Archive for the ‘energy-storage’ CategoryAfrica Energy IndabaWednesday, February 8th, 2012We have developed a short 30 second advert for flighting on CNN International EMEA feed (Europe, the Middle East & Africa) The concept is not only to create awareness around the event but also promote awareness around the current energy situation and solutions in a fresh and interesting way. Share this : Africa Energy Indaba on YouTube African Energy Sector is Open for BusinessWednesday, January 25th, 2012
The African energy sector is open for business. In actual fact there has been no better time than now to conduct business on the continent. The number of projects has quadrupled from that of 10 years ago and many of the continent’s governments are now democratic, paving the way for economic growth. In support of the opportunities within the energy sector, the annual Africa Energy Indaba which will be held on 21-23 February, has developed a unique roundtable which will focus and unlock the potential of this vital industry sector for companies wanting to tap into this market. Paul Runge – Managing Director of specialised consulting firm Africa Project Access will be heading an energy roundtable discussion at the upcoming Africa Energy Indaba on February 23 February– opening up the floor for discussion on major energy greenfields and brownfields projects on the continent. According to Runge “the discussion will have a business focus and will also be very practical. We will look at projects from the ground up and talk about where things are headed. We will talk about export credit insurance, state organs that are able to help South African & African companies and projects throughout the Sub-Sahara region and regional interconnectors,” says Runge. Joining Runge in the roundtable discussion will be role players in some of these projects such as Ethiopia’s hydro-power programme – currently the biggest hydro-power project in Africa. The roundtable discussion will bring together Africa’s energy operators, financers and other important role-players. “It will be a great opportunity to learn of new and exciting projects and opportunities as well as network”, says Runge. Templates of specific projects will also be made available to those attending. The Africa Energy Indaba will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. This leading business forum brings together more than 300 senior level energy sector experts and decision–makers. Over 100 leading energy suppliers will also be present at the annual exhibition showcasing their latest technologies, equipment and services. Delegates attending this year’s conference are also invited to attend and take part in the roundtable discussion scheduled for February 23, 2012 and information is available on the event website www.energyindaba.co.za . Paul Runge has 30 years’ experience assisting companies to access business and projects in Africa. He has developed a practical rationale and methodology that will be of value to companies and organisations wishing to diversify their portfolio into Africa. His company Africa Project Access supplies approximately 80 companies and organisations with early alerts on projects across a broad range of sectors on the continent. As a former diplomat, Runge has useful background knowledge on the political and business landscape of the countries he conducts business in – a value add for the clients who seek his services. Runge has lived in Gabon and supervised projects in the Cape Verde Islands, has spent six years with the South African Foreign Trade Organisation and has led many of the first South African business delegations into other African countries following the end of international sanctions against South Africa. He has furthermore, published a book, Potholes & Profits: Business (& other) Conversations and Experiences from Africa which is an anecdotal account of his experiences in a number of African markets. ENDS 23 January 2012 Prepared by: Siyenza Management Karabo Keepile 011 463 9184 On behalf of the Africa Energy Indaba 2012 About Africa Energy Indaba 2012 The Africa Energy Indaba takes place from February 21 to 23 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg. The event brings together stakeholders from the global energy industry and the financial community, including energy providers, engineers, financial service providers, economists, government representatives and media. Visit www.energyindaba.co.za. Acknowledged as a World Energy Council (WEC) event for Africa as well as fully endorsed by the South African National Energy Association (SANEA), the event has the support of the world’s leading energy industry associations.
