Acid Mine Drainage Situation in SA - read this BusinessDay report to find out how recent heavy rains in Witwatersrand has added to the water pollution crisis in the region caused by Acid Mine Drainage. It appears that even though officials have been warned about the severity of the problem long ago, it seems government is only now starting to give this matter some attention.
Wastewater Treatment Plants Situation in SA - read this News24 article about the delay of government releasing "a so-called "Green Drop" report on the state of South Africa's wastewater treatment plants". The DA believes the delay is due to the shocking content.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Update: Cape Coast Sea Level Rise Risk Assessment
In this IOL article, we are informed that "In a report submitted on Tuesday to the planning and environment portfolio committee, Darryl Colenbrander of strategy and planning, said the sea level risks can no longer be viewed as something to be addressed in the future but must be considered as a priority" in city planning."
Monday, February 1, 2010
First Municipal Landfill Gas Project in Africa Launched (Durban)
The Times Live article tells how a landfill gas plant which captures harmful methane gas from the Bisasar Road landfill site (Durban) has been recently launched by the eThekwini Municipality. It is said to produce eight megawatts of electricity and is expected to be paid off in 4 years and it goes on to say that "The city hoped to extract electricity from the site for about 15 years after the dumping of waste stopped."
UK Announces Feed In Tariffs for Small Scale Renewable & Low Carbon Electricity
This Renewable Energy Focus article reports: "The feed-in tariff will be available to householders and communities installing low carbon and renewable electricity technology such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines up to 5 MW." and, "Owners will be paid for electricity – even if they consume it themselves, and a further payment will be given for any electricity fed into the grid." "Owners can apply for the renewable and low carbon feed-in tariff from the electricity supplier from April 2010."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
More on SA's Energy Future
RENEWABLE ENERGY JOBS
This Engineering News article again highlights the findings of the Global Climate Network giving insight to how many jobs can be created by the renewable sector in SA.
NUCLEAR FOR SA?
This Engineering News article claims that the PBMR nuclear reactor is possibly still on the cards for SA. The company which has been funded with government money is waiting a decision on it's future based on input from government and its investors. It goes on to state: "It is likely that the choice of option will be dependent on the decision taken with regard to the bigger decision on the country’s new nuclear build programme. (In addition to PBMRs, South Africa plans to build one or more new pressure-water reactors)." We note the comment of a reader below the article: "Having ESKOM and NECSA review the PBMR is asking a car salesman whether you should buy a car! I sincerely hope they have some independent consultants advising on this too, as it seems the more we continue with the PBMR the more it is turning into a white elephant. Imagine the jobs the could have been unlocked in other sectors if the R&D budget had not been wasted on the PBMR."
ESKOM'S TARIFF INCREASE APPLICATION CALLED A 'FARCE' BY DA
Read this Engineering News article which reports the DA as saying that the tariff [application] "was in fact "null-and-void" as the application did not include enough renewable energy sources as required by law, the DA said in a statement." and, "Any application brought before Nersa must comply with several requirements, one of them being the amount of renewable energy which Eskom will produce as part of its total electricity generation..."
This Engineering News article again highlights the findings of the Global Climate Network giving insight to how many jobs can be created by the renewable sector in SA.
NUCLEAR FOR SA?
This Engineering News article claims that the PBMR nuclear reactor is possibly still on the cards for SA. The company which has been funded with government money is waiting a decision on it's future based on input from government and its investors. It goes on to state: "It is likely that the choice of option will be dependent on the decision taken with regard to the bigger decision on the country’s new nuclear build programme. (In addition to PBMRs, South Africa plans to build one or more new pressure-water reactors)." We note the comment of a reader below the article: "Having ESKOM and NECSA review the PBMR is asking a car salesman whether you should buy a car! I sincerely hope they have some independent consultants advising on this too, as it seems the more we continue with the PBMR the more it is turning into a white elephant. Imagine the jobs the could have been unlocked in other sectors if the R&D budget had not been wasted on the PBMR."
