25 Degrees in Africa - JNL 2'09

Vol 4 No 2 2009 – R49

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25 IN

AFRIC

A – Volu

me 4, Num

ber 2, 2009

Africa's Independent Energy Publication

No 2 2009 25o in Africa �

25º in Africa: Africa’s Independent Energy Publicationcovers the whole gamut of energy sources, productionneeds, environmental impacts and the current issuessurrounding them.

25º in Africa’s mission is to disseminate information on any and all energy-related issues, with an emphasis on developments in Africa and the impact on the environment.

The focus of the publication is on energy generation, but it carries related information to provide a broad, unbiased and independent view of all the pertinent issues.

Marlene E van Rooyen

Africa agrees on broad negotiating text

“Clearly, Africa is in peril.” This is the opening statement made by Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UNFCCC at the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Nairobi at the end of May. He was referring to the numerous socio-economic issues that Africa faces and the overwhelmingly severe impact climate change will have on the continent’s growth, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities.

Alluding to the insufficient cooperation agreements, empty assisting funds and the lack of clarity on the types of adaptation actions, De Boer stressed that the CDM offering has not genuinely taken off in Africa, and Africa has certainly not benefited from it as it should. Referring to the USD 250-billion per annum financial and technological resources needed by 2020 for adaptation and mitigation actions, De Boer mentioned that significant public funding from new and additional resources would be vital as opposed to the repackaged ODA. The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is only 191 days away. It is a fact that Africa will be the biggest loser if no deal can be made at the Copenhagen meeting.

Therefore a united African text is crucial to securing the necessary resources, commitments and funding to save our beautiful, precious Africa and its people.

South Africa’s changing political landscape

South Africa’s new president Jacob Zuma recently unveiled his new-look cabinet, specifically rearranged to “effectively implement our policies”. Some of the changes include: splitting the Department of Minerals and Energy into two departments, with Susan Shabangu appointed Minister of Mining and Dipuo Peters as Minister of Energy. Water Affairs has merged with Environmental Affairs in the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs under Buyelwa Sonjica, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is headed by Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Marthinus van Schalkwyk leads the Department of Tourism.

See our exclusive interviews from our new ministers in the next issue.

Copyright: The copyright for all content of this publication is strictly reserved. No part of this may be copied in part or fully without the express written permission of the editor.Disclaimer: Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editorial team or its agents. Although the utmost care is taken to ensure accuracy of the published content, the publisher, editor and journalists cannot be held liable for inaccurate information contributed, supplied or published. Contributions: The editor welcomes contributions and encourages items of interest to our readers in the energy sector. All advertisements and editorials are placed solely at the discretion of the editor and subject to prior approval. 25º in Africa reserves the right to edit, withhold or alter any editorial material to complement the style of the publication. Subscriptions: 25º in Africa is currently published quarterly as a print publication. 25º in Africa is also available as a web download. For subscription information, please contact the editor or editor’s assistant (contact details supplied above).

Publisher: Media in Africa (Pty) Ltdwww.mediainafrica.co.za • www.25degrees.co.za

International Contact Information: Tel +27 12 347 7530 • Fax +27 12 347 7523E-mail: [email protected]

Postal Address: PO Box 25260, Monument Park, 0105Republic of South Africa

Physical Address:First Floor, Unit G, Castle Walk Corporate ParkCnr Nossob & Swakop Streets, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa

The 25º In Africa team:Editor:

Founder:

Sales Consultant:

Journalist:

Editor’s Assistant:

Industry Consultant:

Imbewu Sustainability Legal Specialists:Publishing Manager: Financial Manager: Design and Layout: Accountant:

Proofreader: Reproduction & Printing:

Marlene Raubenheimer: +27 83 327 3746 E-mail: [email protected] Burger (1943 – 2006)

Andre de Wit: Tel +27 84 132 580E-mail: [email protected]

Jody Boshoff: Tel +27 83 275 2526E-mail: [email protected] van Deventer: Tel +27 12 347 7530E-mail: [email protected] van RensburgE-mail: [email protected]

Andrew Gilder: climate change and CDM legal specialistLiezel van der MerweFanie VenterMIA Graphic Studio - Minette van GreuningSietske RossouwE-mail: [email protected] ReidBusiness Print Centre

No 2 2009 25o in Africa �

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An exciting range of innovative DOT-it LED lights has taken the market by storm. The principle of the DOT-it range is simple: often, there is no light where and when it is needed most. OSRAM has devised

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Imagine an old car part being recycled into a pen, or an old tyre recycled into a mouse pad... this list is endless. Supplied by Intelligent Marketing, the “I’m Green” promotional product range, available for retail purposes or as a marketing tool for individual companies, helps generate an awareness of the need to have a green mindset in everyday living. “All our products are manufactured with the earth in mind,” comments CEO Clyde Parton, adding, “There’s no better way to advertise your company’s commitment to the environment than the gifts you give, the stationery you use and the packaging you supply your products in.”The company’s offering meets a wide range of product needs for earth-friendly marketing campaigns, including promotional products that have been recycled from almost every imaginable waste source, as well as products made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and organic cotton. “For every non eco-product, we provide the consumer with the green alternative, whether it is a biodegradable sports bottle, a bamboo lanyard or recycled notepad,” comments Parton.

Community support

A subscriber to the belief that “local is lekker”, Intelligent Marketing prefers to make use of locally sourced materials, and favours suppliers who produce eco-friendly products through community-based projects. “We have adopted a programme that donates a portion of the profit generated to local projects that tend the less fortunate,” explains Parton.

De-carbonate

Intelligent Marketing recognise that the manufacture of every item generates a carbon footprint, including electrical power for production and freighting. Their primary goal for every product is to supply the consumer with items that boasts a zero carbon footprint. Accordingly, the company calculates each product’s footprint, and then utilises either the purchasing of green power – paying for it to be pumped back into the power grid – or plants trees to offset the greenhouse gases incurred.

“It’s an ethical model of business,” believes Parton, whose future plans include setting up a community-based “I’m Green” recycle plant on SA soil in order to utilise all post-consumer waste material which is thrown away. “We have the expertise to make these incredible products possible on home soil. This project has the potential to be a great way of giving back to the community through the business model that we aim to set up here in SA,” concludes Parton.

Intelligent MarketingTel: +27 21 433 1615E-mail: [email protected]: ww.imgreen.co.za

Intelligent Marketing’s corporate stationery and promotional products attain zero-carbon status. Their Eco-Friendly clothing apparel makes use of either bamboo, organic cotton or recycled PET.

earth


WWF, in partnership with BULKSMS.com, has launched MyCO2Print, South Africa’s first mobile carbon footprint calculator. “MyCO2Print is primarily an awareness tool,” explains Carolyn Cramer, Head of Communications at WWF. “It is far simpler than the carbon footprint calculators available on the web and this is intentional. We wanted a tool which would enable South Africans to measure their carbon footprint in terms of travel and energy use and to try to improve it on a monthly basis.”

MyCO2Print provides users with an approximate rand value of the carbon emissions they are producing, based on figures derived from the Stern Report. The tool also records users’ data and allows for a comparison of results on a monthly basis.

Youth focus

“While the MyCO2Print will be useful to everyone, we are particularly hoping that it will be relevant to the younger generation,” explains Cramer. “We envisage school teachers using it as a innovative tool in the classroom to educate on climate change and the environment.”

To try out the MyCO2Print calculator, sms “CO2” to 34017 using your wap-enabled phone. SMSs are charged at ZAR2,00.

For further information, visit www.panda.org.za.

SA’s first mobilecarbon calculator

MyCO2Print provides users with an approximate rand value of the carbon emissions

country profi le: Congo


The State Building situated in the capital Kinshasa.Close to Kisangani, people live by the River Congo.

Fishing and transport is done in piroqie like this one.

Joseph Kabinda, the President of the DRC.

The Kanya Bayonga Market.

Democratic Republic

All pics: www.static.panoramio.com

www.easypedia.gr


Political background

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained independence in 1960. Its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph Mobutu seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. As president, Mobutu sought to foster a cult of personality revolving around his stature as a leader. Stressing a “return to African authenticity,” Mobutu renamed the country Zaire in 1971, after an oncient, supposedly more authentic local name for the Congo River. He changed his name to Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga (officially translated as ‘the all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, will go from conquest to conquest leaving fire in his wake.’). Mobutu retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through the use of brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led to the toppling of the Mobutu regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent Kabila in May 1997. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda.

Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support Kabila’s regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe, but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent Kabila was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph Kabila, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo. Two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph Kabila as president and four vice-presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. Kabila was inaugurated president in December 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006. Its president, Vital Kamerhe, was chosen in December. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

Economic overview

The economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo – a nation endowed with vast potential wealth – is slowly recovering from two decades of decline. Conflict that began in August 1998 has dramatically reduced

Climate:Tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator – wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator – wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October).Terrain:Vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east.Elevation extremes:Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5 110 m.Natural resources:Cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds,

gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber.Land use:Arable land: 2,86% Permanent crops: 0,47% Other: 96,67% (2005)Natural hazards:Periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); there are active volcanoes in the east, in the Great Rift Valley.Current environmental issues:Poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan – a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage.

No 2 2009 25o in Africa 9

national output and government revenue, increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 5-million people from violence, famine and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of most of the invading foreign troops. The transitional government reopened relations with international financial institutions and international donors, and President Kabila began implementing reforms, although progress has been slow and the International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of most export income, boosted Kinshasa’s fiscal position and GDP growth from 2006-2008. However, renewed strife in the second half of 2008, combined with a fall in world market prices for the DRC’s key mineral exports inflicted major damage on the economy and halted growth. Government reforms may lead to increased government revenues, outside budget assistance, and foreign direct investment, although an uncertain legal framework, corruption, and a lack of transparency in government policy are long-term problems. The DRC government has applied to the IMF for an Exogenous Shock Facility to the tune of $200-million (ZAR1660-million) to help it deal with its deteriorating financial situation, and the World Bank will consider a separate $100-million (ZAR820-million) in emergency funding. The global recession probably will cut economic growth in 2009 to half its 2008 level.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $21,05-billion (2008 est.) (ZAR172,61)GDP (official exchange rate): $12,96-billion (2008 est.) (ZAR106,27)GDP – real growth rate: 8% (2008 est.)GDP – per capita (PPP): $300 (2008 est.) (ZAR2460)GDP – composition by sector: Agriculture: 55%, Industry: 11%, Services: 34% (2000 est.)Labour force: 15-million (2006 est.)Agricultural products: coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products.Electricity production: 7,243-billion kWh (2006 est.)Electricity consumption: 5,158-billion kWh (2006 est.)Electricity exports: 1,799-billion kWh (2006 est.)Electricity imports: 6-million kWh (2006 est.)Oil production: 22,160 bbl/day (2007 est.)Oil consumption: 10,460 bbl/day (2006 est.)Oil exports: 19,820 bbl/day (2005)Oil imports: 8,220 bbl/day (2006 est.)

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Oil – proven reserves: 180-million bbl (1 January 2008 est.)Natural gas – proven reserves: 991,1-million cu m (1 January 2008 est.)Current account balance: -$402-million (2007 est.) (-ZAR3296,4-million)Exports: $6,1-billion f.o.b. (2007) (ZAR50,02-billion)Exports – commodities: diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, wood products, crude oil, coffee.Exports – partners: Belgium 23,6%, China 21,7%, US 9,8%, Finland 9,1%, Brazil 9,1%, France 6,8%, Zambia 6% (2007)Imports: $5,2-billion f.o.b. (2007) (ZAR42,64-billion)Imports – partners: South Africa 22,5%, Belgium 10,3%, Zambia 8,9%, Zimbabwe 7,5%, France 6,8%, Kenya 6,3%, US 4,1%, Cote d’Ivoire 4,1% (2007).Debt – External: $10-billion (2007 est.) (ZAR82-billion)

Disputes – international: Heads of the Great Lakes states and the UN pledged in 2004 to abate tribal, rebel, and militia fighting in the region, including northeast Congo, where the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), organised in 1999, maintains over 16 500 uniformed peacekeepers. Members of Uganda’s Lords Resistance Army forces continue to seek refuge in Congo’s Garamba National Park as peace talks with the Ugandan government evolve. The location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area.

Uganda and the DRC dispute Rukwanzi Island in Lake Albert and other areas on the Semliki River with hydrocarbon potential. Boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda River claimed by Zambia near the DRC village of Pweto.

Continued from pg 9

www.static.panoramio.com


DRC. Other organisations generating electricity include SINELAC which was established by Burundi, Rwanda and Zaire to develop international electricity projects.

DRC: a country with immense

The DRC has the potential to produce 150 000 megawatts of power, approximately three times Africa’s present consumption, but although the DRC is host to 60% of Africa’s hydroelectric potential, only 7% of the country’s population has access to electricity. Lack of local demand has led the DRC to export to SINELAC (Société International d’Electricite des Pays des Grands LACS), Angola, Burundi, the Congo, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Untapped potential

The Congo River is the most lucrative source of wealth for the country. Second only to the Amazon River in terms of water volume, it stretches a distance of almost 4 300 kilometres. For electricity production as well as water, the potential of the Congo River remains largely untapped. The Inga Falls on the Congo River, specifically, has a potential generating capacity that equals that of all Southern African countries put together.

Improving generation capacity

There are plans to raise the generation capacity of the Inga hydroelectric power station to 44 000 megawatts by 2010, and the African Development Bank has agreed to supply funding of US$58-million (ZAR464-million) towards the modernisation of the Inga hydropower station.

The DRC government has agreements with SA’s Eskom to strengthen the Inga-Kolwezi and Inga-South Africa interconnections, as well as to construct a second power line that will supply power to Kinshasa. The Kinshasa city electricity distribution network will be managed by Eskom, while a potential feasibility study looking at how to make use of this electrical potential by exporting it to Angola, Namibia, Egypt and South Africa is also being conducted.

Electrical supply

The State-owned Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL), established in 1970, is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the

Current hydropower capacity in the DRC


electrical supply potential

Information for this article was taken from vhost.mbendi.co.za, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

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transport

12 25o in Africa No 2 2009

The South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI) is hosting a Green Transport Programme. The programme is aimed at showcasing green transport technology options during the 2010 Football World Cup and beyond. To date, five projects have been identified under this programme:

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refuelling demonstration

• Impact of LPG on the environment compared to petrol: engines run quieter and cleaner; LPG is a clean-burning fuel and has lower green-house gas (GHG) emissions than other fossil fuels; LPG burns cleanly with no soot and very few sulphur emissions.

Biofuels refuelling demonstration

• Impact of biodiesel on the environment compared to normal petroleum diesel: total unburned hydrocarbons emissions drop by 20-67%; carbon monoxide emissions drop by 12-48%; particulate matter emissions drop by 12-47%; sulphate emissions drop between 20-100%; biodiesel is biodegradable. • Impact of bio-ethanol on the environment compared to normal petrol: compared to conventional unleaded gasoline, ethanol is a particulate-free burning fuel source that combusts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water and aldehydes (alcohol dehydro- genates); bio-ethanol GHG savings compared to petrol amount to 87-96% for sugar cane and 10-20% for maize/corn.

Hydrogen refuelling demonstration

• Environmental impact of hydrogen vehicles: no harmful emissions as the chemical reaction results in the production of water.

Electric vehicle charging demonstration

• Environmental impact of electric vehicles: these vehicles produce no carbon emissions.

UsageCapacityReserve

Fig. 1. According to national statistics, there are 12 600 MW available off-peak.

taking off in SA!Compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling demonstration

• Impact of CNG on the environment compared to petroleum fuels: CNG is a clean-burning alternative; it has a lower cost of production and storage compared to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it does not require an expensive cooling process and cryogenic tank; harmful greenhouse gas emissions are considerably reduced.

Focusing on green transport

The South African Government is playing a leading role in preparing for the showcasing of green transport technology options during the 2010 Football World Cup. In South Africa, transport fuels make up to 30% of energy consumption (by energy content) and 70% by value. (Biofuels Industrial Strategy, DME, 2007.) This points to the transport sector as an important energy sector to consider. By demonstrating the use of environmentally friendly transport fuels, South Africa could add impetus to global efforts to decouple the environmental impacts of transport from economic growth.

Demonstration plans

“Demonstrations will take place as early as October this year, leading up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in June 2010,” comments Dr. Zwanani Mathe, Programme Manager: Green Transport Technologies. Beyond 2010, the demonstration stations and vehicles will be used as a model for national roll-out.

Fig. 2. SANERI green transport plan will comprise a tri-pronged focus: on- and off-site projects and public participation.

CNG takes the lead

To date, the CNG refuelling demonstration is planned to be deployed and demonstrated by the end of this year. “Whilst petrol fuels are satisfactory, and we will plan for these, alternate fuels are needed to combat a liquid fuels shortage.” In the short term, sources of fuel supply could include direct tapping from existing gas networks. In the long term, however, it is desirable to use biogas and/or hythane for the refuelling of vehicles. The

transport


demonstration station will be designed to cater for this, and will be sized to refuel 100 vehicles per day. The plant will offer CNG refuelling, with a final aim of establishing a petrol/diesel conversion workshop that will refuel demo cars and conduct research related to performance assessments, emissions, etc. “CNG makes business sense,” believes Mathe. “It’s simply a case of doing the maths: there is a 3-4 year payback period for buses that run on CNG, and a possible incentive will be brought in to assist with the initial costs of conversion. Added to this, such conversions could also form the basis of CDM projects, the credits of which could be potentially lucrative.”

Fig. 4. Compared NOx emissions: diesel vs alternative technologies

Is CNG a new technology?

“CNG is used throughout the world as a safe, reliable and clean form of powering vehicles,” comments Mathe.

Fig. 5. A CNG Refuse collection fleet in Europe.

Fig. 3: An artist’s impression of the CNG demo site

Fig. 6. IVECO CNG heavy trucks for refuse collection in Europe

Fig. 7. Other Irisbuses worldwide: CNG models

Fig. 8. CNG is used throughout the world for both public and commercial vehicles, amongst others.

TurinMadridAthens

Rome

Korea

Beijing


What else has been accomplished?

SANERI’s work, to date, in the five identified areas of focus includes:

1. Feasibilitystudiesintermsofthecostingandsizingofrefuelling demonstrationstationsforgasandelectricvehicleswere completedlastDecember.2. MarketstudiesforalternativetechnologieswerecompletedinJune.3. ThereiscurrentlyabiodieseldemonstrationinprogressinCape Town.4. Costinghasbeencompleteforall5alternativetechnologies.5. SANERIcontinuestosupplygovernmentwithresearchandinfor- mationtoserveasinputfortheirpoliciesgoingforward.6. Commitmentsfromtheprivatesector,governmentandmunicipa- litieshavebeengainedintermsofresources.7. Internationalinvestorshaveshownampleinterest:ifSouthAfrican investmentworksforthem,itwillopenthemarketupforother investments.

Transport feature part 2: Gautrain and BRT

Don’tmissourfocuspieceontheGautrainandReaVayaBRT(BusRapidTransit) systems inournextedition.The rapid raillink between Johannesburg and Pretoria will offer seamlesstransferbetweenGautrainandothertransportmodeswhichwillbeenabledbyphysical integrationof routesandstops,similarqualityofservice,andco-ordinatedtimetables.

