAL
Kenyan KenGen raises $920m for geothermal plant - Engineering News
HYDROELECTRIC DAM
Portugal sale of stake in Mozambique dam delayed - Engineering News
ENERGY
Deputy Minister urges open mind on shale gas - Engineering News
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Any new disaster could spell the end of nuclear industry – economist - Engineering News
SA sets up nuclear oversight body, to name participants ‘in due course’ - Engineering News
Nuclear power seen (by some) as climate change mitigation option - Engineering News
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