A question of priorities
I have recently returned from Algeria where I attended the Executive Assembly of the World Energy Council. There was a discussion on regional priorities that I want to share with you. Annually WEC asks the Chairs of its 93 member committees around the world to complete a survey on critical issues facing the energy sector.
Council publishes its annual energy sustainability index
As the pressure grows to act on climate change and to assist policymakers to focus their efforts in meeting global energy needs, the World Energy Council (WEC) has published its 2011 Assessment of Country Energy and Climate Policies, which includes the annual global Energy Sustainability Index.
Commissioner urges South Africa to explore gas as a cleaner energy source
"South Africa faces a real risk of tight energy supply until 2020, and needs to accelerate its search for alternative power sources," says National Planning Commission adviser Anton Eberhard.
Eskom harnesses solar power for internal use
The Minister of Public Enterprises and Eskom launched a solar photovoltaic installation at its Lethabo power station in the first stage of a pilot project. The project is designed to introduce renewable energy sources to supply power for internal use at Eskom's coal-fired power stations. In doing so, it will reduce the company's carbon footprint by approximately 2 845 tons per annum.
Petrol giant releases its 12th sustainability report
Sasol recently released its 12th external report on the company's sustainability performance. This document is contains Sasol's sustainable development performance for the period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 and forms part of the company's integrated reporting process.
Uganda government wins petroleum tax transaction battle
Uganda won the first round of the battle between them and Heritage Oil and Gas Ltd after the Tax Appeals Tribunal decided in the government's favour pertaining a $435-million oil tax transaction. After a three-hour session by the tribunal, it was upheld that the transaction was taxable and the amount ($434,9m) assessed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) remains the same.
World's largest power project gets the green light
South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed an agreement to build a major hydroelectric power project, which is said to bring electricity to more than half of the continent's 900-million people. According to allAfrica.com, economic analysts warn that foreign investors will prevent the grid from benefiting the general public.
Largest renewable energy private investment deal in Lesotho sealed
Lesotho has signed a $15-billion renewable energy deal with a South African company in the country's largest-ever private investment. According to a statement by Johannesburg-based Harrison & White Investments, the project aims to harness the natural resources of wind and water in Lesotho's Maluti Mountains to produce power that will be used by both Lesotho and South Africa.
Hybrid systems to harness energy power from the sun
While roofs across the world sport photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, a Duke University engineer believes a novel hybrid system can wring even more useful energy out of the sun's rays.
Portable plant makes fuel from waste
Scientists from Wits University's Centre of Materials and Process Synthesis (Comps) and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) have developed new technology that can produce liquid fuel, electricity, waxes and paraffin from agricultural and solid municipal waste.
Energywise walks away with top honours
The SAEE Energy Company of the Year Award was presented to Energywise Systems Magnet Electrical Supplies, which is based in KwaZulu-Natal, at the Southern African Association for Energy-Efficiency's (SAEE) awards ceremony recently.
Climate change highlighted in Durban
As the COP17 Climate Change negotiations are currently underway in Durban, all eyes are focussed on the possibility of a future trading scheme for carbon offsets. It has been widely publicised that the uncertainty around the application of such a scheme for specifically South Africa, does not bode well. There is the opportunity of programmatic CDM that can still be traded and that will help curb emissions while at the same time providing electricity or hot water to impoverished communities.
Upcoming Energy Sector Events
SANEA Calendar of Events 2012
Click here to view.
SANEA Lecture - Johannesburg
17 January 2012
Progress on energy efficiency improvement in Sasol
Click here for more information.
Africa Energy Indaba
21-23 February 2012
Unleashing Africa's Energy
Click here for more information.