SANERITel: +27 201 4785Fax: +27 201 4935E-mail: [email protected]: www.saneri.org.za

transport

transport


Optimal Energy, a privately-owned South African company based in Cape Town that specialises in optimal solutions for urban transport, has revealed plans to launch Africa’s first all-electric vehicle. Created with efficiency in mind, Joule is a compact five-seater MPV which complies with UN-ECE safety standards, offering an optimal, no-compromise and zero-emission urban driving experience.

Comments Kobus Meiring, CEO of Optimal Energy: “The world’s finite energy sources are being used inefficiently and urban transport plays a major role in energy wastage and climate changing pollution. Joule is Optimal Energy’s solution to change that.” He goes on to say that the company has capitalised on the opportunity presented by the exponential increase in oil costs and the dramatic improvement in battery price, life and performance. “Joule’s value proposition is made more compelling when environmental influences such as increasing pollution and global warming phenomena caused by the rapid increase in urbanisation are considered. Furthermore, Joule is fully aligned with Optimal Energy’s vision to establish and lead the electric vehicle industry in South Africa as a springboard to global expansion,” says Meiring.

As beautiful and elegant as it is stylish, Joule was developed as an electric vehicle, and delivers optimal design and maximum interior space – with a minimal exterior and environmental footprint.

Specs:

• Battery: Energy is supplied by a modular, large-cell lithium-ion battery pack with sufficient capacity to provide a range of 200 km per module. The chassis has space to fit two battery modules which slide in easily from below, giving Joule a 400 km maximum range.

• Brakes: A regenerative braking system for normal driving is used whereby energy recovered with this system goes back into the battery, adding to the car’s range. Four ventilated disk brakes with ABS for emergency braking come standard.

• Body: The body consists of a steel space frame with a combination of composite (glass and carbon) and plastic body panels. Side- impact protection is provided by high-strength steel cross-bars in the doors.

• Chassis: The chassis is a flat wafer structure and is the key to Joule’s spacious and versatile interior. It comprises front and rear crumple zones, the batteries and electronics bays, and also provides attach- ment points for the suspension.

• Integrated vehicle computer: A uniquely integrated computer developed from EV-specific architecture controls all of Joule’s onboard systems. Every battery cell is monitored independently to ensure optimal performance and durability of the battery. An integrated, programmable onboard charger ensures that no external charging infrastructure is required and that charging can be synchronised with off-peak electricity.

Optimal EnergyTel: +27 21 462 7804 Fax: +27 21 462 7802Website: www.optimalenergy.co.za

What about the electricity Joule uses?

Independent analysis of Eskom, the country’s sole electricity provider, has confirmed that the South African grid has enough capacity to supply electrical energy to millions of cars without affecting its customer base or requiring any additional infrastructure. The utility has vast amounts of excess energy available between 11 PM and 6 AM (GMT +2), which will be the recommended recharging time. Electric cars only require about 20 percent of the energy that conventional cars require, meaning that the total emissions are much less, even if Eskom’s coal-dominated electricity is used. With the global trend of electricity generation becoming more renewable and cleaner, total emissions caused by electric cars will continue to shrink.

1st

Urban transport plays a major role in energy wastage and climate changing pollution

climate change


A National Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage was launched in March this year during a Charter Signing Ceremony in Sandton. Previous Minister of Minerals and Energy Buyelwa Sonjica stated that the signing ceremony of the Charter for the South African Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage would “…facilitate a state of ‘country readiness’ for South Africa that will ensure, at the appropriate time, that the technology can be readily applied”. She added that, already, PetroSA, AngloCoal, Eskom, Sasol and SANERI are financing the development of a carbon storage atlas for South Africa and that the atlas might, in future, serve as a basis for regional carbon dioxide geological storage atlases that might be developed in co-operation with SADC neighbours.

The establishment of the centre will facilitate South Africa’s development of one of the most promising potential Climate Change mitigation measures. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves the capturing of carbon dioxide, that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere, and injecting it to be stored in deep geological formations. Carbon dioxide is typically captured from large industrial point sources, compressed into liquid form and injected into deep geological formations, such as saline reservoirs, coal seams, or depleted oil and gas fields.

Part of SA’s plan

According to the recent Climate Change Summit, South Africa has committed internationally to stabilising greenhouse gas emissions by between 2020 and 2025, plateauing for ten years and then decreasing. CCS forms part of the mitigation measures addressed in the Long Term Mitigation Scenario (LTMS) planning of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. As a result of the findings of the LTMS study and the potentially significant

reduction of the country’s carbon dioxide footprint through CCS, the South African government has declared CCS a national research priority. Similarly, the International Energy Agency describes this technology as “one of the most promising options for mitigating emissions in the longer term”.

A necessary step forward

The success of CCS in South Africa will ultimately depend on the degree of confidence the scientific community has in the country’s potential for carbon dioxide storage. This, in turn, will hinge on the development of the human capacity needed to truly understand the risks and opportunities of CCS. In order to develop this required both human and technical capacity, a number of national and international stakeholders including Sasol, British High Commission, Eskom, Anglo Coal, Exxaro, Schlumberger and Xstrata Coal, identified the need to establish and support a national CCS research centre. The centre is a Private/International/Public Partnership which will be financed from local industry, government and international sources.

Ambitious goals

The ultimate goal of the research centre is to demonstrate this technology in South Africa by means of a carbon dioxide injection experiment and ultimately a demonstration plant by 2020. In addition, the centre will be the supporting research and creation of human capacity in the areas of capture, transport and geological storage technologies, monitoring and verification, risk assessment, regulatory and policy research and public outreach and awareness.

SANERITel: +27 10 201 4787 Fax: +27 10 201 4937E-mail: [email protected]: www.saneri.org.za

CO2 can be trapped as a supercritical fluid in tiny pore spaces in the storage rock, as is shown by the blue spaces between the white grains of quartz in this photograph of a microscopic section of storage sandstone.Image Source: CO2CRC

Credit:Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide - staying safely underground

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) opened

CO2 can be injected at depths below 0.8 km (2600 feet). CO2 increases in density with depth and becomes a supercritical fluid below 0.8 km. Supercritical fluids take up much less space than gases, as shown in this figure, and diffuse better than either gases or ordinary liquids through the tiny pore spaces in storage rocks. The blue numbers in this figure show the volume of CO2 at each depth compared to a volume of 100 at the surface. Image Source: CO2CRC

Credit:Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide - staying safely underground

SA Centre for

climate change


In 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted as the basis for a global response to climate change. With 192 Parties, the convention enjoys near-universal membership with the ultimate objective being to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

The Convention is complemented by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which has 184 Parties. Under this treaty, 37 industrialised countries and the European Community have committed to reducing their emissions by an average of 5 percent by 2012 against 1990 levels.

Below is a list of key UNFCCC terminology

The Conference of the Parties (COP): This is the “supreme body” of the Convention, that is, its highest decision-making authority. It is an association of all the countries that are Parties to the Convention.

The meeting of the Parties (CMP): The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The CMP meets during the same period as the COP. Parties to the Convention that are not Parties to the Protocol are able to participate in the CMP as observers, but without the right to take decisions. The functions of the CMP relating to the Protocol are similar to those carried out by the COP for the Convention.

The Convention established two permanent subsidiary bodies: the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI). These bodies give advice to the COP and each has a specific mandate. As its name suggests, the SBSTA’s task is to provide the COP with advice on scientific, technological and methodological matters. The SBI gives advice to the COP on all matters concerning the implementation of the Convention.

Ad-hoc Working Group on further commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP): At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2005, Parties to the Kyoto Protocol initiated a

UNFCCC terminologyThe convention enjoys near-universal mem-bership with the ultimate objective being to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations

process to consider further commitments by Annex I Parties for the period beyond 2012. The resulting decision established an open-ended ad-hoc working group of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to conduct that process and report to each session of the CMP on the status of this process. Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA): The United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2007 culminated in the adoption of the Bali Road Map which consists of a number of forward-looking decisions that represent the various tracks that are essential to strengthening international action on climate change.

Central to the Bali Road Map is the establishment of a two-year process to enable full and effective implementation of the Convention. This is taking place in a new negotiating group called the AWG-LCA, which is to reach an agreed outcome by 2009.

UN FCCC Article 2 - Principles

COPConference of the Parties

SBISubsidary Body

for Implementation

SBSTASubsidary Body for

Scientific andTechnological Advice

IPCCSecretariat

IPCC

A landmark step forSix months before the crucial negotiations on climate in Copenhagen, African ministers have reached a landmark position on climate in Nairobi. The Nairobi Declaration adopted at the recently ended special session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) on climate change highlights major challenges and opportunities in the negotiations for a more equitable climate regime.

The Declaration provides African countries with a platform to make a strong case for support at Copenhagen 2009. “Climate change impacts will be overwhelmingly severe for Africa. They will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and have the potential to keep countries locked in the poverty trap. Copenhagen needs to mobilise very significant financial and technological resources to assist developing countries in their adaptation measures and additional mitigation actions,” commented Yvo de Boer,

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He added that “With 54 countries, a united African voice in the negotiations will be a powerful force - the force that is required to secure the needed benefits for this beautiful continent.” African Ministers of the Environment have agreed to mainstream climate change adaptation measures into national and regional development plans, policies and strategies. In doing so, they will aim to ensure adequate adaptation to climate change in the areas of water resources, agriculture, health, infrastructure, biodiversity and ecosystems, forest, urban management, tourism, food and energy security and management of costal and marine resources. “It is clear to me that as a continent Africa has needs that managing climate change and the environment have to speak to,” concluded Buyelwa Sonjica, President of AMCEN and Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in South Africa.

Africa

For further information, visit www.unfccc.int, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

climate change


A new study released by EcoSecurities, Conservation International, The Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA), and ClimateBiz.com analyses the perceptions and expectations driving corporate decisions to buy forestry carbon offsets.

The study, entitled The Forest Carbon Offsetting Survey 2009, involved questioning 120 corporations and 21 carbon market companies about their attitudes toward carbon offsets from forestry projects.

The findings include

• Offset buyers in the study (roughly 90%) view deforestation and native tree reforestation projects as the most desirable of all forestry projects, followed closely by agroforestry and peatland conservation, with 81% and 75%, respectively. • Only 40% see commercial tree planting as an attractive forestry project. • The most important factor companies considered when buying forestry carbon offsets was the type of standard used, with the Voluntary Carbon Standard and Clean Development Mechanism the most recognised and most desirable for more than half of respondents. • There remains a gap in knowledge concerning standard type; between 40% and 60% of respondents admitted they don’t know enough about other standards. • Buyers prized the experience and reputation of the project developerandtheco-benefitscreatedbyforestryprojects(such as impacts on local communities and ecosystems) highly. The study, one of the first to explore corporate attitudes toward forestrycarbon offsets, comes at a time of increasing debate on this sector’s role in addressing climate change post-Kyoto as deforestation is responsible for roughly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. “With the U.S.significantly increasing its focusonclimatechangeand theU.N.COP15negotiations taking place at end of 2009, this is an extremely important year forforestry,”commentedPedroMouraCosta,EcoSecuritiespresident,onthe release of the study.

“It’s tremendously encouraging to see that companies are starting torecognise the benefits from forestry projects, not only in terms of therobustnessofthecarbonoffsets,butalsoincreatingsustainableco-benefitsand helping to reduce the problem of climate change and deforestation.”

The approval of forestry carbon offsets, however, is not unanimous. The survey shows a difference in attitudes by region in that companies outside of Europe are more likely to view forestry carbon offsets in a positive light, which may be explained in part by the exclusion of forestry offsets from the EuropeanUnionEmissionsTradingScheme(EUETS).

For further information, visit.wbcsd.org to whichfull acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Promoting forest stewardship

What is FSC?

All over theworld, lands are being deforested for short-term profitswithlong-term consequences for local economies and the world’s ecosystems. TheFSCcertificationprocessseekstoaddressthisthroughoversightandcertification. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an internationalorganization of loggers, foresters, environmentalists and sociologists who have come together to establish standards for sustainable forestry. The FSC has developed a set of principles and criteria for forest management that addresslegalissues,indigenousrights,labourrights,multiplebenefits,andenvironmental impacts surrounding forestmanagement.FSCcertificationof products ensures they come from well managed forests which are harvested inasustainablemanner.Certification is required for theentiresupply chain, from the forest to the lumber retailer. These products are occasionallycomparable incost tonon-certifiedwoodproducts,howevertheir cost may be higher due to the hurdles businesses must clear in order tobecomecertified.

How is FSC accreditation obtained?

FSCaccredited,independent,“third-party”certificationbodiesor“certifiers”certify forests. They assess forest management using the FSC principles, criteria, and standards. This allows FSC to remain outside of the assessment process, and supports the integrity of the standard, and of the FSC system. Certifiers evaluate both forestmanagement activities (forest certification)andtrackingofforestproducts(chain-of-custodycertification).Thereare12FSC-accreditedcertifiersaroundtheglobe.ForestlandownersormanagerscancontactanaccreditedFSCcertifieriftheyareinterestedinbecomingcertified.Forthosecompanieswhomanufactureortradecertifiedproducts,a different formof certification applies.Again, to assure the credibility ofclaims on products, it is important to track materials as they leave the forest andbecomeproductsdownstream.This “chainof custody”(COC)certificationprocessisquitesimple.Likeanyinventorycontrolsystem,COCallows products to be segregated and identified as having come from aparticularsource—inthiscase,anFSC-certifiedforest.

To conduct a product or certified companies search, or to obtain certification on formation, visit http://www.fscus.org/ to whom full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

sheds light on attitudes to forestry carbon offsets

New report

Deforestation is responsible for roughly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

climate change

(Left) Dr Heuring – Siemens Germany - CEO Energy Distribution Medium Voltage(Middle) Mr Silas Zimu – City Power – CEO(Right) Mr Dion Govender – Siemens South Africa – CEO Energy Sector

Delivering solutions.

Contact us on +27 (0)11 971-8502 or by email: [email protected]

Our global network links rail, road, water and air.

We always have the ideal solution. DB Schenker can take on any order for you, economically and efficiently, from simple transport services all the way to complex logistical procedures. With more than 91,000 employees in around 130 countries and at approximately 2,000 locations, whatever the customer requires, we can do it. Try us out at www.dbschenker.com

The appointment of Derek Phillips as head of the Medium Voltage Switchgear Business Segment of the Siemens Southern Africa’s Energy Sector and the relocation of the operation to a new modern manufacturing facility in the N1 Business Park has perfectly positioned the division to meet the demanding requirements of new quality standards and increased demand for reliable, cost-efficient energy solutions. The Siemens Medium Voltage business has built a reputation over the years as a competent provider of technologically innovative power supply equipment and complete turnkey solutions to power supply companies and industrial enterprises. They offer top-quality service delivery supported by innovative, market-relevant local and international product offerings.

“We offer innovative air- and gas-insulated switchgear for primary and secondary distribution networks, as well as components for all applications in the medium-voltage range, from 1 to 52 kV,” states Phillips. “Our products and systems provide customers with high reliability, safety, minimal maintenance, climate resistance and efficiency” he adds.

Phillips believes that the main task of medium-voltage switchgear is cost-efficient safe power distribution. Siemens accepts this responsibility willingly by offering services and solutions for all requirements of medium-voltage systems to customers across the globe.

For further information, visit www.siemens.co.za.

for medium voltage power products

A benchmark

high reliability, safety, minimal maintenance, climate resistance and efficiency

climate change


Understanding

A guide is now available to help individuals of all ages comprehend how climate influences them, and how they, in turn, influence this phenomenon. A product of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, the guide presents important information on the impacts of climate change, and approaches for adapting and mitigating change.

Entitled The Essential Principles of Climate Science, the guide is capable of serving as a discussion starter or launching point for scientific inquiry, and can also serve educators who teach climate science as part of their science curricula.

“This guide is a first step for people who want to know more about the essential principles of our climate system, how to better discern scientifically credible information about climate, and how to identify problems related to understanding climate and climate change,” commented Tom Karl, director of NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center and lead for NOAA’s climate services. The 17-page guide includes information on how people can help reduce climate change, and its impacts, and defines important terms and concepts used when talking about climate and approaches to adaptation and mitigation. For further information regarding The Essential Principles of Climate Science, contact Frank Niepold at [email protected]. Include “Climate Literacy info” in the subject line.

http://downloads.climatescience.gov

Dubbed SA’s ‘self-governing environmental guardians’, the Green Scorpions have gleaned praise in the past from the likes of ex-Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk who said they have

“worked hard to change the common perception in South Africa that government lacks the will to

enforce our environmental legislation”.

Formed in 2005, this highly specialised environmental police unit now has over 800

inspectors across the country who have embarked on a national drive to crack down on contraventions of environmental laws.

Encouraging results from the second annual National Environmental Enforcement Report 2008 show that:

• Environmental inspectors were investigating more than 1,756 criminal dockets or case files in 2007-8;• Reported arrests by the Green Scorpions have increased from 898 in 2006-7 to more than 2 612 in 2007-8;• Reported convictions of environmental criminals have increased from 134 in 2006-7 to 746 in 2007-8.

To learn more about the Green Scorpions’ heroic efforts, visit www.greenscorpions.com (site under construction). If you wish to report an environmental crime, contact them on +27 800 205 005.

Who are the

essentialsclimate change

climate change


Despite tough economic times, the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has not decreased its commitment to maintaining a healthy natural environment. The company has announced continued financial support for the work of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This second round of funding from ACSA will ensure that WWF continues to conserve and maintain South Africa’s living landscapes.

South Africa is home to an enormous diversity of animal and plant species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world, making South Africa’s eco-regions unique. Ensuring that our landscapes maintain their ecological integrity is critical to helping people adapt to climate change.

committed to maintaininga healthy

Funding from ACSA will ensure that WWF continues to conserve and maintain South Africa’s living landscapes

ACSA’s continued support of WWF’s Living Lands programme will contribute towards conserving critical eco-regions and priority species as well as building resilient landscapes that support people. “Not only will ACSA support critical conservation interventions but, through this partnership, WWF will work with ACSA to support the company in improving its environmental performance in its own operations and limiting its carbon footprint,” commented WWF Ecosystems Partnership Manager, Therèse Brinkcate.

For further information, visit www.panda.org.za to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Airport giant

low-carbon economyThe recent G20 summit delivered a global consensus that to ensure economic recovery and future global prosperity, a high-growth and low-carbon global economy is required. To deliver this new economy, policies and incentives are needed in order to help remove obstacles to more low-carbon technology and finance.

This is not a task for governments alone, and it’s believed that, as the major delivery agents of low-carbon investment, innovations, products

and services, business should be granted a voice at the table. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is working in cooperation with global CEOs to support negotiators in this process by recommending specific policy mechanisms that might contribute to a cost-effective and environmentally sound future climate framework.WBCSD’s new publication, Towards a Low Carbon Economy, aims to share business experience in technology development and deployment, finance and carbon markets, cooperative sectoral approaches and adaptation, and proposed policy recommendations for future agreement.