About the World Energy Council www.worldenergy.org About SANEA www.sanea.org.za About the Africa Project Access-www.africaprojectaccess.co.za Africa Energy Indaba Newsletter September 2011Friday, October 21st, 2011 Energy Intensive Users’ Group (EIUG) The EIUG supports the need for a strong and healthy Eskom and recognizes the importance of the power utility to the South African economy. However the EIUG is adamant that there is a pressing need to balance Eskom’s financial health with the affordability of electricity to ensure that consumers do not suffer unduly, and that businesses are able to remain competitive. As far as the EIUG is concerned, the next scheduled tariff increases will have adverse effects, and far reaching implications for all South Africans. These price increments add additional pressure to Industrial customers to maintain current production levels and further price increases will result in production halts and job losses, which South Africa cannot afford. South Africa has already seen the effects of rising electricity prices on key business sectors and as a result, the EIUG is undertaking an industry wide impact assessment of the electricity price path. “We have seen a number of refineries and smelters closing down and need to determine how poor the outlook is to ensure South Africa doesn’t shed critically needed jobs”. The EIUG is urging all companies currently concerned about the impact of electricity prices to go to www.eiug.org.za to register to participate in this impact assessment. Eskom’s results for 2011, released in June, show an expected rise in total revenue by 28.6% on the back of the 24.8% electricity tariff increases last year. But a spokesperson for the EIUG said it was of concern that primary energy costs have increased by 19.8%.The EIUG says this is a significant increase over and above the 17% increase in primary energy seen last year and expects NERSA to conduct an audit to determine the root causes. In real terms, the average Eskom price this year will be ~50c/kWh. Taking into account that new generation costs about 75c/kWh and adding 30% for transmission and distribution, the electricity price could end up close to a whopping 100c/kWh. Municipal customers will pay more, while Eskom transmission customers will pay less as NERSA has recommended that municipalities charge an extra 15 percent for 2010/11, then 16 percent for each of the next two years. Taking into account the blending of old and new assets it would be expected that customers should not pay more, and should preferably pay less, than 100c/kWh but Eskom has been allowed to revalue its assets and so the price advantage of blending has been lost. The EIUG expects the average tariff to settle around 75c to 80c/kWh by 2016, which means that customers can expect another 50% to 60% increase over the next three years. The group, which represents the biggest business energy users in the country, says it should be a priority to hold increases as low as possible, so as to ensure Eskom’s financial sustainability, while ensuring affordability and competitiveness. The EIUG says Eskom’s results show that the power utility has invested a significant amount of cash in securities, perhaps as a result of borrowing too much cash and having to invest the excess. Clearly, Eskom is not spending as much Capex as expected. The power utility’s cash position is looking good with interest cover going from 0.83 to 1.54. Ideally, this should be above 2.0 and possibly even 2.5. Debt service cover ratio has gone down slightly from 2.5 to 2, which is acceptable but shouldn’t drop further. The next round of tariff increases will push Eskom’s finances into a very comfortable zone. Regulatory Return on Assets (ROA) is approximately 7.5%, with Eskom and NERSA aiming for 14%. The EIUG says this will increase cash and profitability to unnecessarily high levels and has argued for a ROA target of 11.5% to mitigate the current unsustainable price path. The debt percentage is around 62%, which is very close to the target of 60%. Overall, the EIUG says, Eskom’s financial position is looking much better and virtually all financial indicators are improving, but the group cautions that electricity prices must not be “overcooked” or South Africa will suffer. —————————————————————————————————————————— Shaun Nel Currently the Programme Director for the Energy Intensive Users Group Programme Office. He was part of the Department of Energy’s IRP 2010 technical task team. He is part of the National Medium Term Risk Mitigation Task Team to address the energy crisis in the medium term. He was previously the Programme Director of the National Electricity Response Team (NERT). —————————————————————————————————————————— About the EIUG Established in 1999, the Energy Intensive User Group (EIUG) of South Africa is a voluntary, non-profit association of large scale, high intensity energy consumers whose members currently account for approximately 44% of the electrical energy consumed in South Africa. For more info visit www.eiug.org.za —————————————————————————————————————————— CONTACT DETAILS Liz Hart Eskom electricity price path is not sustainable, say biggest usersThursday, October 6th, 2011SEPTEMBER 2011 Energy Intensive Users’ Group (EIUG) The Energy Intensive Users’ Group (EIUG) has cautioned that the high and continually rising price of electricity — since the first round of tariff hikes in South Africa — will place consumers and business under great pressure in the next few years. The EIUG supports the need for a strong and healthy Eskom and recognizes the importance of the power utility to the South African economy. However the EIUG is adamant that there is a pressing need to balance Eskom’s financial health with the affordability of electricity to ensure that consumers