Fact or fiction?
While attending the recent World Energy Congress in Montreal, I was fortunate to attend a briefing on lessons learned from the BP oil spill. Many lessons have been reported, but little has been said about the communication challenges.
EU policy delivering only one-third of cost-effective savings measures
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) and Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) have released a new report, entitled Energy Savings 2020: How to triple the impact of energy savings policies in Europe. The report builds on their earlier report, entitled Roadmap 2050: a practical guide to a prosperous low-carbon Europe, and shows the importance of energy-efficiency efforts in achieving the EU's energy and climate goals.
Joule creator wins Visionary Award at Men's Health Best Men 2010
Optimal Energy CEO, Kobus Meiring, was recently announced as the winner of the Visionary Category at the Men's Health Best Men 2010 Awards for his role in the creation of South Africa's first electric vehicle, Joule.
Eskom committed to Kusile
Although the decision regarding the funding of the Kusile power station has not yet been finalised, Eskom remains committed to building the planned power plant during discussion with government as a shareholder to explore different funding options.
WAPCo assures West Africa of environmental safety
West Africa Pipeline Company (WAPCo) managing director, Jack Dickenson, recently made a statement saying that the company has put systems in place to ensure incident-free operation.
What's your carbon salary?
Carbon Positive News, who has readers in over 65 countries, has partnered with Acre Resources and Acona for the 2010 Carbon Salary Survey. This survey plots the climate change job market, including salary levels, geographical location, job functions and career satisfaction levels.
Car tax to curb South Africa's carbon footprint
The CO2 car tax, which came into effect on 1 September, is one of the urgent public policy responses that will assist the country in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by 34% by 2025, said experts. The motor industry is responsible for one tenth of greenhouse gases (www.allafrica.com). From 1 September, passenger cars and double cabs (from 1 March 2011) that cannot produce certified CO2 vehicle emissions data will be subject to a tax based on a proxy CO2 emission calculation, largely based on engine size.
Tanzania gets US$150-million boost for power transmission
The World Bank has approved a US$150-million loan for a new electricity transmission project in Tanzania. The Backbone Transmission Investment Project is expected to increase availability, reliability and quality of grid-based power supply to the northern regions of Tanzania.
Reducing greenhouse gases by heating our homes
Scientists at the University of Manchester have presented a series of reports that claim sustainable wood and other biofuels could hold the key to lowering harmful greenhouse gases.
Solar plant energises Western Cape game reserve
Concentrix Solar has inaugurated a 60 kW solar power facility at the Aquila Private Game Reserve at Touwsrivier, Western Cape. The game reserve is now able to cover all its energy requirements during daylight hours.
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Carbon miles and travelling
I'm writing this as I sit at an international conference in Italy. It dawned on me early yesterday morning that it took an inordinate amount of energy just to get me here! I landed in Paris for a lay over and travelled about half an hour from the airport to my hotel. More travelling last night and this morning for conferences and meetings.