Their recommendations can be summarised as follows:

• A future framework should enable countries to collectively work towards a low-carbon economy with the urgency needed. This includes emissions reduction targets for developed countries and supporting infrastructure to enhance the financial and technology flows to developing countries to slow emissions growth and work towards net emission reductions in the longer term. • Low-carbon technologies exist and have the potential to significantly reduce global emissions, but enabling frameworks and specific policy responses are needed to support their rapid deployment, in developed and developing countries. • New technologies will also be needed. A future framework must facilitate the scale-up of research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies through new financial mechanisms and international cooperation. • A future framework must unleash large-scale private and public investment by enhancing carbon markets and effectively using public funding to leverage private finance. • Financial flows to developing countries need to be enhanced by addressing investment barriers, extending and streamlining the Clean Development Mechanism, and establishing new mechanisms to drive large-scale investments. • Collaboration between developed and developing countries on sector-specific mitigation and adaptation activities can enhance actions and increase financial flows to developing countries. • A future framework should enable the establishment of strong, integrated infrastructure planning and policy environments to promote adaptive capacity and resilience planning.

To download the publication, visit www.wbcsd.org, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

www.

wbcs

d.org

US warming up to climate action

Keynote Remarks by Todd Stern at the US climate action symposium (Special Envoy for Climate Change: Senate Hart Office Building: Washington, DC March 3, 2009) suggest that the US may be embarking on a completely new era of climate action. Excerpts from this speech and the 10 principles that will underpin the US approach to Copenhagen and beyond are reproduced below:

“The U.S. is in the game. We are seized by the importance and urgency of the task. The President has made the transformation to a low-carbon economy a core part of his domestic agenda. And we are eager to get a strong new international agreement done in Copenhagen.

“I was sworn in as the Special Envoy for Climate Change only recently, my staff is still in formation and we are busy consulting with other governments, US stakeholders, Members of Congress and others. At the same time, we are keenly aware that time is short. The Bali Roadmap may have given the global community two years to reach a new accord, but it has given us in the U.S. Government only about 9 months. So we are already operating in high gear. “We have a great deal of work ahead of us now. Understanding that we are still well short of a full-blown plan, let me talk about 10 principles

that will underpin our approach to Copenhagen and beyond. At their core, they are about using science, doing the math, paying attention to politics, and relying upon common sense rather than stale rhetoric.

• First: we need to be guided by science. The point of an agreement, after all, must be to solve the problem. Thus, we should set our compass by a long-range objective, and we should lay out a pathway for getting there. Being guided by the science also means that there need to be regular reviews so that we can, if necessary, recalibrate what we’re doing.

• Second: we in the United States recognise our responsibility, as the largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, to play a leading role in the effort to contain global warming. Consistent with that responsibility, we are in the early stages of putting in place a strong, mandatory plan to cut emissions and develop a low-carbon economy. This includes a broad-based cap-and-trade program, which President Obama reaffirmed as a top priority just last week in his speech to Congress and in the budget he submitted. It will also include a robust set of clean energy measures such as tough

We in the United States recognise our responsibility, as the largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, to play a leading role in the effort to contain global warming

climate change


climate change


dirtycoalinfrastructureorhigh-carbonproductionmethodsare notonlyjeopardizingthehealthoftheplanet,theyarejeopardizing theirowneconomicfuture.

• Eighth:theprivatesectorhastobeapartner.Privateinvestment andinnovationisthekeytoresolvingtheclimatecrisis.Agreat dealcanbedoneinbringingemissionsdownthroughtheuseof existingtechnologies,butpoweringtheworldonlow-carbon energywillrequirenewtechnologicaldevelopmentandbreak throughs.Governmentscannotbringtheinnovation,drive,creati- vityandresourcestobearthattheprivatesectorcan.Butthepri- vatesectorcannotcompletethecyclefromresearchtodeploy- mentandcommercializationwithouttherightkindofgovernment incentivesandsupport.Weneedtobeinanactiveconversation withtheprivatesectortounderstandwhattheyneedandhowwe cansupporteachother.

• Ninth: topromoteagreementundertheFrameworkConvention aswellastomakerapidprogressonactionstocutemissions, weneedtoinvigorateasmallgroupprocessinwhichleadersof theworld’smajoreconomiescometogetherinadialogueon energyandclimate.Thatprocessbeganin2007,butunderthe auspicesofaU.S.Administrationthatopposedstrongmandatory actiontocontainclimatechange.Thesmallgroupprocesswasright –itisessentialtoprovideavenueoutsidethe190-nation FrameworkConventionprocessinwhichleaderscanmeetto discussandadvancetheseissues.Butnowwehavetofillthat processwithcontent.Thisgroupshouldbeaforumbothto facilitateagreementatCopenhagenandtocatalyzeawiderange ofconcrete,cooperativeactions,jointventures,sectoralagree- mentsandthelike,aimedathasteningthetransformationtoa low-carbonglobaleconomy.

• Tenth:thecountriesoftheworldneedtorecognizethethreat, pullouroarsinthesamedirection,anddowhateverittakesto succeed.

We recognise that developing countries, including emerging markets like China and India, have entirely legitimate development needs and cannot be asked to forfeit the aspirations of their people to a better life and a higher standard of living

efficiencystandardsforautos;newefficiencystandardsforappli- ances;amajorpushforrenewableenergy;anda10-year,$150-bil- lioninvestmentincleanenergyresearch,developmentanddemon- stration.

• Third:theUnitedStatesiscommittedtoreachingastrong internationalagreementinCopenhagenbasedonboththe ambitiousactionsthatwillbeembodiedinU.S.domesticlaw,and onthepremisethattheagreementwillreflecttheimportant nationalactionsofallmajoreconomiestocontaintheirrespective emissions.Thisagreementshouldencouragethemostcost-effec- tivereductions–includingreductionsfromtheuseandmanage- mentofforests–consistentwiththedictatespfenvironmental integrity.

• Fourth:werecognisethatdevelopingcountries,includingemer- gingmarketslikeChinaandIndia,haveentirelylegitimatedevelop- mentneedsandcannotbeaskedtoforfeittheaspirationsoftheir peopletoabetterlifeandahigherstandardofliving.Atthesame time,though,asSecretaryClintonmadeclearatthecogeneration plantwevisitedinBeijing10daysago,thereisadifferentpath availablenowandtheindustrialisingcountriesoftheEarthneed totakethatpath,fortheirowngood,thegoodoftheirchildren, andthegoodoftheentireglobalcommunity.Theydonotneedto followthefossilfuelpaththatindustrializedcountriestook,ata timewhennooneknewanythingaboutglobalwarming.Nowwe doknow,andnowtherearealternativeformsofenergyavailable andmoreunderdevelopment.Developingcountriesneedto leapfrogthefossilfuelstageasmuchaspossible,whilecountries thathavealreadybuiltafossilinfrastructurewillhavetobendall effortstophasingoutthatinfrastructure.

• Fifth:dothemath.Ifwearegoingtobeguidedbyscience,then wemustbewillingtofollowthenumberswherevertheylead.And thisisthestorythenumberstell:evenifthedevelopedcountries succeedinmakingdraconiancutsintheiremissions–80%or moreby2050–themajordevelopingcountriesarestillgoingto havetomakeextremelylargereductionsoftheirowntoreach acceptableconcentrationlevelswithinthattimeframe.

• Sixth: atthesametimewearebeingguidedbythescienceand doingthemath,wecannotforgetthatweareengagedinapolitical processandthatpolitics,intheclassicformulation,istheartof thepossible.Whatcountsisgettingonaviablepathbetweennow and2050.Reducing25-40%below1990levelswouldbeagood ideaifitweredo-able,sinceitwouldallowalesssteepreduction pathinthe2020-2050timeperiod.Butitisnotindependently necessary;asomewhatsteeperpathinthelatterperiodcould makeupfortheslightlyslowerstart.Themostambitiouspropo- salsthathavebeenseriouslyconsideredhere,boththoseintro- ducedinCongresslastyearandtheobjectivethatPresident Obamahasendorsed,callforreductionsequivalentto1990levels by2020and80%below1990levelsby2050.Thesewouldequate toaround15%below2005levelsby2020,andover80%below thoselevelsby2050.Soinsistingona25-40%cutbelow1990for theUnitedStatesisaprescriptionnotforprogressbutforstale- mate.Again,weneedtobeguidedbothbyscienceandby commonsense.

• Seventh:thosewhoreactastutelyandnimblytotheimperatives ofthelow-carbontransitionwillprosper,whilethosewhoseekto holdbackthetides,orpretendthatthetidesaren’teventhere,will lookbackinsorrow.Countriesthatsinktheirtreasurenowintoa

Heconcludedbysaying:“Thereisnotimetolose,soletusresolvetoworktogether, guided by science, doing the math, appreciating the art of thepossible,andatalltimesusingourcommonsenseforthecommongood.”

Thissentiment isone that thePresidentof theUSA,BarakObama,hastakentoheart.Athis18November2008speechtotheGovernors’climatesummitorganizedbyCaliforniaGovernorArnoldSchwarzenegger,hewasquotedassaying: “Mypresidencywillmarkanewchapter inAmerica’sleadershiponclimatechangethatwillstrengthenoursecurityandcreatemillions of new jobs in the process.” Democratic leaders in Congresshavemade itclear that theyhaveenoughsupport tomove forwardonaclimatechangebill.Initscurrentform,thebillcallsfora17%reductioningreenhousegasemissionsfrom2005levelsby2020.

biofuels


The Jatropha debate:

Jatropha has been known in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for generations, and has been planted as hedges (to serve as a “living fence”) or has been used for artisan soap production and medicinal purposes.

• Northern Africa: There are very little Jatropha-related activities due to the extreme arid climatic conditions in this region, though several pilot projects that make use of sewage water for year-round irrigation are being tested in Egypt.

• Western Africa: Mali and the Cape Verde Islands have a long tradition in Jatropha cultivation. The focus in Mali lies on the use of pure plant oil for village energy supply. Large-scale projects are currently underway in several West African countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria or Cameroon.

• East Africa: The largest project developments have been reported in Tanzania, followed by Ethiopia. Jatropha-related activities have also started on a small scale in Kenya and Uganda, and are likely to increase rapidly.

• Southern Africa (including Madagascar): Apart from Botswana, Angola and – due to the prohibition of commercial Jatropha plantations – South Africa, ambitious commercial operations are currently under development throughout Southern Africa. The largest acreage under cultivation currently exist in Madagascar and Zambia, each with about 35 000 hectares, followed by Mozambique.

Who IS planting Jatropha?

The Government of South Africa has declared Jatropha to be an ‘invasive species’, and thus excluded it from any governmental support. Cultivation as a commercial crop is banned, yet South Africa regularly hosts biofuel conferences where the potential of Jatropha as an energy crop for Southern Africa features prominently. In the first instalment of this debate, 25º in

Africa explores which of South Africa’s neighbouring countries are taking advantage of this potential energy crop.

Regional disparity

Today, significant investments in cultivating Jatropha as an energy crop take place throughout in Africa, though there are strong regional disparities:

PART 1

Water usage: a critical component

Claims that Jatropha can grow well in low rainfall regions are increasingly being questioned. Near- and long-term impacts in terms of the depletion of ground water resources need to be evaluated for all mega Jatropha projects as water shortages and projections for further reduction prove to be a major limiting factor in Jatropha production. In the next instalment of ‘The Jatropha Debate’, 25º in Africa will interviewMinister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica on her assessment of Jatropha and Government’s plans in terms of its inclusion in the national biofuels strategy.

Information for this article courtesy of: Global Market Study on Jatropha: Project Inventory: Africa: Prepared for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): London/Berlin, May 8th, 2008, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

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bioelectricity offers more miles and fewer emissions than ethanol

A new study has suggested that converting biomass to electricity rather than ethanol for transportation produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and offers more “miles per acre”.

Researchers from Stanford University and the University of California, Merced, studied the lifecycle of plant-based electricity, or “bioelectricity”, and ethanol technologies simultaneously to determine which delivered more miles of transportation with the least environmental impact.

They concluded that battery-powered vehicles which used electricity derived from biomass provided an average of 80 percent more miles of transportation per crop acre than internal combustion engine vehicles run on ethanol made from corn or switch grass. “The internal combustion engine just isn’t very efficient, especially when compared to electric vehicles,” claimed co-author Eliott Campbell of U.C. Merced in a recent statement. “Even the best ethanol-producing technologies with hybrid vehicles aren’t enough to overcome this.”

A small SUV with an internal combustion engine will travel:

Doing the numbers

Greater Transportation Energy and GHG Offsets from Bioelectricity Than Ethanol J. E. Campbell, D. B. Lobell, C. B. Field

9 000 highway miles on energy produced from 1 acre switch grass

14 000 highway miles on bioelectricity

But we also need to compare these options for other issues like water consumption, air pollution, and economic costs

a All values based on EBAMM data1 unless indicated otherwise.b Heat contents are 31.45 MJ 1-1 for gasoline and 18 MJ 1-1 for biomass1.For both ethanol and bioelectricity, the corn cases use only the kernels and the switchgrass case uses only the total harvested biomass. The relatively small distribution energy costs (1.7% of throughput for cellulosic case) were not included2.c Based on thermal efficiency of 32% for biomass boiler2, 92% transmission efficiency2 and 90% electric vehicle battery charging efficiency3.Greater Transportation Energy and GHG Offsets from Bioelectricity Than Ethanol J. E. Campbell, D. B. Lobell, C. B. Field

biofuels

A small SUV with an internal combustion engine can travel roughly 9 000 highway miles on the net energy produced from an acre of switch grass, compared to nearly 14 000 highway miles for a small SUV powered by bioelectricity. What’s more, electric cars fuelled by bioelectricity avoid twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as ethanol-powered internal combustion engine vehicles, claims the study. “We found that converting biomass to electricity rather than ethanol makes the most sense for two policy-relevant issues: transportation and climate,” said Co-author David Lobell of Stanford’s Program on Food Security and the Environment. “But we also need to compare these options for other issues like water consumption, air pollution, and economic costs,” he cautioned. In addition to Lobell and Campbell, the research team included Chris Field, a Stanford professor and director of the Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution.

“There is a big strategic decision our country and others are making: whether to encourage development of vehicles that run on ethanol or electricity,” says Campbell.

“Studies like ours could be used to ensure that the alternative energy pathways we chose will provide the most transportation energy and the least climate change impacts.”

Visit climatebiz.com, www.ciw.edu and news.cnet.com to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

biofuels


Dallas-based Allard Research and Development LLC has unveiled ‘mini refineries’ capable of producing 100, 200, 500 or 1,000 gallons (1 gallon = approxamitely 3, 7854 litres) of ethanol per day, depending on the model. The systems are available in either automated or manual versions. Their

The objective of Nigeria’s biofuel production programme is to establish a thriving ethanol fuel industry by utilising agricultural products. With vast areas of arable land and a suitable climate for the cultivation of various crops, Nigeria shows good potential for biofuel production. Accordingly, a number of incentives have been introduced to stimulate Nigeria’s biofuel industry.

These incentives include that all registered businesses engaged in activities related to biofuels production and/or the production of feedstock for the purpose of biofuel production and co-generation within the country are accorded ‘Pioneer Status’ within the provisions of the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act.

Such companies are also exempt from taxation, withholding tax and capital gains tax imposed under sections 78, 79, 80 and 81 of the Companies Income Tax Act in respect of interest on foreign loans, dividends and services rendered to biofuel companies from outside Nigeria by foreigners.

In Nigeria, biofuel companies are also exempt from the payment of customs duties, taxes and all other charges of a similar nature, including: • Exemption from the payment of duties and other related taxes on the importation and exportation of biofuels into and out of Nigeria.• Exemption from payment of excise duties on biofuels for an initial 10-year period subject to renewal depending on prevailing circumstances.• Exemption from the payment of import duties, taxes and all other duties, levies and charges of a similar nature, in respect of all necessary imports of plant machinery, goods, chemicals, fertilisers, pesti- cides and materials for use in the construction of, or incorporation in, milling plants, mechanised agricultural production (such as tractors, harvesters, haulers, irrigation equipment, etc.), infrastructure for biofuels transportation, co-generation facilities and ancillary works used in biofuel company business. This exemption includes any major spare parts.

stimulate Nigerian biofuel industryBiofuel companies that are involved in the production of biofuels feedstock or the production of biofuels and/or the generation of electricity from biomass are also exempted from payment of value-added taxes on all products and services consumed by them.

Long-term preferential loans are made easier for these companies due to preferential loan arrangements made available to investors in the biofuel industry through the provision of special low-interest loans provided by the Bank of Industry, the Nigerian Export Import Bank, commercial banks, agricultural banks, and other development finance agencies. An Environmental Degradation Tax will be charged on oil and gas upstream operations to provide a source of funding for preferential loans.

In addition to this relief, a fund of N10-billion has been set aside by the government for provision of preferential loans for investment in biofuel distilleries to complement the N50-billion set aside for the agricultural sector on similar terms of a single-digit interest rate.

For further information, visit www.tradeinvestnigeria.com, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Potential ethanol share of world motor gasoline use, million litres.Brazil US+Canada EU World

Source: OECDwww.oecdobserver.org

systems are perfect for companies who want to use alternative fuels in their fleets, potentially save money and simplify their supply chains, but face challenges in terms of limited availability. The fully automated versions include 15-inch touch-screen LCD monitors and iPhone remote control monitoring capability. Stainless steel fermentation, output collection and cooling water tanks are all part of the setup, as well as a feature that captures and stores carbon dioxide produced from the fermentation process. Advanced sensors track temperature, pressure, and liquid levels, and the systems also have integrated fire suppression technology.

The company claims its philosophy is rooted in self-sufficiency, which fuels its drive to create closed-loop systems for growing food and producing fuel. This closed loop process sees end-product waste fed back into the system and used effectively to initiate a new cycle of production.

For further information, visit http://climatebiz.com, or www.allardresearch.com to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

oil and gas


Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has joined forces with Gassco to develop a new acoustic inspection method which allows the internal and external status of gas pipelines to be accurately charac-terised. Measurements can now be made without reducing the gas flow, resulting in both a big improvement in the safety of gas pipelines and substantially redu-cing inspection costs.

The world market for gas pipeline inspection is estimated to be in the order of USD300-million (ZAR2393,1-million) per year. The advent of this technology solves a long-standing problem for the oil and gas industry,

which, previously, had to reduce gas flows to check pipelines for possible maintenance requirements at considerable expense. Based on acoustic resonance principle employed during the Second World War, DNV applied this same principle to develop a method for determining whether the tanks in the wrecked German battleship Blücher, located in the Oslo Fjord, contained water or oil.

So called “pigs” are devices used to clean and also to carry out condition monitoring in pipelines. Attaching a simple “necklace” to a standard cleaning pig will now make it possible to determine the condition through absolute measurements of the whole pipeline surface: a radical improvement on past, unreliable methods.

Successful testing

Gassco has already tested the new technology on one of its gas pipelines. Performance was so good that Gassco and DNV decided to establish a joint venture to commercialise the solution, with large oil companies showing ample interest. “For us, this means that inspection and maintenance costs can be sharply reduced, while enhancing the quality of the inspections,” explains Brian Bjordal, President and CEO of Gassco, adding that the technology, in all possibility, has global market potential. “Gas pipeline inspection is revolutionised with this new technology,” believes Henrik O. Madsen, CEO and President of DNV. “Based on acoustic half-wave resonance, it represents a technological quantum leap. The industry will now secure effective decision support for maintenance and repair.”

