SANEA Talking Energy - August 2008

South Africa to get mega power plant by 2017 — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 08:47 AM

Kusile is a siSwati/Ndebele word meaning ‘dawn has come’, and how fitting is it that it is also the name to be given to one of the world’s largest coal-fired power stations, to be built in South Africa.

How we can change our energy economy — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 08:49 AM

South Africa is regarded among the world's worst emitters of greenhouse gases per capita and per unit of production. Meaning, we must take urgent steps to change our energy economy, both to mitigate global climate change, and to mitigate the economic risk of increasingly severe international curbs on emissions.

Eskom looking for up to 4 500-MW of base-load capacity from private sector — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 08:52 AM

Eskom recently issued a request for qualification (RFQ) from national and international companies, for the development of its multi-site base-load independent power producer (IPP) programme. Eskom was seeking to secure between 2 100 MW and 4 500 MW of power from private developers, with a minimum plant capacity of 200 MW.

200 Hundred students can now enjoy hot showers — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:40 AM

The residence of Hippokratus, the hostel on the medical campus of the University of Pretoria, can now enjoy the luxury of a hot shower or bath at any time of the day or night, thanks to water that is being heated by the sun!

Solar Thermal making headways — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:39 AM

Apparently, the development of solar thermal energy always comes in time of need. The role of governments and policy makers is often underestimated but has resulted in much needed progress in the solar field.

South African government assists the poor to access energy — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:44 AM

At the official opening of the energy cluster centre in Makgobistad, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica, said energy cluster centres where poor communities can now access gas, petrol, diesel and paraffin are of great importance. The centre will reduce long distance travelling of rural community members to access energy projects.

Sasol: asset or a liability? — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:51 AM

Writing for the Policy Matters series, Terry Bell initiated a debate on the pricing of liquid fuels in South Africa ("Sasol rakes in profits while SA feels the pinch", July 29). He noted that local synthetic liquid fuel producer Sasol, to which should be added state producer PetroSA, is reaping record profits as the volatile international price of crude oil trends upwards, periodically setting new records.

New energy saving 'contraption' launched — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:55 AM

A mechanism designed to address priorities of both utilities and electric power consumers has been launched in Botswana. The Computerised Electricity System (CES), which can even warn the consumer by phone that the fridge is not working properly, was launched in Gaborone a few weeks ago. The Israeli-made apparatus is powered by a sophisticated algorithm that enables internal load management and simultaneously allows the utility to save power, depending on the need.

South Africa and Namibia agree to jointly develop gas field — by VDW — last modified 2008-08-21 11:59 AM

South Africa renewed its commitment to jointly develop Namibia's offshore Kudu gas field following an energy crisis that hit the continent's economic powerhouse earlier this year.