do not suffer unduly, and that businesses are able to remain competitive. As far as the EIUG is concerned, the next scheduled tariff increases will have adverse effects, and far reaching implications for all South Africans. These price increments add additional pressure to Industrial customers to maintain current production levels and further price increases will result in production halts and job losses, which South Africa cannot afford. South Africa has already seen the effects of rising electricity prices on key business sectors and as a result, the EIUG is undertaking an industry wide impact assessment of the electricity price path. “We have seen a number of refineries and smelters closing down and need to determine how poor the outlook is to ensure South Africa doesn’t shed critically needed jobs”. The EIUG is urging all companies currently concerned about the impact of electricity prices to go to www.eiug.org.za to register to participate in this impact assessment. Eskom’s results for 2011, released in June, show an expected rise in total revenue by 28.6% on the back of the 24.8% electricity tariff increases last year. But a spokesperson for the EIUG said it was of concern that primary energy costs have increased by 19.8%.The EIUG says this is a significant increase over and above the 17% increase in primary energy seen last year and expects NERSA to conduct an audit to determine the root causes. In real terms, the average Eskom price this year will be ~50c/kWh. Taking into account that new generation costs about 75c/kWh and adding 30% for transmission and distribution, the electricity price could end up close to a whopping 100c/kWh. Municipal customers will pay more, while Eskom transmission customers will pay less as NERSA has recommended that municipalities charge an extra 15 percent for 2010/11, then 16 percent for each of the next two years. Taking into account the blending of old and new assets it would be expected that customers should not pay more, and should preferably pay less, than 100c/kWh but Eskom has been allowed to revalue its assets and so the price advantage of blending has been lost. The EIUG expects the average tariff to settle around 75c to 80c/kWh by 2016, which means that customers can expect another 50% to 60% increase over the next three years. The group, which represents the biggest business energy users in the country, says it should be a priority to hold increases as low as possible, so as to ensure Eskom’s financial sustainability, while ensuring affordability and competitiveness. The EIUG says Eskom’s results show that the power utility has invested a significant amount of cash in securities, perhaps as a result of borrowing too much cash and having to invest the excess. Clearly, Eskom is not spending as much Capex as expected. The power utility’s cash position is looking good with interest cover going from 0.83 to 1.54. Ideally, this should be above 2.0 and possibly even 2.5. Debt service cover ratio has gone down slightly from 2.5 to 2, which is acceptable but shouldn’t drop further. The next round of tariff increases will push Eskom’s finances into a very comfortable zone. Regulatory Return on Assets (ROA) is approximately 7.5%, with Eskom and NERSA aiming for 14%. The EIUG says this will increase cash and profitability to unnecessarily high levels and has argued for a ROA target of 11.5% to mitigate the current unsustainable price path. The debt percentage is around 62%, which is very close to the target of 60%. Overall, the EIUG says, Eskom’s financial position is looking much better and virtually all financial indicators are improving, but the group cautions that electricity prices must not be “overcooked” or South Africa will suffer. —————————————————————————————————————————— Shaun Nel Currently the Programme Director for the Energy Intensive Users Group Programme Office. He was part of the Department of Energy’s IRP 2010 technical task team. He is part of the National Medium Term Risk Mitigation Task Team to address the energy crisis in the medium term. He was previously the Programme Director of the National Electricity Response Team (NERT). —————————————————————————————————————————— About the EIUG Established in 1999, the Energy Intensive User Group (EIUG) of South Africa is a voluntary, non-profit association of large scale, high intensity energy consumers whose members currently account for approximately 44% of the electrical energy consumed in South Africa. For more info visit www.eiug.org.za —————————————————————————————————————————— CONTACT DETAILS Liz Hart AFRICA ENERGY INDABA 2012 SIGNS CNN INTERNATIONAL AS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PARTNERThursday, August 25th, 2011Announcement from the Africa Energy Indaba The annual Africa Energy Indaba is pleased to announce that CNN International has once again signed on as its official International Broadcast Media Partner for 2012. The partnership, which was first forged in 2011, will once again place Africa’s energy agenda on the global stage. The association will see CNN International taking a significant presence at the Indaba, and a major awareness-building advertising campaign for the event on CNN across TV and online. “We are pleased to have formalised this relationship, which will raise awareness of the Africa Energy Indaba in new markets across the globe. Our commercial campaign on CNN provides us with an effective and valuable way to reach fresh audiences, with the ultimate aim of working towards finding solutions to Africa’s energy challenges as well as providing a platform to conduct business in the energy sector.” says Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba. The Indaba aims to extend its reach through the partnership, highlighting the event as the leading forum for