Capable of enhancing safety and cost-efficiency for pipeline network, large oil companies await its official launch.

New technology revolutionises gas pipeline checks

receives a boost


South Africa’s wind industry

The two key issues that should be at the forefront of any support to an industrial sector in South Africa are local ownership and employment

20% of the electrical energy gene-rated in Denmark comes from wind. “In my opinion, the Danish experience holds immense value for South Africa,” comments Carsten Laugesen, Development Counsellor at the Royal

Danish Embassy in Pretoria. He adds that “The two key issues that should be at the forefront of any support to an industrial sector in South Africa are local ownership and employment.” He believes such an industry should be locally driven. “Renewables, and especially the wind industry, is not an easy area to succeed in. Wind development requires a lot of money, yet Denmark shows us that it is possible to proceed with development that has local ownership and employment at the forefront that can benefit poorer areas of the country.” “If renewable energy technologies are used to generate electricity in South Africa, the net effect on employment could be more than double the job creation effect when investing in conventional energy generation methods,” explains Laugesen. DANIDA, together with Mike Msizi from Port Elizabeth, recently announced the establishment of the Eastern Cape Community Wind Development Association (ECCWEDA) in order to establish local ownership of wind farm development in Southern Africa. “This is an important step towards the creation of many such local based associations in Southern Africa,” says Laugesen.

ECCWEDA is the first regional/provincial Wind Association in the country complementing the National South African Wind Energy Association. The contact person for the ECCWEDA is Mike Msizi, who can be contacted on +27 (0) 83 392 4681.

1. What is the aim of ECCWEDA?

The Eastern Cape Community Wind Energy Development Association (ECCWEDA) has been established to protect vulnerable communities (landowners) in project development through community education, lobbying of relevant stakeholders for the development of wind farms, and commitment to equitable sharing of benefits. The Association will serve as a platform for information exchange, promotion of wind energy and provision of technical support to community wind farms. Membership to the Association is open to everyone in the Eastern Cape province. 2. How will the Association be funded?

The Association will charge a membership fee from all its members. It

also has a revolving fund whereby a certain percentage of project finance from one project will be passed on to the development of another project. The Royal Danish Embassy has contributed seed-funding towards the establishment of ECCWEDA.

3. How will the Association be structured?

ECCWEDA will be managed by an executive committee of 8 members comprising of Chairperson, vice-Chairperson, General Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer and three additional members with voting rights and equal executive status. This executive committee will have a 2 year term of office.

4. What has been achieved by the Association, to date?

After just two months of existence, the Association has already six member- stakeholders who are currently registered: the Tsitsikama Development Trust, Wittekleibosch Development Trust, Woman in Agriculture and Rural Development, Rebokrant Development Trust, Masibambane Community Trust and Marselle Community Development Trust. A constitution for ECCWEDA has been drafted and the association was registered as a trust with the relevant authorities in March 2009.

5. What are the different projects that have been planned?

The six stakeholders listed above all have wind energy projects ranging from 10MW – 40MW which they are lobbying relevant stakeholders for in terms of partnerships in developing them. The one project that is in its advanced stages is the Tsitsikama 40MW wind farm. This project is currently undergoing its feasibility study, environmental impact assessment and wind site measurements.

Mike Msizi, champion of the ECCWEDA

ECCWEDA office in Tsitsikama


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The Danish experience

Ownership of wind energy in Denmark

Private individuals, either as members of wind energy co-operatives, or as whole owners of a wind turbine (farmers), account for roughly 80% of installed wind power capacity in Denmark. About 100 000 families in Denmark own shares in a local wind turbine, and almost 2 000 wind turbines are owned by individuals, and wind turbine owners are all highly informed, organised members of the Danish Wind Turbine Owners’ Association. The Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit, independent association with the aim of taking care of the wind turbine owners’ mutual interests regarding the authorities, political decision-makers, utilities and wind turbine manufacturers. It also informs stakeholders about the environmentally friendly status of wind energy. The association has roughly 6 000 members (2006), which consist of single wind turbine owners and cooperatives as well as those simply interested in wind energy. The membership of the cooperatives mean that the Danish Wind Turbine Owners’ Association actually represents about 60 000 members in reality.

Employment in the wind industry

The Danish wind industry has created over 21 000 jobs in Denmark and the Danish wind industry is today the world’s largest with about 90% of the production.

In the 1990s, the Danish government inaugurated feed-in tariffs that required utilities to offer 10-year fixed-rate contracts for wind power. This security led to a rapid expansion of wind power. The country now has more than 5 200 turbines producing in excess of 3 200 MW of electricity. Today, all power is sold on the liberalised electricity market.

A study by the European Wind Energy Association concluded that jobs in the European wind energy industry will more than double by 2020. The study predicts wind energy-related employment to shoot from 154 000 in 2007 to 330 000 in 2020. Of those in direct employment in the wind industry, 59% are involved in wind turbine and component manufacturing. We envisage that ECCWEDA will be the start to unlocking this potential,” concludes Laugesen.

Facts about wind turbines and energy

• In South Africa one 2 MW wind turbine on a good location can provide electricity for approximately 8 000 households per year.• Wind power has the lowest external costs (pollution, global warming and health problems) of all energy technologies (approx. 0,1 eurocent/kWh compared to 4-7 eurocent/kWh for coal and brown coal in Denmark). • The best turbine manufacturers consistently achieve availability factors above 98%, i.e. the machines are ready to run more than 98% of the time.

South Africa has immense wind potential. ECCWEDA hopes to involve normal community citizens in wind power farm shares.

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These challenges should be looked at as opportunities for developing countries ... despite the global recession and tight credit conditions, it is a good time for investments in solar energy, as related prices are low

UNCTAD´s Trade and Development Commission was told by a series of experts that the global credit crunch (which makes energy supplies more difficult to obtain) carbon emissions and their effects on the climate and potential declines in conventional oil reserves mean that the world (especially developing countries) is facing serious obstacles when it comes to improving living standards and expanding economies. The day-long discussion on “Energy-related issues from a trade and development perspective” focused on matters of supply and on the potential for the world’s poorer nations to find opportunities in the coming demand for renewable forms of energy.

Opening the debate by video link, Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman of Solar Century (United Kingdom), reviewed concerns about when peak oil production may be reached – and said the international community should call for, and achieve, greater transparency in oil reserves. He also recommended steps be taken internationally to combine efforts to deal with declining oil supplies and with efforts to cope with climate change. He termed it necessary to accelerate new ‘green deals’ that encourage advances in renewable energy.

A roundup of the perspectives voiced appears below:

UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi:…by 2030, it is estimated that US$22 - 27-trillion (ZAR187 - 229,5-trillion) will be needed in the energy sector for extraction and development of the power industry and related infrastructure, and about half this investment will need to be made in the developing world.

…these challenges should be looked at as opportunities for developing countries. Investment, planning, and research should be applied to making

rapidly expanding energy supplies in such nations cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately – it is hoped – less expensive as technology advances.

…promoting clean and energy-efficient industries and infrastructure could also make developing countries more attractive as investment locations, and progress in renewable energy could heighten their global competitiveness. Salvador Namburete, Minister of Energy (Mozambique):… Mozambique aims to establish a viable domestic market for biofuels. If well managed, such a system will have the added benefit of encouraging entrepreneurship and providing steady income and employment in rural areas. Rouben Indjikian, of UNCTAD´s Special Unit on Commodities: …extensive international cooperation is needed to cope with such trade-and-development matters as greenhouse-gas emissions, transparency in energy markets, and development assistance aimed at affordable and reliable energy supplies for less-developed countries and the poor…

Claudia Vieira Santos, Head of the Division for New and Renewable Energy Resources (Brazil): …Brazil plans on expanding agricultural supplies of biofuel while protecting food supplies and the environment.

Peter Wooders, Senior Economist of Climate Change, Energy and Trade of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (Switzerland): … the picture looks better if one shifts from the perspective of oil supply declines in the future to the potential of developing renewable, more environmentally friendly sources of energy…

Jean-Francois Casanova, President of Strategic Risk Management (France): …despite the global recession and tight credit conditions, it is a good time for investments in solar energy, as related prices are low, and new investments in clean energy can be expected to follow economic and market growth over time.

Matthias Vetter, Head of Group for Off-Grid Power Supply for the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Germany): … recent advances in renewable energy technology for rural electrification in developing countries include small photovoltaic-powered battery systems to provide lighting for homes; small hydropower stations that can power rural communities or groups of homes; and combination systems that are fed into electrical ‘mini-grids’ and employ such elements as photovoltaic cells, wind and hydropower.

Gianluca Sambucini, Project Manager for Global Efficiency 21, of UN-ENERGY: …activities of the multi-agency effort include assessing the cost-effectiveness of energy-efficiency measures; rationalising energy decision-making; monitoring economic, financial, and political barriers to energy-efficiency projects; and supporting the quick development of renewable sources as a way of sustainably reducing ‘energy poverty’.

For further information, visit www.unctad.org, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Pictured to the left is one of the training boards from Germany used by SolarCon to demonstrate the practical aspects of solar electric systems.

renewables

South African alternative energy company SolarCon offers a training course that deals with the marketing,design and installation of solar electric systems with a specific focus on photovoltaic (PV) solar.

The course covers vital topics such as the applications and limitations of solar electric systems, prospects for stand-alone PV systems, components, batteries, lights and electrical appliances, surveys, feasibility studies, panel sizing and maintenance. A training manual is provided, and hands-on practical aspects are demonstrated on training boards.

(Course venues can be arranged in South Africa)For further information, please contact: +27 11 201 3200 / +27 82 456 0903.

renewables


The spate of power failures that occurred across South Africa during the course of 2008 created an unprecedented wave of commercial challen-ges, in addition to impacting communities in every area of their day-to-day lives.

Comments Ken Ford, Sunshine Hospital’s managing director: “Our hospital has a backup generator which in normal circumstances, together with our UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply), provides protection against power outages. In this case, an abnormal situation arose when we could not use our generator due to cables being damaged by fire.” Without power, the ICU patients’ safety would have been seriously compromised yet, within one hour of speaking to Mervyn Moodley of the Cat Rental Store, the hospital received a 15-amp three-phase generator delivered to its premises. “This

example underscores the importance of incorporating standby systems into today’s building footprints,” comments Ntsumbeni Mavhungu, Business Manager: Retail Power at Barloworld Power. As a specialist solutions provider across all industry sectors, Barloworld Power has segmented its business model into two distinct business units, namely Retail and Turnkey. Both are powered by Caterpillar engines for which Barloworld Power is the exclusive Southern African dealer.The Retail division specialises in supplying multiple sets of generator units, catering for demand up to 700 kVA. In this area Caterpillar fields its C15 and C18 (six-cylinder) engines, in addition to its Olympian brand, ranging up to 550 kVA.

Falling into the Turnkey category are Caterpillar’s 3412 and C32 (12 cylinder) units for power requirements above 700 kVA, plus the Cat 3500 Series which caters for power options up to 2 500 kVA. The Turnkey Power division provides a ‘plug and play’ solution, starting with the overall electrical engineering design and ending with full installation of the reticulation system, substation, and engine components.

Barloworld Power Alastair CurrieMedia Relations ManagerTel: +27 11 929 0000E-mail: [email protected]

This example underscores the importance of incorporating standby systems into today’s building footprints

Sensible solutions for UPS

The potential solutions that renewable energy resources can provide in solving the global energy crisis will be presented by scientists and researchers at the International Solar Energy Society’s (ISES) Solar World Conference 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Jhb, from 11-14 October. The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) and ISES are co-hosting this biennial congress in South Africa for the first time. The theme of the 29th International Congress is Renewable Energy: Shaping Our Future. Although the congress will focus on global issues, a significant focus will be placed on Africa and the role that renewable resources of energy can play in the sustainable development of poor and rural communities in Africa. Also of significance will be the use of various new technologies that can convert the abundance of solar energy on our continent into electricity to boost much needed economic development, which relies heavily on energy supplies. Presentations will include the latest research and technological advances in these conversion processes.

With the aim of attracting approximately one thousand delegates from all over the world, the congress will see top international scientists and researchers share their latest findings and innovations with peers and the energy industry. With more than 370 abstracts received from 55 countries, the ISES Solar World Congress 2009 promises to highlight

major advances and opportunities in the field of renewable energy. South Africa takes the lead with no less than 65 submissions, with China, Germany, Brazil and Australia not far behind. 26 abstracts were submitted by speakers from ten African countries. This enthusiasm from African scientists and researchers to share their findings is welcomed with great optimism that solutions for the African continent’s energy needs can be found in Africa.

Although the congress programme is not final as yet, it promises a good balance between science and research, with a generous touch of current affairs and controversy. High profile and international speakers will address the most recent and current topics in the sustainable energy field, including a presentation by Prof Eike Weber of the Fraunhofer Solar Energy Institute in Freinburg who will deliver a keynote address on grid parity for concentrating photo-voltaic energy. Added to this, a panel discussion on concentrated solar power and Eskom’s technology choices is bound to attract considerable interest from Governments and industry in the southern African region.

Renewable Energy Expo

A trade exhibition, Renewable Energy Expo will run parallel to the congress. The theme of the Expo is Efficient, Alternative, Sustainable, and will focus on solar, renewable, sustainable, alternative and energy efficient resources, products, services and developments. This exhibition will be open to the trade and will contribute towards bridging the gap between science and consumers.

For more information about the Congress and the Expo, please contact Magda Naude on +27 (0) 82 452 5878 or [email protected] for assistance. Details about delegate registration and exhibitions opportunities are also available on www.swc2009.co.za.

A significant focus will be placed on Africa and the role that renewable resources of energy can play in the sustainable development of poor and rural communities in Africa

renewablesAfrica’s only conference focusing on Hydropower REGISTER TODAY!

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Gold sponsors:

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Participating associations:

KEYNOTE: Terry MossVice President, International Hydropower Association,South Africa

Semegne BekeleProject Coordinator,Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation,Ethiopia

Jeong Hae-JeongManager: Project Design,Korea Water Resources Corporation,Korea

The conference programme will feature over 30 industry–elite speakers including:

Event highlights

Two day conference sessions – learn from research and innovative projects Networking functions – engage directly with stakeholders Panel discussions – interactive sessions where you can share ideas and experiences CPD accreditation – All registered engineers will qualify for2 CPD points

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For programme information [email protected] / EXT: 3555For registration information conact [email protected] / EXT: 3525

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HPA FP.indd 1 10/06/09 13:47:12 PM

renewables

South Africa is one of the first African countries to introduce a renewable energy feed-in tariff (REFIT) along the lines of the German system. Increa-sing energy requirements, high CO2 emissions, the threat of power failures and the desire to meet the government’s renewable energy targets have caused a re-think of energy supply policies. Solar Photovoltaics PV, the renewable energy technology offering great potential, has not, as yet, been included in the REFIT. Solar pioneer, Sharp, is advocating its inclusion into the REFIT as the best energy source for the future. “South Africa’s hunger for energy continues to increase as the economy is growing and people’s living standards are rising,” says Peter Thiele, Executive Vice-President Sharp Energy Solution Europe. “Shortages in energy supplies are looming, while power station capacities need to be expanded. But South Africa still relies heavily on coal, ensuring that 40 percent of the greenhouse gases produced in Africa are emitted by the continent’s southernmost nation.” In order to curb this development, secure supplies, and become less dependent on highly subsidised electricity generated from coal, South Africa has started to focus on promoting renewable energy this year. In March 2009, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) announced its Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT). The list only included power generation from wind energy, hydropower, landfill gas and solar thermal power plants (CSP). Solar PV, the renewable energy technology with great

potential, is yet to be included. “Renewable energy, particularly solar energy, offers a clean, high-capacity, sustainable alternative to electricity produced by coal,” says Thiele, going on to say, “The REFIT is a first, positive step towards sustainable energy, but makes its debut without including solar PV, the number one energy source for the future.” Following the REFIT announcement, NERSA is now looking at adding other renewable energy sources to the list, including solar PV. The government is therefore responding to calls from industry, NGOs and scientists, who all argued in favour of including solar PV. “We are very optimistic that solar PV will also be included in the feed-in tariff over the coming months,” says Barbara Rudek, Manager Governmental Policy Affairs Sharp Energy Solution Europe. She explains, “We can see the advantages of such promotion in Europe where there are now 19 European countries relying on renewable energy and promoting solar power with feed-in payments. This has resulted in positive socioeconomic effects such as the creation of jobs, added value on a local level, as well as a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and, consequently, an improvement in quality of life.”

“The fact that South Africa is converting in the mid-term to an energy mix with a high percentage of renewable energy not only helps to preserve the climate, but also offers reliable power supplies and eliminates costly subsidies for coal power. The German renewable energy law set an example – the all-important changeover to other energy sources is feasible and, above all, can be financed. In order to ensure the same kind of success in South Africa, we are working together with highly qualified specialists in the country itself. This enables us to take a rapid, concerted approach to local needs in accordance with our slogan ‘Think global, act local’,” continues Rudek.The German renewable energy law is the most efficient subsidy programme in that country and boosts the use of solar power systems due to a low impact on electricity tariffs. It is hoped that South Africa will benefit from a similar structure.

Solar PV, the renewable energy technology with great potential, is yet to be included

The expanse of Eskom’s proposed CSP plant (Concentrating Solar Plant) development programme has led us to believe that the first commercially operated CSP plant In South Africa will only possibly come on stream in 3 to 4 years, depending on completion of research and development and EIA’s.There is, however, a company bringing CSP to South Africa as smaller, modular and easily implementable formations. Clean Energy Solutions has found a solution for Africa: harnessing the power of the sun and converting that to energy using proven and accessible technologies. Clean Energy Solutions has found a high tech technology that is easily transferred to low-tech applications.

Market access

Clean Energy Solutions understand the local conditions, has access to the engineering fraternity for support and technical backup, has access to funding through existing relationships with financial institutions and offers an enviable bond with the press, facilitating information transfer into the specialist energy industry.

Distributed Tower CSP explained

Heliostats concentrate the sun’s rays and reflect this onto a central receiver, one of 16 in a 42 MWe plant. The receiver then converts the solar radiation energy into heat energy which is used to create steam by

heating the water to a temperature of over 400°C, used to drive a conventional steam turbine. The CSP plant produces electrical energy from a standard generator and steam turbine power plant.

Technology explained

The hi-tech eSolar CSP plant seems perfectly suited to South African conditions. It is a modular system, with the smallest installed capacity components amounting to a 2.5 MWe plant. To operate a 2.5 MWe plant, one would need only 4 hectares of land, grid proximity and, of course, a confirmed EIA. If all this is in place, it would be a matter of a mere 8 – 12 months construction and procurement time. The relative small size and up scalability of this type of plant makes it suited to place near heavy industry, mines and industrial development zones where the power could be fed back to heavy energy users, conditional that the suns energy resource is above 5.5 kw/m2/day. It is off-the-shelf technology, and therefore affordable. The mirrors are made of standard glass with 93% reflection efficiency, lightweight, small (1 square meter) therefore require no cranes to install. The mirrors are controlled by an automated calibration system allowing precise rotation of the heliostats without human intervention. Heliostat washing is also not necessary on a daily or weekly basis and significant water savings are to be had here without compromising on the mirrors’ reflective efficiency. A simple structure supports the mirror and is bolted to a concrete pillar. Regular maintenance and modular good housekeeping will keep the plant functioning optimally.

