Sep 10 2008 10:14AM
Johannesburg - Anglo American and Eskom have signed an agreement to guarantee the country's power supply, they said in a statement on Wednesday.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU), a strategic co-operation would be established to identify and implement solutions to guarantee the integrity of the electricity supply, they said.
"The MOU provides a framework for Anglo American and Eskom to co-operate on their respective future energy requirements, including energy provision and coal supplies."
The MOU also aimed to facilitate the optimisation of scarce resources; conceptualisation and implementation of energy efficiency programmes; skills development; sustainable development; and research and development initiatives, such as clean coal technologies and carbon sequestration potential.
"It is of critical importance that we play our part in addressing South Africa's energy challenge," said Anglo American chief executive Cynthia Carroll.
Anglo American was committed to working with Eskom to finding solutions to support the country's national energy needs, she said.
"This MOU will facilitate a co-ordinated approach to developing new and creative cost-effective solutions to serve and benefit the country and ensure consistent energy supply to the nation."
According to Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga, the power utility had been working with Anglo American for some time "as part of the national response to the energy supply challenge.
"This MOU will provide a framework from which we can work together to optimise synergies, scarce resources and skills, and to secure and stabilise power generation and distribution," he said.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Energy Crisis compounded by leadership crisis
Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki told the country on Sunday night he was stepping down after his ruling African National Congress demanded he leave office over allegations he abused power in the corruption case against new party leader Jacob Zuma.
Mbeki told the nation in a live televised broadcast he had tendered his resignation which would become effective from a date to be determined by Parliament, which is meeting on Monday.
Here are some questions and answers related to South Africa's biggest political crisis since the country's first multi-race elections in 1994.
Will the government collapse?
A number of pro-Mbeki cabinet ministers have threatened to resign in solidarity with their deposed leader. An exodus could paralyse or bring the government down, forcing the ANC-dominated Parliament to dissolve and call early elections.
Zuma and ANC officials are working behind the scenes to keep the Cabinet intact during a transitional government. Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has indicated he is not resigning.
ANC Treasurer-General Mathews Phosa said in a televised debate the party will announce the acting state president on Monday, adding the party wanted the current cabinet to remain.
Who will lead a transitional government?
Zuma, who is the frontrunner to win the presidential election next year, holds no position in the government and is unlikely to assume the presidency during a transitional period set to last about six months until elections due in April 2009.
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka should, after Mbeki's resignation, assume the presidency. She is not liked by Zuma's camp and has already indicated she will follow Mbeki.
A Cabinet minister, possibly Manuel or ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, could fill the breach. Zuma supporters, appear to favour Baleka Mbete, the Speaker of Parliament.
How unstable will South Africa become?
Mbeki's removal is the gravest crisis to confront the ANC since it came to power in 1994 after the end of white minority rule. It coincides with a slowdown in the economy, which is struggling to contain inflation and an electricity crisis.
There is speculation pro-Mbeki loyalists may quit the ANC and form a breakaway party. Such a move could clip the conservative, pro-business wing of the ANC, effectively making it a captive of powerful trade unions and the small, but influential, communist party.
Investors are wary of a Zuma-led government despite his reassurances there will be no major policy changes. He seen by some as an untested leader and his strong backing from the left has caused jitters.
South Africa's currency, the rand, could weaken if the transition goes badly.
How is Africa, rest of the world affected?
Foreign policy will take a backseat to domestic issues in a Zuma-controlled government. The ANC has vowed to intensify its battle against poverty and high unemployment, having grumbled about how much time Mbeki spent on the world stage.
South Africa's influence overseas could be dented by the loss of Mbeki, who has successfully mediated an end to a number of African conflicts and acted as a broker between rich industrialised nations and the developing world.
The departure casts a cloud over Zimbabwe, where Mbeki's mediation led to a power-sharing deal between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. It is unclear who would mediate if the deal, now at an impasse, falls apart.
Zuma has been tougher on Mugabe's government, but he may not have the time to intervene if the crisis flares up.
What happens next?
The ANC's parliamentary caucus is expected to meet on Monday to draw up the strategy for formally removing Mbeki and decide on a new acting president.
Mbeki's willingness to step aside without a fight makes it unlikely that Parliament, where the ANC holds a two-thirds majority, will resort to impeaching him or putting forth a non-confidence vote in him or his government.
