Extinction Rebellion South Africa shares the concern voiced by many people and organizations over Minister Gwede Mantashe’s unreasonable fixation on nuclear power. In May, Minister Mantashe said, when addressing the Portfolio Committee: “We are going to explore all options, when there is appetite for nuclear in the market, we will go ahead with it.” Is that a sound plan? Why … [Read more...]
Replace shaky fossil energy with reliable sunlight
Eskom energy is shaky. First you have it, then you don’t. In the bigger scheme of things this is a good thing. We need to shift off fossil fuels anyway to save the climate. The more they charge us for energy, the better our motivation to take the plunge and do the sideways jump to renewables – essentially free power. Barring your installation of course. There is only one way … [Read more...]
Energy experts and corporates discuss opportunities
Business think tank Accelerate Cape Town and KPMG brought several large companies together earlier this month to discuss emerging renewable energy opportunities in South Africa, with input from experts in business, academia and government. Accelerate Cape Town’s 48 member companies include some of the largest corporates in the country and a number of multinationals who have … [Read more...]
Saving the bats from the blade
In South Africa, two wind farms have been constructed and are currently operational, namely the Klipheuwel and Darling wind farms on the West Coast in the Western Cape. Proposals to construct many more have been submitted mainly along the West Coast, East Coast and the Central Karoo. Wind farms are considered integral to the development of the green economy, an economy … [Read more...]
Atlas to help tap SA wind potential
South Africa has launched its first verified wind atlas, which maps out potential hotspots as a tool for wind farm developers as the coal-hungry country pushes toward renewable energy. The Wind Atlas for South Africa, launched Deputy Energy Minister Barbara Thompson on Tuesday, brings together 30 years' worth of data verified over a year by 10 measurement masts and data … [Read more...]
South Africa electricity supply under pressure
About 77% of the country’s primary energy is provided by coal. Of that, 53% is used for electricity generation and 15 of the utility’s 27 existing and incomplete power stations are coal fired. South Africa’s dependence on fossil fuels is fast depleting our energy sources and is slowly resulting in a substantial depletion. This harsh reality was proven again this week after … [Read more...]
Nature can solve human’s problems
What captures energy like leaves, has fins like a whale, skin like a lizard, eyes like a moth, and interconnected networks like mycellium? The future of engineering, design, economics, agriculture, and much more. 'Bios' means life, 'Mimicry' means imitate. Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and then emulating life's genius to solve human problems and create more … [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...]
Greenpeace’s new campaign enlists SA sun and wind
Greenpeace Africa's quirky new renewable energy campaign, Use Me More, is a plea from the South African sun and wind to be used more as renewable energy sources. Instead of letting them blow away dandelions and give us a tan, we'd like them to power our country! Did you know that the amount of solar energy that reaches the planet in one year is double the energy contained in … [Read more...]
The answers are blowing in the wind
Energy crisis: we hear these words every day but what does it mean? Are we tired and worn out? Not this time - this refers to something much bigger than us. In a nutshell we are not producing enough electricity from the various current fuel sources to produce the energy we need. But more importantly we are unable to extract sufficient fuel from mother earth to satisfy our … [Read more...]
Africa’s energy innovators recognised
Africa's energy leaders and innovators were recognised and rewarded at this year's Africa Energy Awards evening. Winners of the fourth annual Africa Energy Awards were announced at a special gala event at the Sandton Sun on the 31st March. This prestigious event recognised and celebrated the leaders and innovators in Africa's energy sector. The awards are designed to … [Read more...]
Winding our way towards free energy
Wind power could provide up to 42% of South Africa's energy demand per annum. The Wind Power Africa 2010 Energy Conference in Cape Town focused the attention on wind power as one of Africa's most untapped resources for our energy demands. The technology has multiple benefits for providing energy, reducing climate change and enhancing employment and income generation for local … [Read more...]
Green annex brings nature to the city centre
Sniffing out, or being sniffed out, by emerging green businesses is one of the most exciting aspects of my job. It reminds me of looking for Easter eggs as a child - you never know when another unexpected treasure appears in the most unlikely place. So when I'm called to visit a 'green annexe' in town, I jump at the occasion. How green can a section of a hotel be, and what … [Read more...]
