The Johannesburg suburb of Parkhurst is nothing if not a technology trend setter. Last year, the local residents’ association took the decision not to wait for Telkom to come and lay fibre in the area, and put together its own tender for a private company to come in and cable homes up. In a striking example of grassroots democracy in action, residents voted with their … [Read more...]
Energy Department pledges millions for solar geysers
The National Energy Department has pledged about R12 million towards the maintenance of solar geysers installed in Galeshewe in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. This emerged during Minister Ben Martins' door to door visit to the area as part of a tour of energy projects that are currently under construction in the Northern Cape. He also embarked on a public engagement … [Read more...]
Eco speed week 2013
So, you’ve probably heard of Speed Week where you can scream your vehicle down a 5 km dirt track at Hakskeen Pan in the South African Kalahari desert? What you may not have heard of is “eco speed week,” where you can do the same but with your alternative fueled vehicle. Neither had I until late last year. Bob Bond, of Tshwane University of Technology, had been trying to … [Read more...]
Solar panels power world’s first off-grid toll plaza
Zimbabwe has kicked off a major road upgrade project with the opening of a toll plaza that is believed to be the world’s first to meet all its electricity needs without a grid connection. The plaza, about 20km from Bulawayo, derives the bulk of its electricity from arrays of solar panels on the roof over the lanes and collection booths, which charge two battery banks for … [Read more...]
Gauteng to roll out R11bn solar panel project
The Gauteng Provincial Government is to spend R11-billion for a large scale roll-out of solar panels on all State-owned buildings across the province. This will result in the generation of electricity, which will be in line with the National Development Plan’s call to implement renewable energy initiatives. Speaking at the South African Black Technical and Allied Careers … [Read more...]
Cape Town city skyline’s new energy-saving addition
Woolworths recently installed its pilot solar roof system on one of the buildings of its Head Office in Cape Town’s central business district. As part of a broader pilot project, the solar roof will produce an estimated 48,000 kWh of energy savings per year and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 49 metric tons annually. The energy produced by the solar roof equates … [Read more...]
So you missed the “Global Work Party?
10/10/10 was the day and Alexandra was the place to be. The Sustainable Energy Society for Southern Africa (SESSA) Solar Water Heating (SWH) in conjunction with the Intisolar Consortium and Bidvest donated not one, but five solar water heaters to the Sithandiwe Home for the disabled. While the world was celebrating and working to combat climate change in their communities, … [Read more...]
The Global Work Party is coming!
I know, I know, work is pretty hard to sell as a party, but the Global Work Party being held on October 10, 2010 (10:10:10) is different. This work will send a message and make a difference. And who doesn't like a good party? The Global Work Party is being organized by 350.org, who you no doubt remember were the architects of the Global Day of Action. Held last year in the … [Read more...]