Once Mbeki resigns, Parliament will have 30 days to appoint a new president
Mbeki told the nation in a live televised broadcast he had tendered his resignation which would become effective from a date to be determined by Parliament, which is meeting on Monday.
Here are some questions and answers related to South Africa's biggest political crisis since the country's first multi-race elections in 1994.
Will the government collapse?
A number of pro-Mbeki cabinet ministers have threatened to resign in solidarity with their deposed leader. An exodus could paralyse or bring the government down, forcing the ANC-dominated Parliament to dissolve and call early elections.
Zuma and ANC officials are working behind the scenes to keep the Cabinet intact during a transitional government. Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has indicated he is not resigning.
ANC Treasurer-General Mathews Phosa said in a televised debate the party will announce the acting state president on Monday, adding the party wanted the current cabinet to remain.
Who will lead a transitional government?
Zuma, who is the frontrunner to win the presidential election next year, holds no position in the government and is unlikely to assume the presidency during a transitional period set to last about six months until elections due in April 2009.
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka should, after Mbeki's resignation, assume the presidency. She is not liked by Zuma's camp and has already indicated she will follow Mbeki.
A Cabinet minister, possibly Manuel or ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, could fill the breach. Zuma supporters, appear to favour Baleka Mbete, the Speaker of Parliament.
How unstable will South Africa become?
Mbeki's removal is the gravest crisis to confront the ANC since it came to power in 1994 after the end of white minority rule. It coincides with a slowdown in the economy, which is struggling to contain inflation and an electricity crisis.
There is speculation pro-Mbeki loyalists may quit the ANC and form a breakaway party. Such a move could clip the conservative, pro-business wing of the ANC, effectively making it a captive of powerful trade unions and the small, but influential, communist party.
Investors are wary of a Zuma-led government despite his reassurances there will be no major policy changes. He seen by some as an untested leader and his strong backing from the left has caused jitters.
South Africa's currency, the rand, could weaken if the transition goes badly.
How is Africa, rest of the world affected?
Foreign policy will take a backseat to domestic issues in a Zuma-controlled government. The ANC has vowed to intensify its battle against poverty and high unemployment, having grumbled about how much time Mbeki spent on the world stage.
South Africa's influence overseas could be dented by the loss of Mbeki, who has successfully mediated an end to a number of African conflicts and acted as a broker between rich industrialised nations and the developing world.
The departure casts a cloud over Zimbabwe, where Mbeki's mediation led to a power-sharing deal between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. It is unclear who would mediate if the deal, now at an impasse, falls apart.
Zuma has been tougher on Mugabe's government, but he may not have the time to intervene if the crisis flares up.
What happens next?
The ANC's parliamentary caucus is expected to meet on Monday to draw up the strategy for formally removing Mbeki and decide on a new acting president.
Mbeki's willingness to step aside without a fight makes it unlikely that Parliament, where the ANC holds a two-thirds majority, will resort to impeaching him or putting forth a non-confidence vote in him or his government.
Once Mbeki resigns, Parliament will have 30 days to appoint a new president
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Energy Management And Carbon Footprints
Nicole Rego
Johannesburg - Power utility Eskom's drive to encourage South Africans to save electricity is bearing fruit, with the latest data showing a decline in energy consumption.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said estimated consumption for electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.5% when compared with May 2007. The data is contained in its most latest report on electricity generated and available for distribution.
The decline translates into a reduction of approximately 520 Gigawatt-hours (GWh).
One Gigawatt-hour hour is equal to one million kilowatt hours, and a kilowatt hour is enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
"In the first five months of 2008, consumption of electricity was affected by numerous factors that led to reduced levels of consumption, such as load shedding and a continuous drive from Eskom in encouraging users to save on electricity consumption," said Stats SA.
Economists agreed that the planned blackouts, known to South Africans as load shedding, was one of the biggest contributors to the data's decrease.
Investment Solutions economist Chris Hart agreed, but said that the decrease "reflected the slowdown in the economy".
ETM economist Russell Lamberti said the economy's slowdown was showing in the data: "I think we as South Africans are probably saving more electricity, but there is no doubt that the economy is under strain."
Lamberti said that looking forward, the country would see electricity consumption data start to moderate.
The Stats SA data also showed that the estimated total production of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.1% when compared to the same month last year, which is a reduction of 487 Gigawatt-hours.
Johannesburg - Power utility Eskom's drive to encourage South Africans to save electricity is bearing fruit, with the latest data showing a decline in energy consumption.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said estimated consumption for electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.5% when compared with May 2007. The data is contained in its most latest report on electricity generated and available for distribution.