debate on Africa’s energy challenges and solutions. With the central theme of the event, “Unleashing Africa’s Energy Potential” in mind, the event programme aims to formulate actionable ideas and proposals that will benefit the continent’s billion people. Rani R Raad, SVP & MD, Ad Sales and Business Development, CNN International, said: “How Africa and the world solve the energy challenges we face will impact on us all, and debate is a hugely important part of that process. For that reason we’re delighted to continue our support of the Africa Energy Indaba.” ENDS Issued by: Siyenza Management On behalf of: Africa Energy Indaba About the Africa Energy Indaba: Africa Energy Indaba 2012 will be held from the 21 to 23 February 2012, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference continues to grow and has become the foremost forum for debating Africa’s energy solutions and focuses on: African power suppliers; alternative and renewable energies; oil and gas; the legal and regulatory framework, and investment opportunities in African energy projects. The exhibition has become a significant market-place for African and international stakeholders doing business in Africa’s energy sector. CNN International: CNN International advertising sales deliver innovative and creative media solutions that go beyond the norms of standard advertising to deliver results. The team strives to build long-term strategic partnerships with all clients, addressing individual commercial needs and offering turn-key solutions to support client marketing strategies through extensive resources including the Tourism Advertising Solutions & Knowledge Group (TASK), CNN Ad Sales’ in-house creative unit Turner Commercial Productions (TCP) our dedicated PR and Marketing team. Kind Regards
Approved by the World Energy Council- Africa Energy Indaba signs official agreement with WEC and SANEAWednesday, July 27th, 2011
The Africa Energy Indaba has officially partnered with the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) and the World Energy Council (WEC). Chairman of SANEA and the Conference Chairman of the African Energy Indaba, Brian Statham, Secretary General of the World Energy Council , Dr Christophe Frei and CEO and owner of the African Energy Indaba , Liz Hart, formalised this highly anticipated partnership on 6 June 2011. The WEC is the foremost multi-energy organisation in the world today. WEC has member committees in nearly 100 countries throughout the world, including most of the largest energy-producing and energy consuming countries, focusing on all types of energy including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. The SANEA is the South African member committee of the WEC, representing a hub for the exchange of energy related information as well as is the largest energy industry association in Sub-Saharan Africa, representing all energy companies. The African Energy Indaba is innovative in their approach to ensuring the conference addresses issues of importance and that are current in the energy sector in Africa. This approach stems from the formation of a steering committee comprising industry experts hand-picked from across the industries with a predetermined view on who should present on current topical issues ensuring the provision of a professional product in the form of a world class event. This way, the forum is unique in its approach with a diversity of industry professionals well versed on energy issues as well as issues requiring attention. As such, the programme is always relative to the African energy community year on year. The first committee meeting convened on 6 July 2011 to finalise the programme for the upcoming event. The African Energy Indaba Steering Committee is represented by: Brian Statham, SANEA Chairman; Shaun Nel, Programme Director for the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG); Anthony Golding, South African Department of Energy (DoE); Avhapfani Tshifularo, South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA); Barry Bredenkamp, National Energy Efficiency Association (NEEA); Elsa Du Toit, SAHA International; Greg Nott, International lawyer, Jonathan de Magalhaes, Ubuntu Energy; Dr Latsoucabe Fall, WEC Africa and Professor Mosad Elmissary, NEPAD Agency. The Africa Energy Indaba will serve as a platform to discuss Africa’s energy future, coming up with innovative solutions on how Africans can meet the increasing demand for energy and how this can all be done in a cost effective and efficient manner. ENDS Prepared by: Siyenza Management On behalf of: Africa Energy Indaba (AEI) About Africa Energy Indaba 2012 About the World Energy Council www.worldenergy.org About the South Africa National Energy Association www.sanea.org.za Kind Regards
3rd China Solar Energy Technology and Investment CongressSunday, April 10th, 2011Exploring the Potential Solar Energy Market in China and Upgrading Production Technology CHANGZHOU, CHINA, 24-25 MARCH 2011 – China is now the world’s largest solar cell manufacturer with an annual output of 4,382 MW and the number is still increasing. The current yearly output of solar cells in Jiangsu Province accounts for 65% of the national output and 25% of global output. Supported by Changzhou People’s Municipal Government and UNIDO ITPO-CHINA, the 3rd China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress organized by the Administrative Committee of Changzhou National High-Tech District and Noppen took place on 24-25 March 2011 in Changzhou. With over 150 attendees the congress brought together senior government officials, leading solar cell manufacturers and equipment suppliers from all over the world to discuss the latest industrial policies, China’s major solar projects progress, and advanced technology solutions and equipment selection.
