The Life After Coal Campaign and Greenpeace Africa say that the Department of Energy will face a legal challenge from them if the IRP for electricity ignores constitutional obligations. “We are not afraid to take the Department of Energy to court if the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) ignores the provisions made in the Constitution. We were successful in halting the … [Read more...]
Robben Island solar project demonstrates SA renewables potential
SOLA Future Energy has succeeded in designing and constructing a solar energy microgrid for Robben Island. The system, situated on the World Heritage Site, consists of a solar PV farm, combined with a lithium-ion battery storage facility and smart controllers to ensure a seamless electricity supply, whilst significantly reducing the island’s fossil fuel … [Read more...]
Engineering study dispels myths on limits to renewables in SA
A serious engineering study and report has dispelled the myths and propaganda peddled by fired former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe and suspended Eskom acting CEO Matshela Koko on the limits and costs of accommodating significant levels of variable renewable energy capacity in the South African power grid. The study and associated report was prepared for the South African … [Read more...]
Help Project Sunshine bring light to the children of Diepsloot
Diepsloot is a densely populated neighbourhood situated in the north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Over 200 000 inhabitants live in self made shacks, with living conditions worsened by a lack of access to basic facilities, like water, proper sanitation, education and public lighting. The Philile Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to transform the lives of … [Read more...]
Industrial solar heating project launched in SA
The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCCI) have teamed up for the international ‘Solar Payback’ project, which aims to increase the use of solar thermal energy in industrial processes. The kick-off meeting took place in Johannesburg last month. Supported by the German Federal … [Read more...]
Solar thermal power plants to save Egypt billions by 2050
Solar energy expert Hany El-Nokrashy, a member of the advisory council formed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, spoke to Daily News Egypt about his five-year plan to attract foreign investment and the establishment of solar power plants in the coming period. What was the plan you presented to the Ministry of Electricity? It was a five-year plan which includes … [Read more...]
Scientists accidentally discover efficient process to turn CO2 into ethanol
If scientists can figure out how to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into fuel - and do it at an industrial scale - it would, quite literally, change the world. Last month, we hit the highest levels of atmospheric CO2 in 4 million years, and it’s now permanent, meaning we’ll never be able to drop to 'safe' levels again. But if we can turn CO2 into a fuel source, we can at … [Read more...]
No end in sight for Fukushima’s reign of marine terror
The 5th anniversary of the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan has come and gone, and, still the whole story hasn't been told. The cover-up began almost immediately after the 11 March 2011 disaster, and Japanese journalists who dared write about it, risked criminal action. Besides Japanese pride, there are many reasons for the cover-up. … [Read more...]
Greenpeace ranks top SA retailers on renewable energy commitment
None of South Africa’s top five retailers (Pick n Pay, Massmart, Spar, Woolworths and Shoprite) are doing particularly well when it comes to their commitment to 100% renewable energy. Yet they have a major role to play in shaping sustainable growth in the energy sector and need to champion South Africa’s transition to 100% renewable energy, according to the latest report … [Read more...]
Can African women change the energy business in Africa?
“Over 645 million Africans do not have energy. The un-normal has become normal,” said Geraldine Joslyn Fraser-Moleketi (pictured, right), who was Minister for the Public Service from 1999 to 2008 at the Africa Energy Indaba held recently in Johannesburg. “Right now we need to light up Africa,” she said. “We should be building up an integral part of the workforce through our … [Read more...]
Flying solar at George Airport
South Africa’s airports are heading towards energy self-sustainability. Yesterday was a proud day in my decades long green career, for there is some definite action to report. Not just clever green-washing. You know the likes of “we recycle, therefore we are green.” Yesterday Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) launched its first 200 square meter solar power plant at … [Read more...]
Sustainable taxi rank comes to Nomzamo
Think of a sustainable public transport facility with solar panels on the roof, washing facilities for minibus-taxis, kiosks for informal traders, and bathroom facilities for commuters! This transformation happened to an informal taxi rank opposite the Nomzamo Community Hall in Lwandle, Somerset West. This is the City of Cape Town's second green taxi rank following the one … [Read more...]
Even after dark, vast Spanish solar plant harnesses sun’s power
In December this year the UN Climate Conference takes place in Paris. Ahead of the summit, we will release a series of stories, titled "Earthprints," that show the ability of humans to impact change on the landscape of the planet. From sprawling urban growth to the construction of new islands, each site has profoundly changed in the last 30 years. Each story has accompanying … [Read more...]