Managing Director, Stuart FredmanD.Elec Eng. MBA MSAIEE MSAIMCTel: +27 83 227 7072Website: www.cesza.com

Concentrating Solar Power plants –


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Able to help their clients bridge the gap between a great idea and a “bankable” project, they will evaluate all available information and prepare the appropriate documentation which will enable both the client and prospective financiers to objectively decide whether or not to invest in a specific project.

CRESCO’S expert team will then support the client throughout the funding process with the aim of achieving financial close, whereby the funds are made available for drawdown by the project. CRESCO is also able to assist in the post financial close period, supporting the project in reporting to financiers as well as ensuring all funding conditions are maintained.

Equity returns for renewable energy projects comprises differing return requirements for different classes of projects:

• Projects utilsing new unproven technologies are considered higher risk projects and investors would expect returns in excess of 50%.• Projects applying existing technologies and with strong off take agree-

For investment peace of mind, call CRESCO today:CRESCO Project Finance

Tel: +27 12 665 2612 Fax: +27 12 665 3837E-mail: [email protected]

A sound investmentEstablished upon a philosophy of entrepreneurial thinking, CRESCO offers its clients advice on niche-project finance solutions and provides them with transactional project development and implementation support outside of traditional balance sheet finance solutions. They are experts at providing support throughout the project development process, ensuring all the ele-ments of complex projects are addressed adequately to ensure peace of mind for equity investors and debt financiers with the project owner obtaining the best terms available in the market.

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ments with credible off takers would be more in line with infrastructure type projects and returns should be between 15% and 25%

By combining the experience and individual strengths of its multi-skilled team, CRESCO strives to offer a service that will:

• Assist clients in developing bankable projects, facilitating the successful raising of capital, timeous financial and technical close and ultimately the effective execution of a project;• Provide effective systems for loan drawdown through the funding phase of a project, as well as ongoing back office and administrative support for debt management and repayment; and• Support its clients to create value in private equity opportunities.

CRESCO provides guidance to underperforming corporates and SMEs to enable them to improve cash flows and operational efficiencies. CRESCO also applies its project finance skills to property transactions, by supporting property projects in structuring and raising of debt and equity funding.

www.crescogroup.co.za

Concept Pre-feasibility Bankable Fund feasibility raising

Implementation Commission Operations/construction



South Africa’s electricity supply is under severe strain, most notably expe-rienced between January and May 2008 when rolling blackouts were used to reduce the demand for electricity. In 2008, the policy of load shedding was halted after large-scale electricity users were forced to reduce their consumption and transmission equipment started to fail, as it wasn’t designed to deal with such large fluctuations in current flows. This resulted in major damage to older substations, transformers in particular. To ensure that South Africa’s supply capabilities are increased, Eskom has embarked on an ambitious generation and transmission new-build project. 25º in Africa

approached energy experts Frost & Sullivan to provide an analysis of how Eskom proposes it will fund its new-build programme:

Government policy towards cheap electricity

There does, however, seem to be a policy change taking place of late. Increasingly, government officials are communicating that the cost of electricity does not reflect its cost of production. If the current cost of production is not reflected in selling price, it will be impossible for the utility to use the money it receives from the sale of electricity for the expansion of its operations, unless additional support from government is obtained. Traditionally, NERSA felt very strongly about the fact that it is unfair to expect current consumers to carry the burden of paying for future capacity. In other words, policy has always been to bar the utility from raising tariffs to a level which includes a percentage for future investment.

The annual Carbon Expo was held, from 27 to 29 May 2009, in Barcelona rather than its usual, and slightly less exuberant, location of Cologne. The opening day of the Expo coincided with the football match between Barcelona and Manchester United and the Catalans were in fine, and raucous, fettle as their heroes walked away with the Champions League final. While delegates at the Expo tended to be less noisy than the Barcelona football-supporters, the event still provided its fair share of carbon market-related interest and information.

The Expo is a combination trade fair and conference, and is probably the premier networking opportunity for players in the carbon markets. I have been a regular attendee from the inception of the event in 2004 – missing only the 2008 edition. The release of the previous year’s market summary has become the focus of the Expo, this year proving to be no exception. In his presentation of this research the World Bank’s Karan Kapoor, primary author of the State and Trends of the Carbon Market 2009 (which is co-authored by Philippe Ambrosi), noted that the value of the market doubled in 2008 to $126 billion (€86 billion), with the total volume of trade in greenhouse gas emissions reductions increasing 61% to 4.8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, compared to 3.0 billion tonnes in 2007. While the above figures indicate overall market growth, driven largely by the key market sector represented by the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, the primary CDM market shrank for the first time. Kapoor attributed this contraction to a number of factors, including the impact of the economic downturn, continued frustration with CDM regulatory delays and transaction costs, and the current vacuum regarding post-2012 climate change policy. As it happens moves were afoot, even as the Expo got underway, to deal with some of the perceived CDM hurdles. The CDM Executive Board, in its forty-seventh meeting, held from 26 to 28 May 2009, decided to smooth the way towards implementation of Programmatic CDM by reforming the relevant rules; and, just prior to the Expo, on 20 May 2009, the Climate Change Convention Secretariat had released draft negotiation text dealing with the climate change legal architecture for the post-2012 period. Neither of these provided the hungry carbon commodities market with the absolute certainty that it desires, but they demonstrate the fact that the market is still, very-much, a work in progress, requiring constant observation and re-assessment in order to be understood. To download the State and Trends of the Carbon Market 2009, please go to: wbcarbonfinance.org.

Notwithstanding the uncertainties, the mood of the Expo was bullish with the potential future of the CDM demonstrated by the enormous disjuncture between scientific recommendations on levels of greenhouse gas emissions reductions required to limit the impacts of climate change, and the volume of such emissions reductions projected to be generated by proposed project activities in the existing CDM pipeline. It might be noted that none of the country Party proposals for the future of the climate change regime, submitted to the Convention Secretariat, call for an abolition of the CDM.

Developing countries, in particular, tend to be calling for an enhanced and streamlined CDM. Frankly, all of this bodes well for the future of the mechanism. The Expo has grown exponentially over the past few years, reflecting the growth in the carbon market, with the trade fair element showing the most marked increase. My most promising interactions occurred on the trade fair floor, as a tide of market participants ebbed and flowed around the hundreds of stalls.

There was a marked increase, this year, in the number of law firms represented, which is a gratifying indication of the importance of the legal discipline in the operation of the market and, particularly, in commercial transactions for the purchase and sale of carbon credits. Carbon Expo moves back to Cologne’s more sedate pace, in May next year, for its 2010 edition. Another, similar, event to be aware of is the second edition of the Africa Carbon Forum, tentatively scheduled for early 2010, in Nairobi. This event, which was mandated by COP13 of the Climate Change Convention, seeks to bring the benefits of the carbon market closer to Africa than has previously been the case. The first Africa Carbon Forum was held in Dakar, Senegal, in September 2008.

IMBEWU Sustainability Legal Specialists (www.imbewu.co.za ) is a specialist sustainability legal consultancy providing professional legal consultancy services in the area of environmental, health & safety and climate change law. IMBEWU runs a Climate Change and CDM Specialist Consultancy Unit with the greatest depth of expertise and experience in the South African carbon market. IMBEWU collaborates with Warburton Attorneys (www.warburtons.co.za) in providing CDM project development and contract advice to clients. This article should not be regarded a comprehensive discussion of the topics addressed, and should not be taken as legal advice or relied upon. Those seeking to participate in climate change-related activities are advised to seek specific legal advice. Contact: [email protected].

perspectives

It is therefore clear that the utility needs to urgently access sources of capital so that it can continue with its expansion program

Andrew Gilder, IMBEWU Sustainability Legal Specialists (Pty) Ltd.

perspectives

The regulator recently enforced this principle when Transnet applied for an increase so that it could fund an additional pipeline for liquid petroleum products from Durban to Gauteng. Although NERSA refused this request, it seems that the regulator has become more aware of the investment challenges facing Eskom of late. It seems to have grudgingly accepted that it will have to allow the utility to increase electricity prices to not only reflect production costs, but allow a margin of profit for much-needed infrastructure expansion.

What needs to be built?

The internationally accepted reserve margin (the size of the generation capacity left unused during peak consumption) is 15%. This amount is required to ensure that ongoing maintenance can be done on the system, even during peak demand periods. It is further calculated that for every 1,5% of economic growth, there is a need to add 1% of additional generation capacity to support this growth. In January 2008, South Africa’s reserve margin shrunk to below 8%. At the same time, around 25% of Eskom’s generation capacity was down as a result of planned and unplanned maintenance requirements.

This is what led to the rolling blackouts. Since the onslaught of the financial crisis, electricity demand has decreased significantly as mining, industrial and manufacturing activity has rapidly decreased. Demand in January 2009 was 13% down from January 2008, which means South Africa has regained a reserve margin of well over 20%. It is important to note, however, that the financial crisis will not last forever, and it is anticipated that electricity demand will again increase quickly as the demand for commodities and manufactured goods recovers. It is therefore critical that Eskom continues to build generation and transmission capacity, especially considering that the construction of a new coal power plant can take in excess of 5 years. For this reason, Eskom has embarked on an ambitious expansion program.

Overall costs

The utility has estimated that the overall cost of the project will be around ZAR343-billion, but Frost & Sullivan believes that this figure is most likely an underestimation of the final cost. The original project costs were estimated at ZAR150-billion in March 2008, with Eskom expected to deliver an additional 16 304MW in generating capacity by 2017. Of this, 4 644MW will come on stream by 2014. Generation projects will take up 73% of the budget, with transmission investment accounting for another 13%. The rest of the budget will fund improvements to the country’s distribution network. It is therefore clear that the utility needs to urgently access sources of capital so that it can continue with its expansion program.

Funding possibilities

As with any infrastructure project, significant investment will be needed to complete the planned expansion programme. In this case Eskom, or the Department of Public Works, will have to raise capital from sources outside of its own control. The future tariff may very well reflect cost of production and a margin, but this is not currently the case, and is part of the reason why the international rating placed the utility on a negative credit watch.In all likelihood, Eskom will have to borrow money from local and international investors, and repay the debt with interest. In order for Eskom to repay these loans, it needs either backing by its shareholder (government) or to realise an increase in revenues. Ultimately, the bulk of this cost will be passed on to consumers, but if electricity tariffs increase too rapidly, a shock effect on the economy will result. Some economists argue that a once-off large shock will ultimately be better for the economy than perpetual significant increases. This issue has not been resolved, and remains for the regulator to decide.

Government has come to the party in terms of supporting Eskom, stating that it will guarantee the repayment of around ZAR176-billion (about half of any debt that Eskom may incur), and that it will underwrite ZAR26-billion of existing debt and ZAR150-billion of anticipated borrowing. Frost & Sullivan expects that this should ease the minds of potential investors somewhat. At the same time, Eskom has approached large international finance corporations such as the World Bank for loans at a favourable interest rate – but more is needed.It is obvious that Eskom still faces many challenges in sourcing the finance, controlling construction costs and ultimately repaying the debt on time. If the utility is unsuccessful in doing so, the consequences to the South African economy could be disastrous.

Information for the above article was supplied by Frost & Sullivan Energy Industry Manager Cornelis van der Waal. For more information on Frost & Sullivan’s analysis of South African energy market dynamics, please contact Patrick Cairns at [email protected].

The central text to be negotiated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will form the basis of an ambitious and effective international response to climate change, to be agreed in Copenhagen in December, has been posted on the UNFCCC web site (unfccc.int). “This document marks an important point on our road,” said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de

Boer, adding, “It’s the first time real negotiating text will be on the table which can serve as a basis for governments to

start drafting a Copenhagen agreed outcome.”

The 53-page text covers the issues of a shared vision for long-term cooperative action, along with enhanced action on adaptation, mitigation

and finance, technology and capacity building. “With only 200 days before Copenhagen, time gets tighter but the world is not standing still on climate change,” believes De Boer.

The UN’s top climate change official points to ‘encouraging developments’ in the area of climate change negotiations over the past 100 days. “Within the talks, we have an almost complete list of industrialised nations’ pledges to cut emissions after 2012, so governments can see more clearly where they are in comparison to each other, and can build a higher ambition on that basis,” explained De Boer.

This text was prepared by the Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) in response to the request from the AWG-LCA at its fourth session. The document presents a negotiating text, contained in the annex, which aims to provide a starting point for the negotiations at the sixth session of the group by reflecting ideas and proposals by Parties in a structured and comprehensive yet concise manner. All texts will be discussed at the UN Climate Change Talks this year in Bonn during June, a gathering expected to draw around 3 000 participants, including government delegates, representatives from business and industry, environmental organisations and research institutions.

Excerpts from the text:

“An economic transition is needed that shifts global economic growth patterns towards a low-emission economy based on more sustainable production and consumption, promoting sustainable lifestyles and climate-resilient development while ensuring a just transition of the workforce…” “Developed country Parties must show leadership in mitigation commitments or actions, in supporting developing country Parties in undertaking adaptation measures and nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs), and in assisting them through the transfer of technology and financial resources to move towards a low-emission development path.”

“A long-term global goal for emission reductions (with related medium-term goals and review process) … includes a long-term aspirational global goal for emission reductions that is based on science and provides direction to long-term cooperative action, making it sufficiently effective to bring about the deep cuts in global emissions required to achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention {and minimize further climate change impacts on vulnerable developing countries}.”“The long-term global goal for emission reductions (shall)(should) be set:”

Option 1

As a stabilization of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at (400)(450 or lower)(not more than 450)(450) parts per million (ppm) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) and a temperature increase limited to 2ºC above the pre-industrial level. For this purpose, the Parties (shall)(should) collectively reduce global emissions by at least 50 per cent (from 1990) levels by 2050.

Option 2

As a stabilization of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere well below 350 ppm CO2 eq and a temperature increase limited to below 1,5ºC above the pre-industrial level. For this purpose, the FCCC/AWG-LCA/2009/8 Parties (shall)(should) collectively reduce global emissions by (81,71)(more than 85) percent from 1990 levels by 2050.

Option 3

As a global temperature increase limited to 2 oC above the pre-industrial level.

Option 4

As a reduction in global average GHG emissions per capita to about 2 t CO2.

Option 5

On the basis of

Option 5,1

Historical responsibility.

Option 5,2

Emissions debt.

“The long-term global goal for emission reductions (shall)(should) be updated to reflect progress in scientific knowledge. To allow for these updates, the 2ºC goal (shall)(should) be broken down into partial targets: initially, a 0,2ºC temperature increase per decade over 10 decades.

“Every 10 years, the partial target (shall)(should) be evaluated, with a view to possibly redefining it, taking into account advances in scientific knowledge and the reduction of uncertainties.

Nationally Appropriate Mtigation Actions (NAMAs) by developing countries:

“Developing country Parties contribute to enhanced mitigation by undertaking NAMAs. These actions should be country-driven, undertaken

Option 5,3

Per capita accumulative emission conver-gence.

Option 5,4

An equitable allocation of the global atmospheric resources.

perspectives



on a voluntary basis in the context of sustainable development, in conformity with prior needs of sustainable development and eradication of poverty, and determined and formulated at the national level in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.”

“NAMAs by developing country Parties shall be supported and enabled by technology, financing and capacity-building in accordance with Articles 4.3 and 4.7 of the Convention. NAMAs and support for NAMAs (shall) be undertaken in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner. The extent of mitigation actions undertaken by developing countries will depend on the effective provision of financial and technological support by developed country Parties.

Generation of financial resources:

“In order to meet the scale of financial resources required (and the commitments under Articles (4.1, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5) to support enhanced action on adaptation and mitigation by developing country Parties and for technology cooperation and capacity-building, developed country Parties (and Annex II Parties) (and other Parties according to agreed eligibility criteria, which shall be updated through a periodic review) (shall) provide scaled-up, new and additional, (over and above (existing) ODA), sustainable, adequate, predictable and stable financial resources, in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner.”

The full negotiating text can be downloaded from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2009/awglca6/eng/08.pdf

Quip from the expert: Andrew Gilder, IMBEWU Sustainability Legal Specialists (Pty) Ltd.

Perhaps the most important feature of the above extracts is the fact that they do not represent a single, coherent negotiating text, but rather a number of options for further discussion. Bracketed text indicates the options that have been presented and it will fall to the negotiators from the various country Parties to the Convention to finalise the legalese that will underpin the climate change regime after the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period on 31 December 2012. Certain countries have already indicated that they will be playing their cards very close to their chests over the next few months, and that final agreement is likely only to occur in the dying moments of COP15. A similar situation arose at COP3 (1997) when the text of the Kyoto Protocol has hammered out in an eleventh hour compromise.

A further issue to note is that the negotiation text emerges from the efforts of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long Term Cooperative Action under the Convention, which limits its activities to the context provided by the Convention. In order to obtain a more comprehensive perspective on current proposals for the future of the legal regime created by the Convention and the Protocol, the negotiation text must be read in conjunction with the proposal for the amendment of the Kyoto Protocol, which is the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol.

The existence of these two Working Groups reflects the dual approach to the negotiations, in essence a splitting of processes so as to reflect the existence of, both, the Convention and the Protocol, which has been in operation since 2005. The proposals for the amendment of the Kyoto Protocol can be downloaded from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2009/awglca6/eng/07.pdf.

perspectives

Recently, a study suggesting that climate change might not spread tropical diseases caused a mixed reaction amongst scientists. When the paper triggered uproar, Ecology decided to publish the six responses alongside the original research. Many disease researchers have cautioned that rising global temperatures could lead to more infections as they allow tropical diseases to expand their ranges into what are now temperate regions. In reality, it is more complex, argues Kevin Lafferty, a disease ecologist at the US Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center in Santa Barbara, California.

Lafferty does not deny that climate change may allow malarial mosquitoes to spread to new areas, however he believes that hotter and drier conditions may also eliminate mosquitoes from areas where they currently thrive, such as the Sahel region in Africa. If this were the case, he argues, there would be little if any net increase in the risk of infection. He also argues that climate change could potentially wipe certain species out completely. Infectious pathogens depend on their hosts for survival so they too may become endangered – especially if, like malaria, they rely on more than one host. (Ecology, vol 90, p 888). In reaction to Lafferty’s paper, Mercedes

Pascual of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor stated: “I disagree with the whole line of reasoning.” She points out that there are large human populations in the East African highlands, just outside of the existing range of malarial mosquitoes, and as temperatures rise, the insects will reach these areas. This, she believes, will more than offset any benefits gleaned from decreased risk elsewhere. (Ecology, vol 90, p 906).

Richard Ostfeld of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York, says that whilst better health infrastructure in first-world countries “might be heartening to some, it is far from universal”. Several ecologists agree, pointing out that there is existing evidence that climate change is already increasing the incidence of malaria in the highlands of Ethiopia where poor health infrastructure will harm any response.