 Meeting between HAN Jiuyun, the Vice Mayor of Changzhou People’s Municipal Government and Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President, Hanwha SolarOne Ltd On day one morning, before the conference began, a meeting was held with HAN Jiuyun, the Vice Mayor of Changzhou People’s Municipal Government. He made a speech introducing the solar industry in Changzhou which was followed by selected attending delegates one by one introducing their companies. Meeting attendees included XUE Jiannan, Standing Committee, Changzhou National High-Tech District; ZHAO Hao, Director, Photovoltaic Industry Park, Changzhou New District Administration Office; QIU Dimin, Director of Technical Committee, Trina Solar Limited; JIANG Leiyan, Deputy Director, Changzhou National High-Tech District Business Council; and representatives from Hanwha SolarOne Ltd, Krempel Gmbh, TÜV Rheinland Co Ltd, etc. Following the meeting HAN Jiuyun gave a welcome speech opening the session; and DAI Yuan, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Changzhou National Hi-tech District presented an overview of the solar industry and its investment environment in Changzhou. Currently, Changzhou National Hi-tech District is one of the most competitive development zones in east China. “The event is of high standard and provided rewarding results” Roger Shanghai Co Ltd
Key speakers at the event included Dr. REN Dongming, Director, Center for Renewable Energy Development, Energy Research Institute, NDRC who discussed the implementation of the latest government incentive policies and the development strategy for China’s solar industry. It was a very valued opportunity for our delegates to talk with the NDRC directly. Many questions were asked regarding the future of industrial distribution. Dr. YU Pingrong, Director, Solar Energy Center at Beijing University was Chairman of the conference. In addition to his speech on international industrial chain integration, Dr. Yu gave great remarks on each presentation and asked some challenging questions to aid the delegates in better understand the topics presented. ZHANG Wen, CEO and CTO of Dongfang Electric (Yixing) Magi Solar Power Technology Co Ltd introduced Magi Solar’s cost effective Athena I project. Efficiency levels are above 18.5% in mass production, a number which is leading in the current solar cell manufacturing industry. “Great sessions, very good one-to-one meetings!” Chroma Ate Inc. Notable speakers also included Dr. LUO Xiang National Program Director UNIDO ITPO-CHINA, who talked about issues related to the outsourcing industry chain. Dr. Luo’s presentation analyzed the current China solar industry from an investor’s viewpoint and provided the local investors with some new business model ideas. Currently UNIDO is investing heavily in China’s solar industry. Dr. Luo also presented a case study of the Changzhou Model, concluding that it is the most effective one as it puts emphases on the Brand + Capital + Industry chain. “The event was well organized and the topic areas covered by experts reasonable” State Grid Electric Power Research Institute Industry leaders introduced their most up-to-date technology and product information. LI Zhanrong, Senior Advisor, Sichuan Xinguang Silicon-Tech Co Ltd compared different ways of producing polysilicon materials focusing on efficiency and raw materials consumption. Mr. Li has over 40 years work experience in semiconductor polysilicon materials’ research and development. Guy Rong, President and CEO, Suntrix Company Limited introduced SCPV technology which is the latest generation of solar PV technology. The SCPV developed by Suntrix is in the mass production stage with efficiency up to 25%. Dr. Ihor Melnyk fromCentrotherm Photovoltaics AG illustrated the latest developments in the crystalline silicon based photovoltaic technology manufacturing process, and from PICOSUN OY, Dr. LI Wei-min discussed atomic layer deposition technology for photovoltaic industrial applications. The new ALD technology can be used in thin-film solar cell manufacturing. Delegates showed great interest in this new technology and asked a lot of questions about the practice during the Q&A session. “Excellent, valuable and very profitable!” CECEP Solar Energy Technology Co Ltd Prominent speakers also included Christian Dreier, Vice General Manager, TÜV Rheinland (Shanghai) Co Ltd which offers testing services to the solar industry. He discussed long-term outdoor exposure testing in different environments. Dr. Ray Lian of Solarbuzz showcased the latest industry data and forecasted the global PV market trends for 2011; and from Krempel Gmbh, Karlheinz Brust discussed guidelines for the successful selection of material components for PV modules, which can directly affect the performance of solar cells/modules both in efficiency and safety. Speakers also came from Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Intertek Testing Services Limited, Hanwha SolarOne Ltd, New Energy Institute of DEC, Feng Neng Sgurr (Beijing) Renewable Energy Technology Co Ltd and Jetion Solar (China) Co Ltd.