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...]
In South Africa, nuclear energy is becoming a dirty word
The nuclear reactors are still a plan on paper. But already the noxious debate over their future has made nuclear energy a dirty word in South Africa. To build or not to build – the stalemate over the proposed nuclear reactors to power the continent's most advanced economy shows no sign of being resolved. The sharp divisions over a nuclear-powered future are now beginning to … [Read more...]
In 2017, disruptive forces will shape climate action
In 2016, exciting new developments unleashed a visionary sense of where renewables can take us, with solar breaking new ground. 2016 delivered the first solar-powered, round-the-world flight, plans to build roads paved with solar panels across four continents and solar roof tiles that blend into background. This is one of the most disruptive technologies the world has ever … [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...]
New water purification system could help slake the world’s thirst
More than 1 billion people around the world lack access to fresh water, and the problem is growing: By 2025 a whopping two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. To slake that thirst, some wealthy communities have invested in water desalination plants that turn salt water into clean drinking water. But these plants are too expensive for most communities … [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...]
Chile generating so much solar power that it’s giving it away for free
Chile’s solar industry has expanded so quickly that it’s giving electricity away for free. Spot prices reached zero in parts of the country on 113 days through April, a number that’s on track to beat last year’s total of 192 days, according to Chile’s central grid operator. While that may be good for consumers, it’s bad news for companies that own power plants struggling to … [Read more...]
Africa’s only solar panel manufacturer shines brightly
Professor Vivian Alberts is sitting in a small office above a hi-tech solar factory set among rolling vineyards in sunny Stellenbosch, South Africa. “We want to offer to the government and people of South Africa a completely optimised South African photovoltaic system built by South Africans for the South African market,” he says, beaming. He sees the country as an emerging … [Read more...]
UK solar eclipses coal power over month for first time
Solar power in the UK produced more electricity than coal across the whole of May, the first ever month to pass the milestone, according to research by analysts at Carbon Brief. Solar panels generated 50% more electricity than the fossil fuel across the month, as days lengthened and coal use fell. Solar generated an estimated 1,336 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in May, … [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...]