The decline translates into a reduction of approximately 520 Gigawatt-hours (GWh).
One Gigawatt-hour hour is equal to one million kilowatt hours, and a kilowatt hour is enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
"In the first five months of 2008, consumption of electricity was affected by numerous factors that led to reduced levels of consumption, such as load shedding and a continuous drive from Eskom in encouraging users to save on electricity consumption," said Stats SA.
Economists agreed that the planned blackouts, known to South Africans as load shedding, was one of the biggest contributors to the data's decrease.
Investment Solutions economist Chris Hart agreed, but said that the decrease "reflected the slowdown in the economy".
ETM economist Russell Lamberti said the economy's slowdown was showing in the data: "I think we as South Africans are probably saving more electricity, but there is no doubt that the economy is under strain."
Lamberti said that looking forward, the country would see electricity consumption data start to moderate.
The Stats SA data also showed that the estimated total production of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.1% when compared to the same month last year, which is a reduction of 487 Gigawatt-hours.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lighting Control and Automation
Johannesburg - About 10 million high-energy consuming light bulbs will be replaced nationally in November with energy-saving bulbs, deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka announced on Tuesday.
"South Africans need to know that the electricity crisis is not over yet. Unless we save energy, we run the risk of experiencing a situation not dissimilar to the one we were confronted with last summer," Mlambo-Ngcuka said after a meeting with the Stakeholder Advisory Council (on Electricity) at the Union Buildings.
She said government was saving 1 000 megawatts at present, but the target was to save 3 000 megawatts.
"At least 10 million incandescent light bulbs will be replaced with about 10 million CFLs (energy saving) light bulbs throughout the country."
Air-conditioners, swimming pool pumps, and geysers had a devastating effect on electricity consumption in South Africa, Mlambo-Ngcuka said
"South Africans need to know that the electricity crisis is not over yet. Unless we save energy, we run the risk of experiencing a situation not dissimilar to the one we were confronted with last summer," Mlambo-Ngcuka said after a meeting with the Stakeholder Advisory Council (on Electricity) at the Union Buildings.
She said government was saving 1 000 megawatts at present, but the target was to save 3 000 megawatts.
"At least 10 million incandescent light bulbs will be replaced with about 10 million CFLs (energy saving) light bulbs throughout the country."
Air-conditioners, swimming pool pumps, and geysers had a devastating effect on electricity consumption in South Africa, Mlambo-Ngcuka said
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Green Building and Energy Management
1.2 MW plant installed off the coast of Northern Ireland
A new type of renewable energy has been connected to the European grid: tidal energy turbines. The SeaGen Tidal System has been installed in the Strangford Narrows, about 400 metres off the coast of Northern Ireland, by Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT). The installation was completed last April and the generators were successfully connected to the grid on 17th July. It produces 1.2 MW of power, operating 18 to 20 hours a day. The total manufacturing and installation cost was nearly £10 million.
Like a wind turbine, but more predictable
The Seagen Tidal System consists of a fixed structure bearing two 16m diameter axial flow rotors, each connected to a generator via a gearbox. In contrast with other existing tidal power plants — such as the one on the Rance in France — this system does not require a barrage closing in an estuary. It is sited offshore on a large piling.
The technology is similar in many respects to a wind turbine. However, its principle advantage compared to most other renewable sources is that tidal energy is entirely predictable. In addition, its visual impact is much smaller since it is almost entirely submerged. The slow rotation speed (10 to 15 revolutions per minute) is unlikely to pose a threat to either fish or marine mammals.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Electrical savings
Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki's National Stakeholder Advisory Council on Electricity (NSCAE) has warned that if consumers do not further reduce power usage, there could be a shortfall in coming weeks.
As a result, says the council, major users - mostly in the minerals value chain - will continue to bear the "burden of the emergency" in the form of reduced supply.
While business representatives council are optimistic that there'll be a significant contribution to power supply through co-generation projects in the coming months, the council - established at May's National Electricity Summit - has called on consumers to do better than their current 4% saving on electricity consumption.
"Both public buildings like retail malls, office and government buildings, as well as households can and must do more," the council said.
It is chaired by Mbeki and comprises senior leaders from government, business, community and labour - the four constituencies that make up the National Economic Development & Labour Council (Nedlac).
In a statement released after the meeting, the council said: "While we appreciate the savings that have been attained by the industry, we still believe more can be achieved through efficiency in production and maintenance.