“Professional arrangement, excellent staff and very good translators” Sandvik Thermal Process Inc. The event concluded on day three with a site tour to Trina Photovoltaic Industrial Park attended by some of Trina Solar’s senior leaders and also a visit to Changzhou National Hi-tech District. Trina currently has the largest vertically integrated PV chain in the world, from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of high quality modules. “Thanks to the staff of Noppen. The organization was very good” Krempel Group. Noppen would like to express special thanks to the 3rd China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress sponsors; Krempel Group, Honoprof/Picosun, Intertek, Chroma, G-Crystal, Roger Shanghai, TÜV Rheinland, Yukun New Energy, LAND, BIG in our mind, ABB, GCL, Mitsun Chemicals Group, Bender, and Linde for their great contribution to the event. “The content was well-rounded and the event professional, really top notch!” China Power Investment Jiangsu Branch. About Noppen Noppen (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has delivered exceptional events, assisted new market entries and established government relations since 1998. Our top-level business connections paired with our close relations to the many levels of government have given Noppen an edge on the marketplace our competitors just can’t match. With offices in China, India and Belgium, Noppen offers reputable, reliable service and a large range of deliverables to help your company successfully meet its goals. Contact: Catriona Scanlon, Communications Manager
Noppen (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
+8621 6085 1000 ext 226
ENERGY INDABA TO HOST BIOFUELS FOR AFRICA SCI-TECH WORKSHOPWednesday, February 16th, 2011Energy Indaba 2011 has concluded an agreement with the EU African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Science and Technology Programme to hold a workshop on Sustainable Non-Food Sources of Bio-Fuels alongside this year’s conference and exhibition to be held in March. The EU ACP Programme has initiated a Science and Technology project to build sustainable, non-food, renewable biofuel supply chains for providing Combined Heat and Power (CHP), or cogeneration electricity, and identify future feed stocks needed to replace fossil fuels in South Africa, Namibia and Ghana. The programme aims to bring together academics, professionals, decision-makers and support scheme managers from these African countries and Italy and the UK in a series of workshops to build capacity and identify and stimulate funding for the biofuels industry. “Our Government’s commitment to renewable energy has facilitated several opportunities for the biofuels market in South Africa, giving the ACP The workshop will host a number of local and international industry and research experts in the field of renewable energy and non-food energy sources. The workshop will go further in identifying viable and sustainable renewable energy sources and establishing training programmes in South Africa, to provide a framework for what the organisers hope will accommodate many future projects and programmes in the growing biofuels industry in South Africa. Non-food biofuels include those based on jatropha plants, which thrive in the African environment, as well as micro-algae and bio-gas from agro-and food wastes. ACP hopes to foster partnerships between energy businesses and farming supply chains, transferring know-how from experienced teams toothers and providing capacity-building for the ACP programme at universities that will train up a new workforce and offer technical expertise, training and research. “One of the objectives of the programme is to address ACP in-country state-of-preparedness and the ability to respond to new technologies emerging from Europe,” says Professor Patricia Harvey. “Energy Indabais the ideal forum to raise awareness of second-generation renewable biofuels for meeting energy requirements in local communities, and to expand the renewable biofuels debate in Africa.”
