A matter of balance
The draft of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2010) has been released for public comment and, although it is a bit later than was originally expected, I believe it has been worth the wait. A range of options have been considered and they are laid out for all to consider. Some will say that the information provided is too little and others may say that the plan lacks an appreciation of the commercial realities of big business.
Report - World Energy Congress
The Triennial World Energy Congress was held in Montreal from 13 to 16 September 2010.
Africa's largest lender backs Australian firm's carbon plans
Standard Bank, Africa's largest lender, has agreed to partner with the Australian firm Cool nrg for the development of clean energy projects in the developing world. Standard Bank plans to leverage off Cool nrg's Mexican experience where the Australian firm designed and managed a light bulb replacement programme, involving the distribution of compact fluorescent lamps to some of the poor countries.
Rich countries must live up to pledge to help developing world - UN
During the week-long meeting of several hundred African experts and government ministers in Addis Ababa in October, United Nations officials called on industrialised countries to live up to their multi-billion dollar pledges to help the developing world adapt to climate change.
Nigerian government & ECCO2 announce $90-billion Cleantech Project
The Nigerian Minister of Environment, John Ogar Odey, and ECCO2 Corp, an affiliate organisation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, have started plans to immediately launch the ECCO2 Nigeria Project in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, stimulate the Nigerian economy and increase confidence in the Kyoto Protocol. The ECCO2 clean development mechanism (CDM) goals will be achieved by installing ECCO2's patented technology in all motor vehicles, buildings, and marine-craft throughout the nation.
First wind park project in Nigeria
The Nigerian government has concluded a contract for a 10 MW wind farm in the federal state of Katsina. The project includes 37 wind turbine generators (WTG) of the type Vergnet GEV MP C 275 kW and the project is planned to be carried out in the next 30 months.
Report shows China's investment priority areas in Africa
According to the China-Africa Trade and Economic Relationship Annual Report 2010, China and Africa have continued to build stronger ties with 2010 bilateral trade volume exceeding 2008's US$ 106,8-billion. According to the AFP news agency, Zhong Manying, head of the West Asian and African Affairs Department of the Commerce Ministry, told reporters that the country will continue to invest in Africa, despite criticism over its willingness to ignore human rights abuses, and environment and corruption issues in some countries.
Egypt gets $270-million for solar plant
The World Bank has approved a loan for a $270-million solar power plant in Egypt. This amount includes a $100-million investment by the Clean Technology Fund, which is affiliated with the World Bank and a $170-million loan from the bank.
Sub-Saharan Africa poised for exponential growth in renewable energy
New research by Frost & Sullivan shows that the sub-Saharan African energy market was expected to triple in investment value between 2010 and 2015, driven by a significant need for energy diversification and energy security of supply.
Africa gets first large-scale wind farm
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to give €45-million to design, build and operate Africa's first large-scale wind farm. The onshore wind-energy project is situated on the four Cape Verde Islands and the project is being considered a model for other African countries.
The United Kingdom's "energy-saving revolution"
The UK's Secretary for Energy and Climate Change, Minister Chris Huhne, has proposed an "energy-saving revolution" and strengthening international partnerships to achieve a low carbon economy.
DoE calls for extension to comments on the IRP2
Members of the National Stakeholder Advisory Council on Energy have called for an extension in the period during which the public can comment on the country's long-term energy plan - the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010. The deadline for comments has been extended to 10 December, although the public hearings will take place before the deadline.
SA's abundant energy source
As COP 16 looms ever closer, climate change and South Africa's energy generation and resources will once again feature prominently in local and international media. Having committed to a 34% reduction on CO2 emissions (albeit with certain conditions i.e. directly coupled to foreign investment), South Africa will have to review not only its energy sources, but also consumer behaviour and how Eskom manages its demand.
