South Africa has got what it takes to increase wind energy opportunities. To elaborate on this, Africa Wind Energy Association (AfriWEA) is proud to announce the 3rd annual Wind Power Africa Conference and Renewable Energy Exhibition to take place on 9-11 May 2011 at the CTICC in Cape Town. The event brings together key African and international stakeholders from public and private sectors, with the aim to unlock Africa’s wind energy potential.

The exhibition examines the current and future wind energy markets in Africa, and highlights business opportunities with in-depth analyses and different countries like Argentina and Namibia’s case studies. According to AfriWEA, Africa and South Africa in particular, have the ideal natural conditions for more wind power and has an increasing energy demand, the ideal combo for investing more in this alternative source of energy.

International donors are enthusiastic about investing in clean energy schemes. However, the political priorities of governments, their policies on energy, electricity and climate change, as well as their ability to act on such policies remain a huge issue for wind energy projects in all African countries.

At the exhibition, companies and organisations involved in renewable energy (wind, wave, sun and hydrogen) will showcase what they do and how. Some will also be speakers at the conference. Discussions include wind turbine noise, grid integration of renewable energy, lessons learned so far about wind energy in Africa, the role of the GreenCape Initiative and global wind power trends. AfriWEA have scheduled day tours and overland tours which include visits to Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Stellenbosch and other places of interest for delegates.

AfriWEA wants to represent Africa’s wind energy sector

The African Wind Energy Association was founded in 2002 in order to encourage manufacturers, developers, governments, renewable energy owners and individuals to promote and support wind energy development on the African continent.

In November 2003 they organised the 2nd Annual World Wind Energy Association conference in Cape Town, attended by over 1000 delegates from over 50 countries. Today, they have memberships from over 75 countries all over the Globe.

AfriWEA organises conferences and seminars and any actions that support wind energy associations in Africa. Their support leads to the wind energy industry being seen and heard more clearly, to work together and to have a greater affect in our country. AfriWEA also encourages national governments to set ambitious targets and political frameworks for priority strategies to fast track sustainable development of all renewable energies.

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