As power prices in Africa rise, grid expansion stalls and as grid power availability is constrained, consumers and communities increasingly have to take electricity production into their own hands. In the long term, this is a good thing, and having a portion of electricity coming from decentralised sources is healthy for any grid. ENERGY INDABA 2011 AIMS TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ONThursday, January 13th, 2011PRESS RELEASE The mainstream media have confirmed what industry insiders have known for some time “ South Africa’s electricity supply is under pressure yet again, and business and consumers face another round of power cuts and further tariff hikes, necessitating the debate on the security of energy supply, a key topic to be addressed at the 2011 Energy Indaba. An article on the front page of last week’s Business Times (SA dreads the lights going out yet again, Sunday Times, January 9 2011 at http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article838909.ece/SA-dreads-the-lights-going-out-yet-again) warns that mining will be one of the industries worst affected by possible power outages, while businesses that remain unprepared could face closure. “This year’s Energy Indaba could not be more timeous,” says event MD Liz Hart. “Business urgently needs to explore solutions to the looming crisis as well as long-term solutions to bridging Africa’s energy gap.” Energy Indaba 2011 takes place from March 1 to 3 at Sandton Convention Centre, combining both a conference and exhibition that will bring together the foremost experts in the world, as well as energy providers in both the traditional and alternative markets. Eskom cannot prevent load shedding on its own and needs the support of all stakeholders. The Energy Indaba embraces the opportunity to identify and showcase companies and their products from the local, African and international marketplace with potential solutions to these challenges. Coupled to this is the need to understand how to become more energy efficient in today’s modern society, which is very energy reliant. Companies from China will be displaying products and services at the Energy Indaba exhibition which provide some of these answers and can assist in the reduction of energy usage. Africa needs to make energy efficiency a reality on this continent, as the investment required for the development of the energy sector is significant and as such is a challenge for many parts of Africa. Should Africa adopt an approach of becoming more energy efficient, this will reduce the investment required to power rural communities as well as keeping the lights on in other developed regions. The Energy Indaba provides a platform to further promote energy efficiency in Africa, by increasing public awareness programmes showcasing energy efficienct technologies, exploring innovative financing mechanisms for funding energy efficiency projects and to enhance the message whereby Africans should try and entrench the principle of energy efficiency in their day-to-day activities so that energy efficiency consciousness becomes a way life. We encourage business to participate at this forum to prepare their own organisations for the uncertainty in South Africa’s energy sector over the next few years, while contributing towards Africa realising its potential to emerge as a global player,â€? says Hart. To secure your exhibition stand at this prestigious event and/or register as a delegate, please contact Candice Scorer on +27 11 463 9184, fax +27 11 463 8432, visit www.energyindaba.co.za or email info@siyenza.za.com. ENDS About Siyenza Management Siyenza Management is a multi-faceted communications company, well established within the South African business community, and well placed to co-ordinate an event of this stature. We are immensely proud of both our South Africa roots and ability to provide services to global standards, in the fields of brand architecture, communication, event management, marketing and publishing. Siyenza, meaning “we doâ€? in Nguni, provides a platform to facilitate the bringing together of people. Renowned as a world-class service provider, with strong networks across South Africa, Africa and the world, Siyenza is highly regarded in the business community and has sound track record of delivery, as one of the top 15 event management companies in Africa. Kind regards Celine de Canha The interest of South East Europe in Green Energy, Waste Management & Recycling is growing upWednesday, January 12th, 2011The South-East European Congress on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Eco Forum for Waste Management & Recycling Save the Planet are great opportunities for the leading players in the sectors to bring modern technologies, products and services to the Region, to find new partners and clients. The events organized by Via Expo will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, in the period 13-15 April 2011. EE & Renewable Financing, Energy Efficiency and Decentralized Energy, RES Electricity, Smart Grid Platform, Waste management and Recycling are the topics to be discussed at the three-day forums. For the fist time there will be held “Solar Business Forum for Balkans”. It will show the opportunities for investment and production of photovoltaic devices and plants in the region of South-East Europe. Special accent will be put on the Waste-to-Energy session with 15 speakers from 10 countries: Germany, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Japan, Canada, USA, UK, Serbia and Switzerland. The presentaton of Barbel Birnstengel, Prognos AG, Germany, will focus on the potential of the waste it has a high material or energy value and thus could contribute to resource, environment and climate protection. How to produce useful fuels and electricity from biomass and waste resources? These questions will answer Kunio Yoshikawa from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, which is developing and commercializing total technologies to convert unutilized resources such as solid wastes and biomass into high value added energy resources. John P. Foden president of Canadian Energy-from-Waste Coalition will speak how to get approved of w2e projects, how to manage and communicate with local communities and interest groups. The parallel exhibitions will display state-of the-art products, solutions and services in the fields of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, waste management and recycling. About 4 months before the events 2/3 of the area is already booked for Spanish National Participation and group participation from Austria, China, Finland, Poland, Slovenia, and the USA. For more info: www.viaexpo.com Vesela Nikolova |