"Higher electricity prices have become unavoidable, although it is agreed that government should mitigate the impact on poor households and communities. Households can reduce their bills by limiting electricity use."
In addition, the meeting agreed on the importance of fast-tracking a protocol for new connections and measures to encourage increased generation of electricity.
The NSACE will be the primary point of contact for business, labour and government in respect of policy implementation. The council also adopted an action plan to provide support for increasing energy efficiencies and upping the supply of electricity. This includes fast tracking co-generation, supporting Eskom's programme to build new capacity and improve its skills base, and enhance maintenance across the electricity supply chain.
Pricing of electricity is also on the council's agenda; it will monitor and advise on the new tariff directives at Eskom and local government level.
It also intends to engage with government on proposals for load shedding, rationing and new connections for large projects
As a result, says the council, major users - mostly in the minerals value chain - will continue to bear the "burden of the emergency" in the form of reduced supply.
While business representatives council are optimistic that there'll be a significant contribution to power supply through co-generation projects in the coming months, the council - established at May's National Electricity Summit - has called on consumers to do better than their current 4% saving on electricity consumption.
"Both public buildings like retail malls, office and government buildings, as well as households can and must do more," the council said.
It is chaired by Mbeki and comprises senior leaders from government, business, community and labour - the four constituencies that make up the National Economic Development & Labour Council (Nedlac).
In a statement released after the meeting, the council said: "While we appreciate the savings that have been attained by the industry, we still believe more can be achieved through efficiency in production and maintenance.
"Higher electricity prices have become unavoidable, although it is agreed that government should mitigate the impact on poor households and communities. Households can reduce their bills by limiting electricity use."
In addition, the meeting agreed on the importance of fast-tracking a protocol for new connections and measures to encourage increased generation of electricity.
The NSACE will be the primary point of contact for business, labour and government in respect of policy implementation. The council also adopted an action plan to provide support for increasing energy efficiencies and upping the supply of electricity. This includes fast tracking co-generation, supporting Eskom's programme to build new capacity and improve its skills base, and enhance maintenance across the electricity supply chain.
Pricing of electricity is also on the council's agenda; it will monitor and advise on the new tariff directives at Eskom and local government level.
It also intends to engage with government on proposals for load shedding, rationing and new connections for large projects
Energy management and carbon credits
Johannesburg - The estimated consumption of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.5% compared with May 2007, Statistics SA said on Thursday.
The estimated volume of electricity consumed (available for distribution) for the three months ending May 2008 decreased by 1.5% compared with the three months ending May 2007.
Electricity consumption after seasonal adjustment for the latest three months ending May 2008 decreased by 0.6%, compared with the previous three months ended February 2008.
The estimated production of electricity, after seasonal adjustment, showed a decrease of 2.1% for the three months ending May 2008 compared with the preceding three months, Stats SA said.
The estimated total production of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.1% compared with May 2007.
The estimated production of electricity during the latest three months ending May 2008 decreased by 1.1% compared with the same period of 2007.
International trade in electricity for 2008 to date showed annual decreases for electricity imported from outside South Africa (-20.7%) and electricity exported to neighbouring countries (-2.2%).
"The decrease in imports of electricity in the first five months of 2008 resulted from reduced availability from the Cahorra Bassa scheme owing to the planned refurbishment of an Eskom converter station, and the unavailability of the transmission network in Zambia, owing to system instability in that country."
The estimated volume of electricity consumed (available for distribution) for the three months ending May 2008 decreased by 1.5% compared with the three months ending May 2007.
Electricity consumption after seasonal adjustment for the latest three months ending May 2008 decreased by 0.6%, compared with the previous three months ended February 2008.
The estimated production of electricity, after seasonal adjustment, showed a decrease of 2.1% for the three months ending May 2008 compared with the preceding three months, Stats SA said.
The estimated total production of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.1% compared with May 2007.
The estimated production of electricity during the latest three months ending May 2008 decreased by 1.1% compared with the same period of 2007.
International trade in electricity for 2008 to date showed annual decreases for electricity imported from outside South Africa (-20.7%) and electricity exported to neighbouring countries (-2.2%).
"The decrease in imports of electricity in the first five months of 2008 resulted from reduced availability from the Cahorra Bassa scheme owing to the planned refurbishment of an Eskom converter station, and the unavailability of the transmission network in Zambia, owing to system instability in that country."
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