ESKOM'S TARIFF INCREASE APPLICATION CALLED A 'FARCE' BY DA
Read this Engineering News article which reports the DA as saying that the tariff [application] "was in fact "null-and-void" as the application did not include enough renewable energy sources as required by law, the DA said in a statement." and, "Any application brought before Nersa must comply with several requirements, one of them being the amount of renewable energy which Eskom will produce as part of its total electricity generation..."
Endless Supply of Coal?
PRICE OF COAL
Read this Renewed Energy article reporting on the price and supply of this non-renewable power commodity and its impact on an economy largely dependant on coal fired power stations for power. The environmental impact fact aside, it leaves one with the question of why our government is not urgently phasing it out and actively supporting the aggressive phasing in of renewable energy options offering 'free' 'non-commodity' type fuel supplies [purely for security of supply and future cost reasons].
COAL - MORE OR LESS DEMAND?
There have been two Engineering News articles recently about the demand of coal in SA. It is interesting to note how they contradict each other. One states that Eskom scales back coal demand forecast and then a more recent one states that Eskom sees power demand growth over 9% year on year. Any comments/insight?
WHAT DO MINING [AND OTHER] COMPANIES HAVE TO SAY?
This Engineering News article states: "South Africa's Chamber of Mines (CoM) has recommended a doubling of the amount of money set aside for the reduction of power demand between 2010 and 2013, which it said would help industry adapt to the tight supply/demand balances, while shoring up supply security." CoM said that the amount set aside [in Eskom's tariff application] for Demand Side Management [DSM] was not enough and it also stated that the cost of DSM should be covered by a green levy and not by a tariff increase.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
In the same Engineering News article, "Efficiency advocate Smart Green Prosperity argued that energy efficiency was by far the cheapest energy source, with Eskom's own application indicating that it would cost R5-billion to save 1 GW, as opposed to the R25-billion needed to build a 1-GW worth of new generation capacity."
Read this Renewed Energy article reporting on the price and supply of this non-renewable power commodity and its impact on an economy largely dependant on coal fired power stations for power. The environmental impact fact aside, it leaves one with the question of why our government is not urgently phasing it out and actively supporting the aggressive phasing in of renewable energy options offering 'free' 'non-commodity' type fuel supplies [purely for security of supply and future cost reasons].
COAL - MORE OR LESS DEMAND?
There have been two Engineering News articles recently about the demand of coal in SA. It is interesting to note how they contradict each other. One states that Eskom scales back coal demand forecast and then a more recent one states that Eskom sees power demand growth over 9% year on year. Any comments/insight?
WHAT DO MINING [AND OTHER] COMPANIES HAVE TO SAY?
This Engineering News article states: "South Africa's Chamber of Mines (CoM) has recommended a doubling of the amount of money set aside for the reduction of power demand between 2010 and 2013, which it said would help industry adapt to the tight supply/demand balances, while shoring up supply security." CoM said that the amount set aside [in Eskom's tariff application] for Demand Side Management [DSM] was not enough and it also stated that the cost of DSM should be covered by a green levy and not by a tariff increase.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
In the same Engineering News article, "Efficiency advocate Smart Green Prosperity argued that energy efficiency was by far the cheapest energy source, with Eskom's own application indicating that it would cost R5-billion to save 1 GW, as opposed to the R25-billion needed to build a 1-GW worth of new generation capacity."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Eco-conscious Business Practice
This Engineering News article tells how, at a recent 2010 Economic Outlook Conference, King Committee on Corporate Governance chairperson said "While the world would emerge from the global economic crisis in the not too distant future, the climate-change and biodiversity threats would linger". The article goes on to say, "There were more companies and corporations than governments in the world, making business the greatest potential agents of change. However, there had to be a mindset change to ensure that the world did more while using fewer natural resources." Also, "CEO of Beyond Payments, a subsidiary of Standard Bank, noted that individuals also had great influence on business and could influence businesses into adopting greater energy efficiency and environmental practices."