Most of these ecologists do, however, seem to agree on the fact that predicting where a disease is going to go next involves taking far more into consideration than just climate. They all agree that health concerns should continue to play a critical role in climate policy, and that debate shouldn’t be regarded as weakening the case for action on global warming.

For further information, visit www.newscientist.com, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Several ecologists believe there is existing evidence to support the view that climate change is already increasing the incidence of malaria in the highlands of Ethiopia.

nuclear energy


According to World Nuclear News, nuclear power plants provided 2601-billion kWh of power during 2008. This is the lowest figure for five years, and reduces nuclear’s contribution to world electricity supplies to an estimated 14%.

The drop from recent years’ 16% share can be ascribed, in part, to the extended shutdown at Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the largest in the world. This plant alone accounts for over 2% of global nuclear capacity. Six of the site’s seven reactors have been out of action since the Niigata Chuetsu offshore earthquake of July 2007.

Renaissance from 2013: No new reactors started operation in 2008, but construction did begin on ten units, indicating that the same number could be completed per year from around 2013 as visible results of the global push for more nuclear power are realised. Construction starts in 2008 came from China (six units), Russia (two) and South Korea (two). The extensive new-build programs in China and Russia are well funded and supported, with China proposing to accelerate build rates year on year into the middle of the century.

Given that India is preparing a major push for new build at the same time as countries such as Italy, the UK and the USA, the 2013-2018 timeframe is expected to see the start of many new projects. Decisions in Argentina, Brazil, Slovakia, Romania and the USA to complete stalled nuclear projects first, in line with simple economics, will see more reactors enter operation in the nearer term, in addition to large reactors in Finland and France, as well as two in Japan, two in India, five in Russia and some 12 in China that are all due for completion around 2013.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE_Nuclear_dips_in_2008_2905091.html

The official figures for 2008 were compiled from a combination of International Atomic Energy Agency statistics and World Nuclear Association research, and include the 14% share as an estimate for the year.

No new reactors started operation in 2008, but construction did begin on ten units, indicating that the same number could be completed per year from around 2013 as visible results of the global push for more nuclear power are realised

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Given that India is preparing a major push for new build at the same time as countries such as Italy, the UK and the USA, the 2013-2018 timeframe is expected to see the start of many new projects

A nuclear renaissance predicted

electricity

Established in 1998 when Krish Chetty identified an opportunity to provide a quality and reliable service to the electrical industry in South Africa, Cullin Africa started as a trading company and proceeded to do business with state-owned enterprises and local utilities.

In line with national ideals

A previously disadvantaged individual himself, Krish appointed Nola Chetty as a 50% shareholder of the company in 2002 to further advance the gender equality ideals set out by the South African government.

Marked expansion

Cullin achieved ISO9001-2000 accreditation in 2004, and 2005 saw them appointed as sole agent for Sediver Insulators in Sub-Saharan Africa. This appointment saw them expand their product range to include a full range of insulators, from 11kV to 400kV silicone and EPDM suspension and post insulators through to glass disc insulators used in transmission line construction.

Continued growth

After successfully adding these items to their scope of supply, and serving the likes of Eskom and other locally based utilities, Cullin Africa put in place goals to expand their market share through

progressing from a trading organisation to acquiring manufacturing facilities in order to supply complementary products. They acquired the Westingcorp Fuse Cut-Out Division in 2008, and continue to manufacture and distribute the full range of NCX cut-out fuse units. Also in 2008, Cullin acquired an 80% stake in Cullinan Industrial Porcelain, allowing them to expand their scope of supply into a full range of porcelain insulators for line post, long rod and station post applications.

Ambitious goals

Last year saw them relocate to new premises with 1 800 m² of warehouse space and modern office facilities. Positioned to supply utilities in Sub-Saharan Africa with the complete range of electrical equipment they need to expand their reticulation networks, Cullin Africa is determined to continue to grow and diversify and have now set new goals to start manufacturing a range of distribution line hardware items.

Cullin AfricaTel: +27 11 848 1400 E-mail: [email protected]: www.cullin.co.za

Electrical supply company continues to

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A nuclear renaissance predicted

Cullin Africa has acquired WestingCorp's Fuse Cut-Out Dept. and Cullinan Industrial Porcelain.

Contact details

Postal AddressP.O. Box 78Noordwyk1687

Tel: +27 11 848 1400Fax: +27 Fax: +27 11 848 1428

Email: [email protected]

electricity


A significant acquisition

Kingdom Zephyr Africa Management’s continued investment activity in Africa in the form of a strategic stake in Buildworks Investment represents an almost 30% stake in the power infrastructure and heavy building materials company. Buildworks, with its acquisition of Consolidated Power Projects (Pty) Ltd (“CONCO”), has fast become a leading company in the design, construction and testing of electrical switchyards and substations, and recently strategically repositioned its core focus on Africa’s growing power infrastructure sector.

Buildworks, a supplier of building materials to the housing and infrastructure sectors, was listed on the JSE Alternative Exchange (“Altx”) in November 2007. After the CONCO acquisition, the electrical sector represents over 80% of the group’s revenue. The group is substantially owned by its management, who collectively own over 20% of the equity. The JSE has approved its migration from Altx to the Main Board.

Ambitious expansion plans

Kingdom Zephyr, a pan-African private equity investment firm, completed its ZAR194-million investment in Buildworks through its second private equity fund, Pan-African Investment Partners II (“PAIP II”). Panos Voutyritsas, Partner at Kingdom Zephyr says of the investment: “We are especially pleased to be partnering with Buildworks. We believe the company is ideally suited to benefit from the growing electricity sector in Africa, where CONCO has been a leader in its field, having operated successfully in 14 African countries and completed over 580 projects since its founding.” He added that the stake in Buildworks represents Kingdom Zephyr’s faith in South Africa’s economic prospects, a long-term commitment to the growing South African and African infrastructure space, and a close partnership with the excellent management teams at both Buildworks and CONCO. The mutual goal is to expand Buildworks’ business lines within the power sector, enhance its footprint on the African continent, and explore potential growth opportunities in the Middle East through their extensive relationships in that region.

CONCO: an impressive outfit

CONCO’s key clients include:

• Governments• Municipalities• Mining houses• Power utilities

Specialising in design, project management, procurement, site management, construction, testing, commissioning and quality control, CONCO operates 7 decentralised operations and has made it their mission to remain stable “post credit crunch”. Their sales figures were ZAR276-million in 2007, ZAR545-million in 2008 and ZAR945-million in 2009, with further growth expected. Sub-Saharan Africa is in “dire need” of additional power generation capacity, a situation CONCO is determined to better and benefit from financially.

Faith in SA’s

CONCOTel: +27 11 805 4281Website: www.conco.co.za

climate change

No 2 2009 25o in Africa 43Cullin Africa has acquired WestingCorp's Fuse Cut-Out Dept. and Cullinan Industrial Porcelain.

Contact details

Postal AddressP.O. Box 78Noordwyk1687

Tel: +27 11 848 1400Fax: +27 Fax: +27 11 848 1428

Email: [email protected]


your questions answeredSmart metering: Measure, monitor and manage electrical consumption

25º in Africa interviewed Jeannot Boussougouth, Frost & Sullivan energy industry analyst, on the potential, benefits and roll-out of smart meters on SA soil.

How can DSM assist in managing the shortages we are facing, and how does metering fit into this ‘big picture’?

Eskom’s DSM has several components with specific electricity reduction targets (see table below). Smart metering is one of these components. If successfully implemented, it would help save an estimated capacity of 885MW by 2011.

What exactly is smart metering – and how is it different to metering?

The major differences between smart meters and conventional meters lie with the former’s additional capabilities. First, they allow for two-way communication. Smart meters provide detailed power quality measurements and integrated disconnects, time-of-use information to support complex rate systems, help detect and pinpoint power outages efficiently and are able to communicate this information to customers. The two-way communication capability is their most important characteristic, as it enables utilities to tightly monitor load consumption and helps to significantly reduce theft of electricity.

What are the benefits of smart metering?

The major benefits of smart metering include:

• Measurement of energy consumed on a time interval basis;• Two-way communication between the customer/end-user and the licensee;• Storage of time interval data and its remote transfer to the licensee; and• Remote load management.

How will smart metering provide savings – and are these just electrical, or monetary as well?

A major benefit of smart meters is the fact that they can be configured to transmit more complex measures of energy, such as time-of-use data. This means that they can measure and store consumption information at specific times of the day. As a result, billing can be set up to encourage off-peak consumption. This ultimately translates into monetary and electrical savings.

Where in SA are smart meters currently being implemented?

Smart meters are expected to be rolled out by Eskom and the municipalities. The total initial market is estimated at 670,000 customers, but could be as high as over a million. Nonetheless, pilot projects have been ongoing around the country, notably at City Power. However, the implementation at national level has somehow stalled as a result of several challenges. The most important challenges are the issue of the initial capital expenditure, compatibility issues and the agreement on time-of-use tariffs. In terms of the initial capital outlay, it is clear that the municipalities and Eskom may not have sufficient financial capability to complete the rollout of smart meters on time. For instance, in 2008, conventional prepaid meters were sold for around R200 per meter. This is significantly lower than the anticipated cost of a smart meter, which could be as high as R3500.

The difference in price and the installation costs are a matter of real concern to end-users (municipalities and Eskom). Eskom has budgeted a significant capital outlay for the implementation of smart meters; however, it is not clear what the financing model for the municipalities is going to be. As a result, national government is likely to step in.

In addition, it is also not clear how much funding each municipality will need, due to uncertainties regarding the expected costs of smart meters. Nonetheless, they estimate that it will require a capital outlay of between ZAR500-million and ZAR1,3-billion for each one of them to complete the rollout of smart meters.

Will the technology be implemented increasingly in future?

Frost & Sullivan expects smart metering to be gradually introduced in the foreseeable future. In South Africa, the timeframe for the implementation of smart meters and time-of-use tariffs was extended until the 1st of January 2012.

The push towards the introduction of smart metering technologies is currently driven by government, due to the current electricity crisis. In order to align the electricity sector with the current reality of stressed power supply, the Electricity Regulation Act’s Regulation for Compulsory Norms and Standards for Reticulation Services was amended in July 2008. The new amendments clearly define smart metering technologies and their requirements. The emphasis on time-of-use and two-way communication-based technologies indicates that only metering service providers that are able to provide these technologies would be considered for future tenders.

Has the smart metering market developed rapidly over the last few months/will it?

The outlook for the smart metering market in South Africa is largely positive. If the country is to solve its electricity crisis, it will need to implement bold strategies, ranging from investing in robust additional generation capabilities to implementing smart meters.

Commentary for the above article supplied by Jeannot Boussougouth, Frost & Sullivan energy industry analyst, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

electricity

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Reducing your SAIDI to

The results of a survey conducted in 2007 are reflected on the graph above, which illustrates the different methods of fault-finding and the average time taken to restore power, at our chosen site. Trial-and-error is the most commonly used method, yet we can see clearly from the graph that this doesn’t work very well.

FPIs with remote indication definitely yield the best results for money spent. The linesman is told which TEE OFF in his vast network is the problem. He then drives straight to that problem TEE OFF and isolates it from the rest of the system, restoring power to the rest of the system. To illustrate the effect of this system we use the formula:

A year ago, this wouldn’t have been possible, but thanks to the latest innovations and technology, ADC Energy is able to make this a reality on your electrical network. Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs), a name familiar to some, have been in the industry for more than 10 years. Their function is to indicate, by way of flashing LEDs, the direction of a fault. This is still a working solution, however, this system falls short, especially in adverse weather conditions, when visibility is poor or direct line of sight is not achievable.

SAIDI = No. of customers affected X No. of Hours they have no electricity.

TRIAL AND ERROR CALCULATION

4 hours (240minutes) x 1000 = 4000Hrs of SAIDI

REMOTE INDICATION OPTION

1 hour (60 Minutes) x 200 = 200 Hrs of SAIDI.

We take into account that a small part of the network is out, considering that only the faulty part of the network is out, for the 1 hour. Clearly this is the best way of reducing the SAIDI and this scenario also only affects the least number of customers. The communications module is powered off the same supply and can therefore remain online 24/7, without the risk of battery supply failure.

The cost of the GSM dialup vs GPRS is fractional compared to the advantage of being able to pinpoint the exact, and nearest to the fault, point on the

network– making for the most efficient restoration system ever developed. To effectively interface this communications device to the SCADA would require an industry standard protocol like DNP3, IEC870-101, etc.

The FPI picks up the fault, and relays it back to the SCADA system, via GPRS using the DNP3 Protocol. The result of this system is that the utility could give the specific location of the fault path to the linesman, who would disconnect that part of the faulty line and restore the system. This would take driving time only.

FPIs with remote indication definitely yields the best results for money spent

ADC EnergyTel: +27 11 397 8168 Fax: +27 11 397 8232E-mail: [email protected]: www.adcenergy.co.za

energy efficiency

A multiple application

The term “insulation” refers to materials which provide substantial resistance to heat flow, and can also add additional benefits such as acoustics and waterproofing. When these materials are installed in the ceiling, walls and floors of a building, heat flow into and out of the building is reduced, and the need for heating and cooling is thus minimised, ultimately saving energy.

Lambdaboard:

• Is a product which is renowned for its insulating qualities• Is a unique solution to the current energy crisis• Has a Stable R-Value • Does not contain CFC’s or HCFC’s• Is a THERMSET material, does not melt!

Installation:

There are numerous ways to install Lambdaboard:

• Over purlin – where the board is fastened between the roof sheeting, and purlin. The board ends are then butted together over the purlin. “H” bars can be used to enhance aesthetics, and are supplied in a mill finished aluminium or a white powder coated finish. • Ceilings – as a ceiling using the standard “Donn T” system with clips.• Domestic ceilings – for which a clip is fastened to the underside of the trusses and inserted into the side of the board. “H” and “T” bars are used at butt joints can be rhino lited to hide all joins, no secondary insulation required.• Walls – the board is fixed to side wall cladding using “H” bars where the “H” section is screwed or riveted to the wall structure, or the board is placed between the existing wall and a dry wall configuration.

Rigifoam provides a wide variety of quality insulation solutions. Pictured above, Lambdaboard can be used in ceilings as a polyisocyanurate insulated board with an extremely low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

• Inverted roof – can be applied with hot or cold bitumen then covered with various membranes and or stones, paving, screed• Under floor insulation – applied under concrete slab or under screed• Applied above existing roof sheeting-fastened into roof sheeting and covered with protective membrane and can be walked on.

Facing variety

LAMBDABOARD can be manufactured with a multiple of different facings. The foam bonds to the facing, providing the seamless look the product is famed for:

• Mineral coated glass fibre tissue- matt finish.• HDPE Valeron coated glass fibre tissue- washable gloss finish.• Embossed or smooth aluminium foil and scrim reinforced aluminium foil for duct applications.

Impressive performance

LAMBDABOARD is a flexible faced Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation board made on a continuous laminator.

“insulation” refers to materials which provide substantial resistance to heat flow ... Lambdaboard is a product which is renowned for its insulating qualities

RigifoamTel: +27 11 421 0313 Fax: +27 11 421 0410E-mail: [email protected]: www.rigifoam.com


energy efficiency

New modelling by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) shows that it is possible to cut energy usage in buildings by 60 percent by 2050. This is essential to meeting global climate change targets, but will require immediate action to transform the building sector. This is the central message of the report from the WBCSD’s four-year, US$15-million Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) research project, the most rigorous study ever conducted on the subject. The project has focused on six markets that produce more than half of the world’s GDP and generate almost two-thirds of global primary energy: Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan and the US. The first stage analysed the markets and issues, including the first-ever comprehensive, global market research to explore energy efficiency in buildings among building sector professionals. Outreach to building industry stakeholders – business leaders, government officials and non-governmental organisations – has been an important feature of this project. Four major events were held, in Beijing, Brussels, Delhi and São Paulo, as well as several workshops and hearings on specific subjects.

“Energy efficiency is fast becoming one of the defining issues of our times, and buildings are that issue’s ‘elephant in the room’. Buildings use more energy than any other sector and, as such, are a major contributor to climate change,” comments Björn Stigson, president of the WBCSD. “Unless there is immediate action, thousands of new buildings will be built without any concern for energy efficiency, and millions of existing, inefficient buildings using more energy than necessary will still be standing in 2050. Acting now means reducing their energy consumption and making real progress in controlling climate change,” he believes. The project took a bottom-up, market-driven approach to understanding the barriers to lower energy use, based on a detailed view of the current state of energy demand in buildings. Energy use by building type was analysed for millions of both existing and new buildings, and projected out to 2050, accounting for differences such as climate and building design.

Using computer simulations, researchers were able to show the market response to various combinations of financial, technical, behavioural and policy options, identifying the most effective mix to achieve transformation for each market studied.

The project’s resulting report makes six bold recommen-dations: • Strengthen building codes and energy labelling for increased transparency. • Use subsidies and price signals to incentivise energy-efficient investments. • Encourage integrated design approaches and innovations. • Develop and use advanced technology to enable energy-saving behaviour. • Develop workforce capacity for energy saving. • Mobilise for an energy-aware culture.

This first-of-a-kind report is a must-read which is set to provide strategic direction for the built environment in future.

To download the full report and roadmap, visit www.wbcsd.org, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Building sector:

Acting now means reducing their energy consumption and making real progress in controlling climate change, he believes

change needed to meet global energy targets


According to a representative from China’s National Development and Reform Commission, China’s central finance body has arranged two batches of investment, totalling CNY230-billion, for livelihood, ecological construction and post-earthquake reconstruction. Of these investments, CNY23-billion is purported to be targeted for energy saving and environment protection, including CNY13-billion for waste water facilities and the construction of waste water pipe, CNY4-billion for pollution control on major rivers and claims such as the Huaihe River, the Songhua River, and the

Danjiangkou Reservoir, CNY3,5-billion for forest resource protection, and CNY2,5-billion for ten major energy-saving projects and recycled economy. This investment is evidence that while stimulating domestic demand and promoting economic development, the central government has attached great importance to environment and energy.

See www.wbcsd.org, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

energy efficiency


The African Energy Awards strive to recognise com-panies that have made a serious con-tribution in the energy sector in Africa and deliver excellence in increasing the quality of life for Africa’s people.

This year, AEDC received two of these awards:

• Best renewable alternative energy in Africa• Bestruralnon-gridelectrificationprojectinAfrica,increasingthe qualityoflifeandcreatingasignificantimpactonthecommunities.

Natural gas: the easily tapped energy source thatis always available, cost effective and instant.

Egoli gas operates and maintains a 1,200 km pipenetwork through which it supplies natural gas to

the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area.

Our consumers include:• Domestic• Central water• Hospitality• Industrial

The naturalchampion for

energy of todayand tomorrow!

For further information, please contact Egoli Gas

Main: (011) 726 3138 • Customer Service: (011) 726 1610Fax: (011) 718 7179E-mail: [email protected]

www.egoligas.co.za

Environmentally friendlyEgoli Gas – The natural alternative!

safe, reliable and economical

The Alternative Energy Development Corporation Ltd. (AEDC) was registeredin2000,andisheadedbysocialentrepreneurandCEORolfPapsdorf.AnunlistedSouthAfricanpubliccompany,AEDChassome280shareholdersinvariouscountries,andplacesastrongemphasisonsocialdevelopment,withaparticularfocusonruralelectrification.

