Inconsistency is a threat
Last month I wrote enthusiastically about the new spirit of consistency that is evident in the utterances of government and parastatal leaders. Sadly I spoke too soon.
Erratum
In the March edition of Sanea: Talking, an article about Eskom's long-term coal strategy incorrectly referred to Dan Marokane as the chief executive officer - it should have read Dan Marokane, chief commercial officer at Eskom.
SA needs to review fuel stocks
The Department of Energy has called for an urgent review of the country's strategic fuel stock amid the current political crisis in North Africa and the Middle East and its effect on the oil price.
Carbon reporting trends
A column by Paul Baier in Greenbiz.com reflects on the highlights of carbon reporting in 2010 and its impact on the market. Baier says many of the changes are healthy as sustainability and emissions reporting moves away from "feel good" disclosures towards risk identification and competitive advantages.
Fracked gas only cheap because oil companies don't clean up
The Energy Collective recently published an article stating that shale gas extraction (called fracking) won't result in sustainable wealth generation because shale gas wells have completely different production characteristics than conventional wells.
Curbing black carbon emissions can be done today - UN
According to a new UN report, curbing emissions of black carbon, a component of soot, along with methane and tropospheric ozone, could cut projected climate warming by 0,5ºC by 2070.
Fiat has the lowest level of CO2 emissions in Europe
For the fourth consecutive year, Fiat Automobiles is the brand which has recorded the lowest level of CO2 emissions by vehicles sold in Europe in 2010, with an average measurement of 123,1 g/km (4,7 g/km less than the 2009 average). The record is certified by JATO Dynamics, the world's leading automotive consultancy and research firm.
RioZim sees first power at $3-billion coal plant by 2014
Zimbabwe expects to produce its first electricity from the planned 2 400 MW Sengwa coal power plant by 2014, said a senior official from the mining group RioZim in March 2011.
AREVA and Necsa strengthen their partnership
AREVA and the South African Nuclear Corporation (Necsa) have signed an agreement to extend their ongoing cooperation to develop South Africa's nuclear industry. Cooperation between the two entities was first initiated in 2008.
Tanzania looks at regional power pool for solutions
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) is considering tapping power from the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) to alleviate the chronic electricity shortage in the country.
UN climate vulnerability index might guide aid
A climate vulnerability index that judges which developing countries are the most at risk from climate change has been submitted to the United Nations. The proposal highlights the deep divide between developed and developing nations and how to oversee billions of dollars to help developing nations adapt to droughts, floods, rising seas and heatwaves.
SWH market in South Africa poised for strong growth
During the past four years, the South African solar water heater (SWH) market has experienced phenomenal growth and the market is currently preparing for a second high-growth phase that will be larger than the previous growth surge, says global consultancy Frost & Sullivan (F&S).
REEEP to spend €4,5m on clean energy in 2011
The Vienna-based Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) has called for proposed clean energy projects targeting Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa. The partnership expects to fund approximately 30 projects with €4,5-million funding that was contributed from Norway and the UK.
Celebrating the power of the masses
Earth Hour was once again celebrated across the globe on 26 March. As the event crossed the Cook Islands and the lights came on after the hour's darkness, it marked a record for Earth Hour with the Cook Islands being the 134th country to join the movement. Once again, individuals, schools, businesses and governments across the globe showed their commitment to caring for the planet.
Upcoming Energy Sector Events
SANEA Calendar of Events 2011
Click here to view.
SANEA Lecture - Durban
13 April 2011
Energy Return On Energy Invested*
Click here for more information.
SANEA Lecture - Johannesburg
20 April 2011
Africa's Oil & Gas Future*
Click here for more information.
SANEA Lecture - Cape Town
20 April 2011
The Road to Durban - COP 17*
Click here for more information.
MamaEarth
MamaEarth, a foundation for sustainable living, is hosting an informative breakfast.
11 April 2011
La Toscana, Montecasino, Main Road, Fourways, Johannesburg
Click here for more information.
Renewable Energy Africa
27 - 29 July 2011
Sandton Convention Centre
Click here for more information.
IPUC 2011
International Pump User Conference
13-15 September 2011
The MTN Expo Center, Johannesburg, South Africa
Click here for more information.
SAEEC
Southern African Energy Efficiency Convention
16 and 17 November 2011
Emperors Palace Gauteng
Click here for more information.