Feedback Following 'Basic Countries' Meeting in India
This Engineering News article reports that "The environmental Ministers of the so-called Basic group of countries, comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China, have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring an agreed outcome at the global climate change conference scheduled for Mexico toward the end of 2010." "The members of the Basic group have already announced a series of voluntary mitigation actions by 2020, and expressed their intention to communicate these voluntary mitigation actions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by January 31. This was the deadline for countries to submit this information so that it could be incorporated into the Copenhagen Accord."
Sunday, January 24, 2010
News in a Flash
SA'S ENERGY SUPPLY FUTURE
The latest in the Eskom saga is former Eskom CEO, Jacob Maroga has filed a lawsuit against the utility for R85 million in damages (read more here). This follows the recent NERSA public hearings in which the public was given an opportunity to voice their concerns about Eskom's proposed tariff hike. There has been a lot in the news about this lately and it seems that an underlying thread is that we urgently need an electricity policy overhaul (although not everyone agrees on what sort of policy changes should be made). See below for some of the most recent stories:-
Dysfunctional Power Price Process Should Make Way for Political Decision - Engineering News
Busa laments price discussion in context of electricity policy void - Engineering News
Eskom's application the ‘only viable' submission - Makwana - Engineering News
Big tariff hikes will be ‘extremely challenging’ to absorb - CoM - Engineering News
NERSA is to make its final determination regarding Eskom's tariff increase application on February 24, 2010.
RENEWABLE ENERGY NEWS & VIEWS
SWH Subsidy Programme - Read this Renewed Energy post about the way in which the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Programme is currently set up in SA and how there is room for improvement.
SA gets additional finance for clean technology projects - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
SA aims to complete climate change policy by year-end - Engineering News
Big interventions needed to offset World Cup carbon emissions - Engineering News
The latest in the Eskom saga is former Eskom CEO, Jacob Maroga has filed a lawsuit against the utility for R85 million in damages (read more here). This follows the recent NERSA public hearings in which the public was given an opportunity to voice their concerns about Eskom's proposed tariff hike. There has been a lot in the news about this lately and it seems that an underlying thread is that we urgently need an electricity policy overhaul (although not everyone agrees on what sort of policy changes should be made). See below for some of the most recent stories:-
Dysfunctional Power Price Process Should Make Way for Political Decision - Engineering News
Busa laments price discussion in context of electricity policy void - Engineering News
Eskom's application the ‘only viable' submission - Makwana - Engineering News
Big tariff hikes will be ‘extremely challenging’ to absorb - CoM - Engineering News
NERSA is to make its final determination regarding Eskom's tariff increase application on February 24, 2010.
RENEWABLE ENERGY NEWS & VIEWS
SWH Subsidy Programme - Read this Renewed Energy post about the way in which the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Programme is currently set up in SA and how there is room for improvement.
SA gets additional finance for clean technology projects - Engineering News
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
SA aims to complete climate change policy by year-end - Engineering News
Big interventions needed to offset World Cup carbon emissions - Engineering News
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
News in a Flash
Cosatu will 'take to streets' if Eskom tariff approved [Engineering News]
Coalition Against Nuclear Energy responds to Eskom's Electricity Price Increase - Read more here.
UK firm enters SA Renewable Energy Market [Engineering News] The article states: "RES, which is in the process of establishing an office in Cape Town, said that the projects, located in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, were in the early stages of development, and have an estimated installed capacity of about 300 MW.
"We have studied the market thoroughly and believe it is a very good opportunity for private developers, as well as for the South African State and government, to be able to have large amounts of renewable energy within the next few years,"
Power Consumption 'Baseline Rules' Being Formulated to first be applied to SA's big Electricity Consumers. This Engineering News article states: "The final draft technical specifications outlining how power-consumption and -allocation baselines should be calculated have been completed and are being prepared for publication, opening the way for the implementation of the much-discussed power conservation programme (PCP), probably initially involving the country's 300 largest electricity users."
Coalition Against Nuclear Energy responds to Eskom's Electricity Price Increase - Read more here.