“We have and will continue to provide rural communities with access to affordable basic electricity while stimulating sustainable economic activity in theseareas,”saysPapsdorf.Thisdrive thatAEDChas launched isthelargestcommercialzinc-airfuelcellprojectforbasicelectricityintheworld.LocatedinGuyuniinLimpopo,allofthe112households,whichincludeover300houses,havebeeninstalledwithlightsoperatedbythecompany’s fuel cells.

Theproject,sponsoredbyEXXARO,aBEEmininggroupwhichoperatesacoalminenearthevillage,includesaserviceshopandofficesetuptosupport the fuel cells and the anode exchanges on a sustainable basis. Two permanent employment positions for fuel cell technicians have been created,with further incomepotential for the community createdasaresult of the power’s 24/7 availability. The operating cost to the individual householdislessthanusingcandlesandparaffin,andoffersmanymoreopportunities and higher quality of light.

Alternative Energy Development Courp. Ltd Tel/Fax: +27 708 7673E-mail: [email protected]: www.aedc.co.za

energy efficiency


With world population expected to reach 9-billion by 2050, large investments in ecological infrastructure services need to be made in the short term if more in the way of food, water, energy and social crises are to be avoided, asserted UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, as the latest bi-annual meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development opened in New York City.

Using the occasion to launch its latest report, “The Environmental Food Crisis”, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted the increasing threats and costs of food insecurity and environmental degradation, while simultaneously drawing attention to a range of promising pathways to address these. “The economic models and management regimes of the 20th century are unlikely to serve humanity well on a planet of 6-billion, rising to over 9-billion by 2050,” Steiner stated in a recent media release. “Reversing environmental degradation and investing in our ecological infrastructure such as forests, soils and water bodies is one part of the Green Economy solution – these are the nature-based inputs and infrastructure for agriculture in the first place. The other key is managing them and the food chain in far more efficient ways,” he suggested. Carbon markets and renewable energy can play important roles in addressing these issues, as well as reducing poverty and improving the lives of millions, but only if effective measures

to include agriculture, forest and environmental conservation, and micro-finance opportunities are built into them, believes Steiner.

Africa’s plight

Invasive pests, land degradation, erosion, drought and climate change have already caused agricultural yields to drop worldwide, in some instances by as much as 50%, stated the UNEP report.

This problem is especially acute in Africa, where population is forecast to rise from 770-million to 1,75-billion by the middle of the century. Rather than focusing on promoting organic and sustainable farming education and methods, international aid continues to focus on providing tools, fertiliser and seeds, benefiting industrial world exporting corporations rather than taking an approach tailored to meet the growing needs of local populations.

Thinking sustainably

A recent report put out by UNEP and the UN Conference on Trade and Development surveyed 114 small-scale farms in 24 African countries who have switched to organic or near-organic production methods. The study found that organic practices outperformed conventional and chemical-intensive farming, as well as providing significant environmental benefits, such as improved soil fertility, better water retention and resistance to drought. Yields more than doubled, with yields in East Africa increasing by 128%.

See www.enn.com for further information, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

large investments in ecological infrastructure services need to be made if more in the way of energy and social crises are to be avoided

in green economy solutions

Reversing environmental de-gradation and investing in our ecological infrastructure such as forests, soils and water bodies is one part of the Green Economy solution, said Achim Steiner, Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director.

Forest

Water

Soil


EcoDrive SA and EcoLight

Distributors SA were founded in 2001, with the

sole purpose of looking at ways to

reduce energy. In their quest for

other energy efficient products, they discovered a niche market in the

retrofit arena whereby existing light fittings are reused, without the need for rewiring or replacing perfectly usable parts.

The benefits of the EcoLight retrofit, as opposed to the replacement of fittings, are numerous:

• Reduced downtime• Disposal and waste greatly reduced• Minimal disruption to working environment• Instant electrical savings

Ecolight have demonstrated their products to numerous companies over the last three years, showing the benefits and ease of fitment. They have

done extensive tests which show the quality and lifespan of the products as well as how the units fit in with South African and international standards.• Some of their test lighting sites are now running in excess of 4 years and numerous orders have resulted from such tests.• With overseas back up, they are able to tailor make product for difficult and unique applications.• They continue to re-invent the product and themselves in order to keep up with new developments and designs

What Ecolight offers

• Evaluation and advice on how to reduce the electrical charge• Instant savings on your lighting bill• Evaluation of possible savings prior to investment• Guaranteed return on investment

Customers that use Ecolight include Anglo coal, Scaw metals, Development Bank, Ekurhuleni municipality and Prismaflex.

Call today for retrofit solutions. Agents and distributors:Head office: EcoLight Distributors SATel: +27 (82) 854 5536E-mail: [email protected]: www.powerboss.co.za

for industry

energy efficiency

Energy Solutions Tel: +27 (82) 497 7739National Power Contractors Tel: +27 (16) 362 4659 Intelenergy – Cape Tel: +27 (82) 441 7399

Clearline Engineered Power Solutions is a 51% owned-by-community-investment (CIV) holdings, as well as a majority black-owned investment holding company. Founded in 1985 to provide lightning and power surge protection products and solutions, the company offers a consultancy service which provides professional expertise to meet specific requirements for home, business and large corporate electronic protection installations.

Strong strategic leadership

The Clearline team collectively holds diverse and complementary experience. The CIV ownership provides Clearline with a strong leadership team comprising Dr Eugene Mokeyane (Chairman); Jan Heijnen (Chief Executive Officer) and Khudusela Pitje (Director).

Broad distribution

A proudly South African company which distributes locally and internationally, Clearline sees its products distributed across Southern Africa. The company also has an international network spreading across Africa, Spain, Denmark and Canada.

Long term partnerships with leading companies

Clearline is a preferred supplier to users of electronic equipment in corporate and residential settings. Over the years, the company has developed protection products for Telkom and other PABX companies and patented numerous devices for these customers.

For all your lightning and power-surge protection products and solutions, contact Clearline today:

ClearlineTel: +27 (0) 860 20 40 40E-mail: [email protected]: www.clearline.co.za

with a rich

An empowered

companyEnergy Solutions Tel: +27 (82) 497 7739National Power Contractors Tel: +27 (16) 362 4659 Intelenergy – Cape Tel: +27 (82) 441 7399

energy efficiency

Johannesburg (011) 997 6000 Cape Town (021) 530 2900

www.donaldson.co.za

Donaldson Filtration is an industry leader in Southern Africa and is looking for talented

individuals to join the team. Visit www.donaldson.co.za/careers for more information.

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Process filtration

Adsorption driers

Compressed air filtration

Condensate management

Water chillers

Compressed Air

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Dust and fume control

Control room/ambient air filtration

Complete installations

Testing, inspection and service

Spares, cartridges and filterbags

Gas turbine filtration

Industrial Air

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Lubrication system filtration

Hydraulic filtration - full range

Bulk fuel and oil filtration

Elements for competitor housings

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Engine air cleaner assemblies

First fit replacement elements

Intake and outlet accessories

Oil, fuel and transmission filters

Fuel filter water separators

Coolant filters, hose and coolant

Engine and Vehicle

Africa’s mining, construction, transport and agriculture industry.

Every day, customers all over the

world rely on Donaldson filtration

products to extend the operating life

of equipment and keep potentially

toxic working environments safe.

We also purify air for a range of

critical manufacturing applications.

And here in Africa’s harsh,

sometimes punishing environment,

our filtration technology still performs

under demanding conditions.

’Vampire Power’ is the energy required to keep appliances we aren’t even using in ’stand-by mode’ so that they can come back to life instantly when we want them to. Appliances in stand-by mode, such as the clock on the microwave or the computer monitor left running, consume a surprisingly large amount of energy, with Dr Alan Meier, a staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, estimating that stand-by power accounts for as much as 10% of household power consumption. A similar study in France found that stand-by power accounted for 7% of total residential consumption; while further studies have placed the proportion of consumption due to stand-by power as high as 13%. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that stand-by produces 1% of the world’s CO2 emissions, a gargantuan figure by any standards when you consider air travel contributes less than 3% to global CO2 emissions.

Putting an end to this kind of usage is simple:

• An Australian study of global stand-by power usage in electronic devices estimated that manufacturers could reduce this form of

vampire power by 30% by using better technologies, with minimal additional cost to the consumer. • Another way around this problem is to use power bars for appliances such as computer equipment. Turning off the power bar completely disconnects the ‘vampires’ from the power source. • Replace these older appliances with newer, more efficient versions. A number of product websites provide an overview of the energy consumption for particular electronic models.

For further information, see www.globe-net.com, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

standby power accounted for 7% of total residential consumption... the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that standby produces 1% of the world’s CO2 emissions

Slaying the vampires!

Energy Efficiency SpecialistsVOLTEX LIGHTING Tel: (011) 879-2500 Website: voltexlighting.co.za

Winner ETA 2007/2008 Industrial Sector for exceptional contribution to the National Energy Efficiency Programme.

LIGMAN TANGO

A small (TANGO 1) and large (TANGO 2) wall luminaire with upward and downward light distribution

Selected from our Ligman range of outdoor luminairesEnergy Saving - Only utilises electronic metal halide control gear

IP Rating = 65LED - High powered LED versions available

MaterialHigh corrosion resistance is achieved using ADC12 aluminum alloy (as used in the motor industry). The high-pressure die cast bodies provide excellent mechanical strength

GasketsLigman luminaires only use weatherproof non-aging silicone rubber gaskets. This provides excellent sealing qualities in corrosive and high temperature environments. The service temperature of Ligman’s gaskets is between -40° C to +150° CAmbient TemperaturesLigman luminaires are designed for operation at -20° C to +40° C

Paint FinishAll fixtures are Zinc chromated prior to painting with UV stabilized polyester powder at 200° C StandardLigman luminaires are designed and produced according to international (IEC 60598 2-1) and European (EN 60598 2-1) standard

0509 volt tango A4 ligman.indd 1 2009/06/05 08:54:47 AM


“CDM’s

cdm

Climate experts, economists and government officials discussed how to expand participation by developing countries in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) at a three-day United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) meeting at the end of April. Currently, ten developing countries account for 85% of all CDM projects, and it is estimated that numerous developing countries will be able to benefit from CDM, which has the ability to attract funding for projects such as industrial energy efficiency, methane capturing from urban landfills, low-emission transportation modes, and reforestation.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the state of play of the current negotiations on a climate deal for the post-2012 period (when commitments of the Kyoto Protocol expire), scenarios for the future carbon market with the participation of the European Union and the United States, and the challenges developing countries face in benefiting from the CDM.

The CDM has successfully created a vigorous ‘carbon market’ for developing and developed countries alike, having issued Certified Emission Reduction credits (CERs) amounting to 277-million tons of CO2 up to April 2009.

achievements far outweigh its difficulties” – UNCTAD

By 2012, this amount is predicted to reach 1 335-million tons, or roughly €13-billion (ZAR167,7-million) in new investments in developing countries. Importantly, the meeting concluded that the CDM´s achievements in its four years of existence far outweigh its difficulties and flaws. UNCTAD has been asked to assist in streamlining further investments under the CDM and supporting developing countries in developing nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) which include innovative policy approaches related to reduced deforestation, clean energy production and use, and clean transportation options.

UNCTAD were also invited to join efforts with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNEP Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC), and the World Bank to boost emission reduction projects in a greater number of developing economies.

For further information, visit www.unctad.org, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

more than

A novel approach to help speed up the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is under development by London-based law firm Travers Smith and a group of like-minded UK companies. The participating companies aim to provide specialist volunteers to help developers of emission reduction and clean technology projects overcome the various obstacles they face. It is envisaged that these efforts will form part of the firms’ ‘pro bono’ or corporate social responsibility contributions, with the aim of supporting projects both in the UK and overseas.

The participating companies have set up a non-profit company known as Leapfrog, which they intend to register as a charity. “The Leapfrog philosophy embraces the volunteering spirit and core skills of professionals who want to ‘do their bit’ to reduce climate change and encourage sustainability,” commented Steve McNab, who manages the environment team at Travers Smith. The company will assemble a database of professionals interested in participating in the initiative, alongside a database of projects, and then

attempt to form a bespoke team with the necessary skills required for each individual project. Any carbon credits generated by the projects will be sold, and a part of the proceeds invested in other Leapfrog projects.

The remainder will be used to fund adaptation, social and environmental initiatives in the host country. Several pilot projects have been identified already, including converting kerosene lamps to solar power in Africa; building a micro-grid for an English village; and an energy-saving competition among UK universities. Initial supporters of the initiative include law firms, accountants, barristers, clean tech investors, consultants, engineers, architects, banks, business coaches, insurers and property companies, amongst others.

See www.wbcsd.org for further information, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

low-carbon projects

The Leapfrog philosophy embraces the volunteering spirit and core skills of professionals who want to ‘do their bit’ to reduce climate change and encourage sustainability

to target


www.

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Eileen Claussen, Pew Center president

The board spends a great deal of its time focused on ensuring the environmental quality of individual projects, and too little time is left to consider enhancements

International emissions

Combating climate change requires action on all fronts and in all countries, which underscores the need to scale up and enhance innovative initiatives like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), believes Lex de Jonge, new Chair of the CDM Executive Board. “The CDM is stimulating investment in green growth in developing countries, engaging the private sector in climate change action, and giving countries some flexibility in how they meet their emission reduction targets. It’s time to scale up and enhance the mechanism to release its full potential,” said De Jonge.

When they met in Poland this past December, Parties to the Kyoto Protocol took decisions aimed at streamlining and speeding up the CDM, asking the CDM Executive Board to explore procedures and methodologies that would enhance regional and sub-regional distribution of projects. “The CDM has suffered from its own success. The number of projects that have come forward for vetting and approval is well above what was envisaged by countries when they designed and launched the mechanism. The result is that the board spends a great deal of its time focused on ensuring the environmental quality of individual projects, and too little time is left to consider enhancements that might scale up the mechanism, speed up the regulatory process, and extend the mechanism’s reach to more developing countries,” De Jonge admitted. He added that his focus during his one-year term will be to ensure that the board devotes time to policy discussions aimed at improving procedures that will increase efficiency and broaden the reach of the mechanism. “To do that we’ll need to look at improving the timely and efficient processing of the enormous workload before the board,” he noted.

The Executive Board took an important step towards increasing the number and regional distribution of CDM projects in 2007 when it approved

procedures and guidelines for a programme of activities (PoA). Under PoA, many projects, over a wide area, can be registered under a single programme umbrella, resultantly reducing regulatory drag without reducing environmental integrity. “The PoA approach is an example of untapped potential. With some focused attention by the board, I think we can develop and provide to potential project developers any lacking procedural clarity that might be blocking progress,” stated de Jonge.

Mr. De Jonge, who has served on the Executive Board since 2006, is head of the CDM Division of the Directorate for International Affairs in the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment in the Netherlands. He takes over the Chair from Rajesh Kumar Sethi. The Executive Board regulates the CDM, guided by the Parties that ratified the Kyoto Protocol and supported by the UNFCCC secretariat, and meets eight times each year, usually in Bonn.

See http://cdm.unfccc.int for further information, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Lex de Jonge, new Chair of the CDM Executive Board

cdm

As the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee debates over the draft climate change legislation proposed by Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), a new study has been released suggesting the feared economic toll may be less severe than some predict. Energy-intensive manufacturing interests in the U.S., such as cement, paper, chemical and steel, would only take a modest hit if a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system, similar to the framework proposed in the Waxman-Markey bill, was implemented. The financial burden, dissimilar to what some opponents are suggesting, wouldn’t cause companies to flee the country for friendlier shores, claims the report ‘The Competitiveness Impacts of Climate Change Mitigation Policies’ from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Based on the assumption that a ton of carbon dioxide equivalent will cost $15,00 (ZAR127,05) with no price on emissions in other countries, these energy-intensive industries would

lose an average of 1 percent of their yearly production to imports, but various policies, such as border adjustments or rebates, could offset the economic sacrifice. Using a calculation to determine the “competitiveness” of various industries, the study concluded that much of the negative impact produced by a cap-and-trade mechanism would be primarily caused by the transition to less carbon-intensive products, instead of a either migration of jobs or production offshore. “This is one of the most sophisticated efforts ever to quantify the potential competitiveness impacts on energy-intensive industries,” claimed Eileen Claussen, Pew Center president. “The analysis shows clearly that, at the price level studied, the potential impacts are very modest and very manageable. Policymakers have a range of policy tools to mitigate the modest economic impacts that may be foreseen. The bottom line is that fear of competitive harm should not stand as an obstacle to strong climate policy.”

For further information, visit www.climatebiz.com to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

Fear of competitive harm should not stand as an obstacle to strong climate policy

www.

iisd.c

a

cdm


Climate Change Consultants can help turn potential risks into opportunities

The case for Climate Change Consultants

When it comes to climate change consulting, large professional services consultancies can provide useful advice and valuable knowledge of ‘the bigger picture’ when it comes to entering the CDM market. Because such organisations combine vast knowledge of energy, environmental, and information technology expertise, they can help to create innovative, cost-effective solutions for measuring and achieving sustainability goals and reducing greenhouse emissions.

Some of their most useful functions include:

• Developing and implementing sustainability and greenhouse gas measurement and management strategies; • Conducting assessments of carbon baselines and developing corporate carbon management programmes; • Identifyingbestpracticesforenergy-efficiencyandrenewable energy and assisting in incorporating them; • Developing and implementing information management, training coordination,andreportingsystemsforenergy-efficiency programmes; • Developing performance metrics to evaluate ROI for energy- efficiencymeasures;• DOE assistance (see 25º in Africa issue 3, 2008)

In South Africa, PricewaterhouseCoopers has been working with companies since 1997 to analyse and address climate change. It offers a range of services including strategy formulation, carbon finance and transactions,CDM (clean development mechanism) and JI (joint implementation) project design, carbon risk management services and greenhouse gas data management and reporting. Ernst & Young also offers a range of climate-change-relatedservices,includingcarbonstrategyandverification,and greenhouse gas emissions trading advice. Both firms serve on anadvisory committee to the World Economic Forum’s Climate Disclosure Standards Board, which is working to establish a standard framework for climate risk reporting by corporations. KPMG’s integrated carbon advisory services practice is another impressive option that touts a range of carbon management capabilities, including strategy formulation, carbon footprint determination and mitigation strategies, supply chain strategies, product opportunities and offsetting. In addition, Merchantec offers advice on the legalities concerning climate change, tax implications and compliance, carbonaccounting,corporatefinanceandinsuranceconsiderations.

