Communal power
At the SANEA year-end meeting, Drum Café led us in a high-spirited release of energy, tempered by some raw talent. As we beat the drums, sang the refrains, danced in the aisles and clapped our hands, we were encouraged to reflect on the power of the community. The photos on the website are a testament to the unbridled happiness we experienced as we worked together in pursuit of harmony.
SANEA 2010/11 Holiday Period
Realistic supply side energy management
I am passionate about the sustainable provision of energy to all the people by the most environmental friendly means. Saying this, I believe that it is important to have a realistic view of the supply side - to take into consideration the necessity for the correct energy mix to satisfy the demands of a developing nation in the most effective manner. Although I am involved in the renewable energy sector and would definitely like to see the use of renewable energy solutions significantly increased, I realise that currently other energy sources are still required. These sources could include fossil fuels, hydro and nuclear. The key is making unbiased and informed decisions in the strategic planning stage of any mid- to long-term plan.
Sasol to produce 800 MW of its own power and sell 200 MW to Eskom
Sasol has announced that they will raise the power generation capacity at its Secunda operation to 800 MW by 2011. The manager for strategic sourcing of utility energy, Piet van Staden, says that work is now proceeding on the installation of heat recovery steam generators that will convert the facility into a combined-cycle gas turbine by June and add a further 80 MW of capacity.
Ermelo power station is reopened
President Jacob Zuma and Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan attended the official reopening of the Camden Power Station in Ermelo on 23 October. The 43-year-old power station was first opened in 1967, and half of the station was mothballed in 1988.
Zimbabwe: Biofuels situation update 2010
Zimbabwe's biofuels production programme was initiated in 2004 in order to reduce energy imports through the local production of biodiesel and ethanol. The government aims to have biofuels replacing 10% of Zimbabwe's liquid fuel requirements by 2017 (which will require 80-million litres of ethanol and 100-million litres of biodiesel to be produced by 2017).
Solar homes sell 20% faster and for 17% more - NREL Study
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in America conducted "one of the most exhaustive and detailed studies to date", which found that solar homes sold 20% faster and for 17% more than equivalent non-solar homes.
Tougher regulations expected for the offshore industry - DNV
"The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is widely expected to lead to tougher regulations with consequences for the whole offshore industry," says Andreas Sohmen-Pao, CEO of the BW Group, one of the world's leading maritime groups, to DNV Forum. He adds that new requirements, if based on thoughtful regulation, can bring the industry forward and generate business opportunities for progressive companies.
COP16 climate success recipe - WWF
Delegations from approximately 30 countries met on a ministerial level in Mexico City at the beginning of November to hammer out a basis for success when environment ministers meet in Cancun, Mexico, for COP16. During this initial meeting, WWF published a list of "policy prescriptions" for eleven of the world's most influential nations to bring to the table.
Food security under threat due to climate change
According to scientists at Malaysia's University Putra Malaysia (UPM), developing nations, particularly those situated near the equator, will need to adapt to higher temperatures as the impacts of climate change threaten their agricultural output.
Western Cape launches GreenCape Initiative
The GreenCape Initiative, which will promote renewable energy and a green economy, was launched in the Western Cape on Friday, 5 November. The government-funded, industry-led initiative has been mandated with the roll-out of a comprehensive green economy strategy.
GMSA wins environmental award
General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has been applying a number of measures to eliminate waste and the company recently won a SJM Flex Environmental Award for their efforts.
ABB commissions $180-million link connector for NamPower
Power and automation technology group ABB recently announced that it had commissioned the new US$180-million Caprivi Link Interconnector built for Namibia's national power utility, NamPower. The high voltage transmission system connects the electrical grids in Namibia and neighbouring Zambia, providing a new route for power imports. It was officially inaugurated by Namibia's President, Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Upcoming Energy Sector Events
Eskom posts positive results
Last week Eskom announced a netto profit for the six months ending September totalled R9,5bn ($1,4-billion), compared with R1,1bn in the same period the previous year. Operating profit increased to R15,1bn while profit before tax increased from R2,1bn to R13,4bn. Demand for electricity in the first six months increased by 3,3%.