UK firm enters SA Renewable Energy Market [Engineering News] The article states: "RES, which is in the process of establishing an office in Cape Town, said that the projects, located in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, were in the early stages of development, and have an estimated installed capacity of about 300 MW.
"We have studied the market thoroughly and believe it is a very good opportunity for private developers, as well as for the South African State and government, to be able to have large amounts of renewable energy within the next few years,"
Power Consumption 'Baseline Rules' Being Formulated to first be applied to SA's big Electricity Consumers. This Engineering News article states: "The final draft technical specifications outlining how power-consumption and -allocation baselines should be calculated have been completed and are being prepared for publication, opening the way for the implementation of the much-discussed power conservation programme (PCP), probably initially involving the country's 300 largest electricity users."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Large Caledon Wind Farm Planned
This Urban Sprout article tells us about the massive 150-turbine wind farm capable of generating 300MW of electricity which is planned for construction on 15 farms near Caledon.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
News in a Flash
POLYSILICON PLANT FOR SA [SOLAR ENERGY]?
"The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is planning to initiate a study into the viability of a polysilicon plant in South Africa, as interest in the solar energy market continues to grow." Read more here, at Engineering News.
WHAT TO DO WITH KUSILE [COAL FIRED POWER STATION]
This Engineering News article offers insight into the debate about what to do with the R142-billion Kusile Power Plant Project which is currently under construction. The article states that some argue that it is "the most expensive (on a kilowatt-for-kilowatt basis) in the world". It reports that Eskom is now also studying the possibility of increasing the stake available for purchase by private investors from 30% to 49%. It goes on to say "There was growing scepticism, however, about whether Eskom would indeed be able to secure any private interest in Kusile".
NEW CAR TAX TO START 1 MARCH 2010
This Engineering News article confirms that the planned CO2 emissions tax on new vehicles is to come into effect on 1 March 2010.
WWF SLAMS THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN
The DoE published their power plan for SA at the "11th Hour" [the last day of December 2009]. WWF's Worthington was quoted as saying "“This gazetting of a so-called ‘Integrated Resource Plan’ makes a mockery of government policy and legislated requirements regarding integrated energy planning, in terms of both content and process,”. Read more, here on Engineering News.
WIND TURBINE MARKET TAKING OFF IN AFRICA
This Engineering News article reports that "The African large-scale wind turbine market would likely earn revenues of $424,3-million by 2015, a significant increase on the $148,4-million earned in 2008". It went on to report that "“The success of the wind power markets in Europe and the US has convinced many governments that wind power can assist in alleviating some of the power shortages in the continent...,”.
and "Wind power projects of between 120 MW and 300 MW have been announced in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa. Interest in the wind power markets in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco was also growing." and "one major challenge to market expansion was that the power sector in many African countries was still regulated by monopoly control".
KENYA TURNS TO GREEN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES
Read more here, at Engineering News.
MIN WATER & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS TO ATTEND POST COPENHAGEN MEETING ON 24 JANUARY 2010
Participants of the meeting, the "The so-called Basic (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) countries" are to 'fill in the blanks' of the Copenhagen Accord (to be done by 31 January 2010). Read more here, on Engineering News.
"The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is planning to initiate a study into the viability of a polysilicon plant in South Africa, as interest in the solar energy market continues to grow." Read more here, at Engineering News.
WHAT TO DO WITH KUSILE [COAL FIRED POWER STATION]
This Engineering News article offers insight into the debate about what to do with the R142-billion Kusile Power Plant Project which is currently under construction. The article states that some argue that it is "the most expensive (on a kilowatt-for-kilowatt basis) in the world". It reports that Eskom is now also studying the possibility of increasing the stake available for purchase by private investors from 30% to 49%. It goes on to say "There was growing scepticism, however, about whether Eskom would indeed be able to secure any private interest in Kusile".
NEW CAR TAX TO START 1 MARCH 2010
This Engineering News article confirms that the planned CO2 emissions tax on new vehicles is to come into effect on 1 March 2010.