Worthwhile advantages

The environmental risks and liabilities affecting your business can encompass a number of areas, including:

• Operational issues, including contamination, emissions, waste management and materials management • Legal issues, including compliance with current and future national and international environmental legislation, liability for clean-up of contami- nated sites and/or decommissioning of plants, legal action by statutory authorities or third parties and changes in environmental law • Reputational risks related to the environment, for example, how and where an organisation operates and types of products produced and marketed

• Market and supply chain issues. Pressures on a business may also arise via the supply chain – for example, clients of an organisation might stipulate in contract agreements that certain environmental standards are to be met

Advantages of making use of a reputable climate consultancy include:

• A clear picture of your resource use and cost-saving opportunities • Reliable management information for strategic planning purposes • Improving your ability to sell products into global markets, where envi ronmental regulations are restrictive • Enhanced brand reputation

A consultant will review and identify environmental issues that present risks or liabilities to operations for the purpose of acquisitions, mergers, unbundling, or restructuring activities. On top of this, consultants might also assist with accreditation such as:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) (SANS-accredited); • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) (SANS- accredited); and • OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety Management Systems).

By bringing together specialists from different disciplines, including the socialandenvironmentalfields,consultantscantailorstrategicsustainabilityadvisory services to meet the requirements of individual clients. “There is oftenaneedforlegaladvicesurroundingclimatechange,financingandthestructure of a climate change deal – such as the type of credit purchases planned(e.g.forwardoroff-takepurchases)toensureadequatecashflowand funding,” explains Rob Ashdown of Merchantec’s Climate division. He believes that climate change consultants can help turn potential risks into opportunities. “There are always risks. We can help turn that around. Ideas and projects are out there, and we can help get things on the move,” says Ashdown, adding, “Climate Consulting is not only about brand-building opportunities.

Green industries are usually born out of existing companies. We help you look at your company from a different aspect – we tell you how to manage yourcarbon,howtoturnitintosomethingprofitable.Therearepaybackstobehad,andweshowyouhow.Wefindsolutionstoproblems–andmakethese solutions environmentally viable. We can make the CDM process a lot less of a headache for time-strapped project owners, within reason.”

Underthecoal-firedregime,theLawleyfactorywasemitting53000 tons of carbon dioxide per annum, which was reduced to 36 000 tpa after switching to natural gas.


Basic facts

• Procedure The project involved switching from the use of fine-grained duff coal to Sasol natural gas for the firing of clay face bricks at Corobrik’s Lawley factory in December 2004. The project conversion required the installation of a 5 km natural gas feeder pipeline to the Lawley factory, in order to connect to Sasol’s nearest gas pipeline distribution network, as well as the installation of a gas firing system on the fixed-chamber transverse-arch permanent kiln.

• Cost The fuel switch project required an investment of ZAR9-million.

• Motivation Corobrik is deeply committed to conducting its business in a way that has the least possible detrimental affect on the environment. The pursuit of improved energy efficiency and the use of clean air technologies are areas where we as brick makers can achieve an immediate and positive impact. The Lawley CDM project provided an opportunity to improve ambient air quality in the nearby neighbourhoods and to enhance working conditions through the elimination of airborne dust arising from coal handling on the kiln; to eliminate airborne fly ash arising from ash build-up; to eliminate fly ash emissions from the flue gas chimney stack; improve environmental sustainability through reducing the carbon footprint of both the Lawley factory and lowering the embodied energy of its clay face bricks.

• Maindifficulties It was a hugely bureaucratic process that took four years from inception to completion. Corobrik faced great difficulties in the preparation of the Project Design Document (PDD), which is a prerequisite to applying for a project to be validated. The project was validated by a UN-accredited independent agency, and successfully registered as a CDM project in September 2005. Subsequent to a successful validation and project registration, Corobrik had great difficulty in securing the services of a suitably experienced UN-accredited consultant to under- take the verification of the CO2 emissions reductions and submission to the UN CDM Executive for the issuing of the Carbon Emissions Reduction (CER) certificate.

• Advantagesofusingaconsultant Corobrik retained the services of a South African consultancy, to prepare the Project Design Document, and an international consultancy, accredited by the UN CDM Executive, to validate the project in terms of the Kyoto accord and secure registration of the project as a CDM project. After an initial unsuccessful attempt, Corobrik suceeded in retaining a suitably experienced and UN-accredited consultant to verify the Lawley project CO2 emissions reduction and secure a Carbon Emissions Reduction certificate from the UN CDM Executive.

• WouldCorobrikrecommendtheuseofexpertconsultants? “Definitely. They bring invaluable expertise and experience to the table.”

• Project advantages The Lawley CDM fuel-switching project raised Corobrik’s internal awareness and knowledge of sustainability, climate change environmental impacts, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints of processes and products. As a result, Corobrik has embarked on an ongoing program of measuring and calculating the carbon footprints of its factories and clay face bricks and pavers, which has enabled Corobrik to assume a leading role in the provision of information to architects, specifiers, as well as public policy-makers.

The switch to natural gas firing at the Lawley factory improved product yields, raised overall product quality consistency, and helped improve process efficiencies. In addition, Corobrik gained insight and know- Ledge necessary to identify other potential CDM projects, which it is currently working on.

• Financialgains Corobrik believes, “The initial revenues achieved through the sale of carbon credits have been relatively minor in relation to the above- mentioned benefits.”

• CostoftheCDMprocess The cost ran into several million Rand after bringing into account the costs of external experts and consultants for the Project Design Document, Project Validation, CO2 emissions verification, as well as the time and costs of Corobrik specialist personnel.

cdm

Pictured below is a row of gas-fired kilns at the Lawley factory.

First-hand knowledgeCase study: Corobrik’s Lawley CDM project (the conversion of a coal-fired clay brick factory to natural gas)


Architect Bruce Clark and Corobrik Chairman Peter du Trevou were two of only a handful of South Africans who attended the Sustainable Building Conference in Australia in late 2008. In the months that have followed, the worldwide economic situation has changed drastically and now, more than ever, it is vital that the local sector takes advantage of the benefits that green design and construction offer.

An holistic understanding

National brick and paving manufacturer Corobrik avidly supports sustainability. “Although South Africa’s manufacturing facilities do not dramatically lag in terms of the rest of the world, ‘Green Buildings’ is a vast topic which very few people show an holistic understanding of. Generally, the South African industry is only concerned with the manufacturing process and concentrates on products only – ignoring life-cycle assessments,” explains Du Trevou. He adds that poverty has contributed significantly to environmental deterioration as the poor have limited alternatives.

Rapid urbanisation and the subsequent need to provide housing and services often cause a diversion from ‘green’ requirements. He believes that, in striving to meet the housing demand, the pursuit of lowest first cost that maximises the number of houses with available funds, often does not allow for the construction of thermally efficient environment-friendly buildings, this leading to a long term debt for society to bear.

Pioneering new methods

“We need to divorce ourselves from what we have used recently and look at new methods of conserving our planet,” believes Clark. He also recommends tailor-made designs for each individual project: “Coastal areas are hot and humid, while Namibia and the Karoo are cold and arid, so a design that works in one part of SA won’t necessarily work in another part.”

A life-cycle challenge

It is a well researched fact that that more energy is consumed over a buildings life than in its construction. Consequent to this, during the design phase, attention should be paid to how energy will be used when heating or cooling the facility, and the distance from employees’ homes to work, and their consequent transport demands. Carbon emissions cannot be seen in simple tern like comparing one product with another. “Given that the life cycle of construction products and the life cycle of buildings built with different building materials are indeed different, the carbon emissions of construction products should be assessed in terms of the ‘system’ of which they are a part and the ‘systems’ compared over the life of the building.

Very often, building materials with a seemingly low embodied energy values at factory gate, are not as environmentally friendly as other’s when assessed as part of a system. For instance products that require replacement and continual maintenance over a buildings life can contribute greatly to the life cycle emissions problem” says Du Trevou.

Careful evaluation

“Evaluation requires considering the transport distances for products as well as the breakages and site waste that requires to be transported off site. The transport of material adds significantly to its carbon emissions and consequently imported products – which may be environment-friendly and sustainable at source – can become unsustainable when shipped from 5,000 miles away,” explains Du Trevou. Corobrik supports the cradle-to-grave concept with Corobrik clay face bricks having a relatively low embodied energy. Once laid, the bricks can remain indefinitely without need for maintenance thereby incurring no further carbon debt. While the focus on manufacturing process is of course important, Du Trevou stresses that companies must look past this and take an holistic approach to sustainability. Clark also feels there is a need for a standardised method that analyses a product for its embodied energy, use and longevity. Paradoxically, recycling materials at the end of a building’s life cycle may not always pay, particularly since the products need to be transported to a plant, recycled, manufactured and transported again to reach the market. “This merely reinforces why a comprehensive analysis that takes all elements into account is so important” adds du Trevou

Water conservation

Despite being in a water-scarce country, South Africans typically fail to conserve water. Du Trevou suggests that the population should be educated on conserving water as, in the long term; the availability of this resource may escalate into a far more serious issue than electricity supply. International good practice is dictating that developments are constructed as self-contained communities in terms of their water requirements. Water conservation should play a major role when designing new buildings. “As the cost of water and electricity rises, the return on investment is relatively short, particularly if green elements are incorporated when the building is erected,” says Du Trevou.

Fair evaluation

South Africa’s Green Star rating system has been modelled on the Australian method and is based on international precedent. “We need more buy-in from the public service where they should be setting examples and only occupying buildings that comply with sustainable principles. This will push the movement along,” says Clark, who is an Accredited Green Star Professional. Furthermore, he believes there is a glaring need for information and education. “Architectural students are not being educated about the Green Star system and there is not enough information available with regard to environmental design,” he believes.

SA’s future success

Du Trevou believes that while renewable resources are being consumed at a faster rate than their production each year worldwide, some developed countries far exceed this ratio. “This means everyone has a vital role to play in raising our consciousness in terms of the conservation of natural resources, eliminating waste and reducing our carbon footprint,” he concluded.

Corobrik Tel: +27 31 560 3111 Fax: +27 31 565 1532Website: www.corobrik.com

Striving to improve sustainability


National brick and paving manufacturer Corobrik avidly supports sustainability.

cdm

instant update

A controversial hit that has succeeded in sparking debate worldwide, James Kunstler’s The Long Emergency provides an eye-opening look at the harsh realities that America faces for their overutilisation of cheap fossil fuels, opening up the debate for a stand to be taken to achieve new living patterns, sustainable community-scale food systems and energy sources. Kunstler allows you to meditate on the truth that lies ahead, and the changes that will have to be made, in a ‘comprehensive, powerful integration of science and technology, economics and finance, international politics and social change…’ (American Scientist). “The Long Emergency is going to be a tremendous trauma for the human race,” says Kunstler. “We will not believe that this is happening to us, that 200 years of modernity can be brought to its knees by a world-wide power shortage. The survivors will have to cultivate a religion of hope – that is, a deep and comprehensive belief that humanity is worth carrying on.” (ISBN-13:978-0-8021-4249-8)

The Long Emergency

A complete climate change resource

An updated paperback edition of Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World by Gary Braasch was released recently. An illustrated book on climate change science, effects and action, it contains more than 100 factual updates focused on rising international causes and reactions to climate change, and the effects on and actions by individuals in this regard. Hailed the complete climate change resource for schools, community organisations, NGOs and companies,

Earth Under Fire is available online from http://www.EarthUnderFire.com.

www.earthunderfire.com


Eskom and the Department of Minerals and Energy are calling for entries or nominations for the 20th annual eta Awards. The eta Awards is an annual event sponsored by Eskom with the sole purpose of promoting the more efficient use of energy. Aimed at improving business competitiveness, the awards are granted for exceptional effort in promoting the more efficient use of energy.

eta is the Greek symbol for efficiency, hence the name of the Awards, which aim to reward those making a concerted effort in terms of energy conservation in the commercial, industrial, residential,

annual eta Awards

agricultural and education sectors. All of the awards comprise a cash amount of ZAR30 000 for the winner in each category, and ZAR5 000 for each of the two runners-up in each category, subject to the judges’ discretion.

Entries close on the 14th of August 2009. For further information, visit www.eta-awards.co.za, or e-mail [email protected].

instant update


A searchable global map forms the heart of the revamped www.reegle.info site, a specialist search engine for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Users can click on a specific location, and obtain the latest events, news, and a sampling of green energy development projects in that area. The site also includes a catalogue of stakeholders and an energy-oriented profile of the relevant country, including up-to-date statistics and information on local green energy policies and regulations. “The new reegle website is unique in the way it takes the flood of information and news that is available on green energy, categorises it and makes it so accessible,” concludes Florian Bauer, the site’s Product Manager.

Visit www.reegle.info for further information.

www.

reeg

le.inf

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Touching every facetof modern day living

Whatever environment you’re in now, you come face to face with dozens of products on a daily basis. More than 20 000 BASF stock items go into thousands of commercial items across the globe, and with 400 production sites worldwide, many in South Africa, BASF touches many aspects of human life on earth. As a result of an urgent need to showcase their business activities in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the BASF team set the production of an eight minute mini-feature into motion. Highlighting the fact that BASF and Elastogran products and solutions go into virtually every local product that affects our lives, the film is a visual triumph which effectively communicates BASF’s aims. As the film aptly states: “Chemicals form the cornerstone of everything BASF does.”

The latest object created by designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in cooperation with Vitra, the renowned Swiss furniture manufacturer, is called Vegetal and is an organically conceived chair for indoor as well as outdoor use. It is made entirely of BASF’s plastic Miramid® by means of the so-called GIT process, a special injection molding technique.

Agriculture and nutrition Automotive

Construction and building

Mining

Paper

Pack

aging

BASF Holdings South Africa (Pty) LtdTel: +27 11 203 2422 Fax: +27 11 203 2430E-mail: Website: www.basf.co.za

HP has launched a limited edition “Green IT for Dummies” pocket book which provides an introduction to help organisations go green. Intended to give simple and straightforward ideas on how to reduce the environmental impact of IT systems and harness

the power of IT to reduce the wider environmental impacts of climate change in society, the guide was produced independently by research and analysis firm Freeform Dynamics. It provides guidance for where to start in greening an organisation and maps out a pragmatic, yet comprehensive course of action ranked according to expense and difficulty of implementation.

Visit www.hp.com for further information.

In addition to the excellent footage, which includes shots taken deep inside a mine, and from a helicopter, the locally filmed footage showcases the BASF Group South Africa’s country-specific reach and impact, as well as their international influence. For the past 40 years, BASF in South Africa has strived to make their customers more successful. In constant dialogue with customers, they produce leading product solutions in the form of innovative chemicals. Their new film is a testament to this dedication, skill and growth-centered progress.


energy events

‘09Energy Events ...

ICENES 2009 – 14th International Conference on Emerging Nuclear Energy SystemsLocation: Ericeira, Portugal Date: June 29 – July 3, 2009 Website: www.itn.pt/icenes2009

INC09 International Nuclear Conference arranged by the MNS (Malyasian Nuclear Society)Location: Kuala Lumpur Date: 29 June –1 July 2009 E-mail: online.nuclearmalaysia.gov.my/sems/inc09/

BioGasLocation: London, UK Date: 1 – 2 July, 2009Tel: +44 0202 7405 7811

AEF (Africa Energy Forum) 10th Annual conference Location: Nice, France Date: 1 – 3 July 2009 Contact: EnergyNet Ltd

BioPower Generation USALocation: Chicago, USA Date: 8 – 9 July, 2009Contact: Amit Shahani Tel: +971 4 8135 219E-mail:[email protected]

ICONE 17 (International Conference on Nuclear Engineering)Location: Brussels, Belgium. Date: 12 – 16 July 2008. Website: www.asmeconferences.org/icone17

Inter Solar North AmericaLocation: San Francisco, USA Date: 14 – 16 July, 2009Contact: Robert FrickE-mail: [email protected]: www.intersolar.us

INMM (Institute of Nuclear Materials Management) 50th Annual MeetingLocation: Tucson, Arizona Date: 12 – 16 July 2009 Website: http://www.inmm.org http://online.nuclearmalaysia.gov.my/sems/inc09

ESI HydroPower AfricaLocation: Johannesburg, South Africa Date: 28 – 29 July, 2009Contact: Roshenda BarendillaTel: +27 21 700 3500 / 888 559 8017 (US)E-mail: [email protected]: www.spintelligent.com

TOP FUEL 2009 and Glibal 2009 (9th bi-annual scientific world meeting on the Nuclear Fuel Cycle) Location: Paris Date: 6 – 11 September 2009 Website: http://www.inspi.ufl.edu/global2009/

Solar Economics Forum USALocation: Washington, USA Date: 9 – 10 September 2009 Contact: William Tod Tel: +971 4 813 5211E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.greenpowerconferences.com

WNA (33rd Annual World Nuclear Association Symposium)Location: London Date: 9 – 11 September 2000 Website: http://www.wna-symposium.org/

International Workshop on Small Scale Wind Energy for Developing Countries Location: Nairobi, Kenya Date: 14 – 16 September, 2009Contacts: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IEET) of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya

IAEA General Conference Location: Vienna, Austria. Date: 14 – 18 September 2009 E-mail: [email protected]

Carbon Markets USALocation: Washington DC, USA Date: 21 – 22 September, 2009Contact: Santosh Sarma Tel: +971 4 813 5213 Fax: +44 207 900 1853E-mail:[email protected]


energy events

For a full list of up-coming events in the energy industry, visit www.25degrees.net, our brand new energy portal. With a full listing of event information, including venues, costs and contact people, the site is a valuable resource in terms of planning which events you shouldn’t miss.

Don’t miss out!

Forestry Carbon Markets & REDDLocation: Washington DC, USA Date: 23 – 24 September, 2009Contact: Santosh SarmaTel: +971 4 813 5213 Fax: +44 207 900 1853E-mail:[email protected]

Next Generaton Biofuels MarketsLocation: Chicago, USA Date: 28 – 30 September, 2009Contact: Amit ShahaniTel: +971 4 8135 219E-mail:[email protected]

Carbon Markets Turkey & Central AsiaLocation: Washington DC, USA Date: 29 – 30 September, 2009Contact: Santosh SarmaTel: +971 4 813 5213 Fax: +44 207 900 1853E-mail:[email protected]

Carbon Markets Mexico & Central AmericaLocation: Mexico City, Mexico Date: 6 – 7 October, 2009

Contact: Santosh SarmaTel: +971 4 813 5213 Fax: +44 207 900 1853E-mail:[email protected]

ASIAPes 3rd IASTED (International Association of Science and Technology for Development) Location: Beijing Date: 12 – 14 October 2009 Website: http://www.iasted.org/conferences/home-658.html

ISES Solar World Congress 2009Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Date: 11 – 14 October, 2009Tel: +27 (0) 861 988 898 Fax: +27 (0) 861 115 181/0E-mail: [email protected]: www.swc2009.co.za

World Gold Conference 2009Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Date: 26 - 30 October 2009 Website: http://www.worldgold2009.org.za/

MENA Energy Forum (Middle East and North Africa)Location: Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Qatar Date: 9 – 10 November 2009.

SAEEC 2009Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Date: 12 – 13 November, 2009Contact: Erika KrugerTel: +27 (0) 18 290 5130 Fax: +27 (0) 86 512 7122E-mail: [email protected]: www.saee.org.za

ANS (American Nuclear Society annual meeting)Location: Washington DC, USA Date: 15 – 19 November 2008. E-mail: [email protected] www.ans.org

NIA (Nuclear Industry Association) ―Energy Choices Location: London, UK Date: 4 – 5 December 2009. Contact: NIA and the BNES (British Nuclear Energy Society)

Energy Caribbean 2009Date: 7 – 9 December 2009

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