WWF SLAMS THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN
The DoE published their power plan for SA at the "11th Hour" [the last day of December 2009]. WWF's Worthington was quoted as saying "“This gazetting of a so-called ‘Integrated Resource Plan’ makes a mockery of government policy and legislated requirements regarding integrated energy planning, in terms of both content and process,”. Read more, here on Engineering News.
WIND TURBINE MARKET TAKING OFF IN AFRICA
This Engineering News article reports that "The African large-scale wind turbine market would likely earn revenues of $424,3-million by 2015, a significant increase on the $148,4-million earned in 2008". It went on to report that "“The success of the wind power markets in Europe and the US has convinced many governments that wind power can assist in alleviating some of the power shortages in the continent...,”.
and "Wind power projects of between 120 MW and 300 MW have been announced in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa. Interest in the wind power markets in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco was also growing." and "one major challenge to market expansion was that the power sector in many African countries was still regulated by monopoly control".
KENYA TURNS TO GREEN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES
Read more here, at Engineering News.
MIN WATER & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS TO ATTEND POST COPENHAGEN MEETING ON 24 JANUARY 2010
Participants of the meeting, the "The so-called Basic (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) countries" are to 'fill in the blanks' of the Copenhagen Accord (to be done by 31 January 2010). Read more here, on Engineering News.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Solar Water Heater Subsidy Doubles as at 11 January 2010!
This Engineering News article informs us that: "State-owned power utility Eskom is confident that an effective doubling of the subsidy levels for its solar water heater (SWH) rebate programme, coupled with the anticipated increases in electricity prices over the next three years, would lead to a bigger uptake of this technology by the South African public."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mining Company Conducting Feasibility Study for 100-MW wind farm (West Coast of SA)
Exxaro seems to be taking a keen interest in renewable energy for their operations. Read more here, on Engineering News.
Detroit Auto Show's Two main Themes: Smaller & Greener
Read more here, on Engineering News. The article highlights the unveiling of some 'green' cars.
Monday, January 11, 2010
More about Green Jobs
SOUTH AFRICA
This Legalbrief article states that "some 114 000 green jobs could be created in two years if the government's intention to incentivise green industries is successful." Source: Business Report
MEXICO
This Renewable Energy Focus article gives an example of wind farms being planned (in Mexico) to power a cement company and retail chain. It states that "The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) has approved US$102 million in partial financing for two wind facilities in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, which will establish a critical mass of renewable energy in the country and generate jobs in low-income rural communities."
This Legalbrief article states that "some 114 000 green jobs could be created in two years if the government's intention to incentivise green industries is successful." Source: Business Report
MEXICO
This Renewable Energy Focus article gives an example of wind farms being planned (in Mexico) to power a cement company and retail chain. It states that "The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) has approved US$102 million in partial financing for two wind facilities in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, which will establish a critical mass of renewable energy in the country and generate jobs in low-income rural communities."
Recycling Tyres to Create 'Green Energy'
Check out this Connectmidmissouri article about a farmer (Harvey Buhr) who recycles tyres and turns them into fuel without emitting any pollutants into the environment! The article claims that "Buhr has machines in his backyard that can recycle a whole cart of tires at a time. Once they go in, Buhr uses heat to extract the oil and other energy sources inside of them."...""For every 1,000 pounds of tires that we process, we can generate 51 gallons of diesel fuel." We would be interested to find out how he accomplishes this and what is done with the trapped pollutants afterwards.
NERSA Public Hearings - Eskom Tariff Increases
The public hearings taking place across South Africa regarding Eskom's proposed tariff increases started yesterday and will conclude on 21 January 2009. This Engineering News article informs us that the DA has called for the hearings to be extended because the hearings "were not procedurally sound as the public had not been granted sufficient notice for comment on the amended application."
Sunday, January 10, 2010
International Year of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or for the entire Earth. 2010 is International Year of Biodiversity. This BBC News article reminds us all about the rapid biodiversity loss that is taking place around the globe: "...human expansion is wiping out species at about 1,000 times the "natural" or "background" rate, and that "business as usual is not an option".
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