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George Municipality to buy privately generated ‘green’ energy

Nov 092010

George Municipality could be the first municipality in South Africa to buy privately generated electricity. The news was revealed at a site inspection on 25 October 2010 of the R200-million green energy to electricity project, between the state owned Central Energy Fund (CEF), Carbon & Environmental Options (C&EO) and other stakeholders.

In the Picture – Ms Busi Mabuza – CEF Group Chairperson, Karel Siegel, MBH Executive; Dr Phindile Masangane – Project Manager CEF and Mr Mputumi Damane – CEF Group CEO with some of the equipment for the proposed green energy to electricity project.

According to CEF project manager Dr Phindile Masangane, the plant will produce a maximum of 8.8 megawatts electricity (MWe) and could export a maximum of 7.5 MWe into George’s electricity grid by 2012. This would provide George with about 10 percent of its electricity requirements.
George Municipality will not be making a capital investment in the plant as it will be funded by CEF and its partners.
George Executive Deputy Mayor Lionel Esau, councillors and the electro-technical department paid a visit to the site with Dr Masangane, CEF chairman Busi Mabuza, chief executive Mputumi Damane and MBH Energy executive Karl Siegal to inspect equipment that has been imported from India.
MBH Energy will build the air-cooled power island that will convert the green waste to electricity.
The plant requires 110 000 tonnes of green waste, such as forest and sawmill waste, woodchips, bark and sawdust to generate the required electricity per annum. Siegel said the waste would be burnt in a boiler which would generate 4 000 tons of steam that would then turn the turbine that powers the alternator to produce the electricity.

Masangane said that 75% of the main equipment is already on site, which stands on the former Sonae Novabord property in George Industria.
Construction of the plant could start in August 2011 and if plans go according to schedule, the plant could be commissioned within nine months.

Source – George Municipality

Western Cape launches GreenCape initiative

renewable energy 1 Response »

Nov 052010

A new initiative to promote renewable energy and the green economy in the Western Cape was launched in Cape Town on Friday.

The GreenCape initiative is a government-funded, industry-led initiative to support the development of renewable energy in the province.

Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism Alan Winde said at a media briefing that the provincial government wanted to go from “talk to action”. The initiative had been mandated with the roll-out of a comprehensive green economy strategy.

He said that the provincial government provided R5-million to kick-start projects in the sector.

“This initiative is supported by each and every member of the Cabinet, including the premier. We are building a new sector in this province, and from it, we will achieve significant growth and jobs”, said Winde.

He stated that the Western Cape had set itself a target to achieve a 15% shift to renewable energy generation by 2014.

This had the potential to create 20 000 jobs and attract R45-billion worth of investment into the province over the next ten years.

The GreenCape initiative had been established to facilitate the achievement of the target and growth of the province’s renewable energy sector.

Dr Francois du Plessis has been appointed the CEO of GreenCape.

Speaking at a renewable energy and green economy conference in Cape Town on Friday, Du Plessis said that the objective of the initiative was to ensure that the Western Cape was at the forefront of green technology.

Its primary goals in its first two years of operation would be to become the ‘shop window’ for the sector and to promote the transition of the Western Cape economy to greater resource efficiency and a low-carbon future. It would also seek to build manufacturing capabilities in the province and to create new jobs.

“I will be held accountable for removing barriers to green business,” added Du Plessis.

GreenCape would have 15 board members, which would report to Winde.

The initiative would focus its attention on six priority areas through the use of sub-committees including, wind, solar water heaters, bio-energy, skills, policy and incubation.

Du Plessis added that the Western Cape had several competitive advantages in the renewable energy sectors. The province had two-thirds of South Africa’s wind resources and had good solar and biomass potential, the province had four tertiary institutions, and it had a diversified manufacturing base.

Source – Engineeringnews.co.za

Solar water heating systems: The obvious solution

Solar Water heating No Responses »

Oct 212010

Households that invest in solar water heating can get a subsidy of up to 40% from Eskom on equipment.

GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS – A new report released by the department of energy warns that power failures are once again on the agenda unless drastic measures are implemented.
What exactly these measures entail, remains unclear.
But by being pro-active, you can ensure that your own household is at least always assured of the comfort of hot water.
Only a few years ago you really had to search for a company to install a solar water heating system, but today prospective clients can pick and choose between 500 suppliers countrywide.

Get the right supplier
But, has this made it any easier? In quantity maybe, but pick your supplier very carefully.
The key to a system that will suit your household needs perfectly, lies in determining your exact needs. The system should provide in your hot water needs, save you money and minimise your carbon footprint. As electricity prices escalate, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved the introduction of preferential rates for those who invest in solutions for reduced energy consumption.

Households that invest in solar water heating can get a subsidy of up to 40% from Eskom on equipment, and will also be able to reduce energy costs through the preferential rate on offer.
The residential inclining block tariff has four different rates with lower consumption blocks offering lower rates.
But regardless of these special tariffs to Eskom clients, a solar heating system will save everybody 70% of their monthly water heating bill.
That is, if you have the right system.

How to get the rebate
Vincent Davis, technical director of Green Power Solar Systems says many myths surround the issue of Eskom rebates. “Countrywide about 5500 households have received rebates after installing solar heating systems. It was implemented about two years ago to reduce the residential load. It needs to come down by about 10%. In 15 years’ time we will need double our current capacity.”

But the energy provider’s long-term inability to cater for our needs is not the only reason not to delay installing a solar system.
The Eskom subsidy is expected to decrease over the next four years and a 40% saving is not to be sneered at.
However, Davis says Eskom is very strict and will only pay out the subsidy if you abide by its rules.

“The size of the rebate depends on the performance of the system ie how much units you save Eskom, the system that you install, and then it must also be supplied and installed by an Eskom accredited supplier. The system must also be SABS approved.” A list of approved suppliers can be found at www.eskomdsm.co.za.

Davis says people should also look at the guarantee and warranty and whether it is SABS approved or just SABS tested. “This could make a huge difference as the SABS mark of approval means that the whole manufacturing process has been inspected and ensures quality of product.”

Go green
A 150-litre heating system will spare the atmosphere 1,6 tons of CO² per year – the burning of 820kg coal.
New legislation will force all new homes of 300m² or more to fit solar geysers and other ener-gy saving products.
And the green benefit will also have a ‘green buck’ spin-off.
The resale value of green pro-perties shows a dramatic increase as people are increa-singly in tune with eco friendly investments. According to Davis, Green Power is into solutions, not the selling of products.
“Every home and family pose unique challenges and to get the most out of your solar heating system in all respects, all factors should be considered and brought together to ensure the perfect solution for you.”

ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD George Herald

China a surprise leader in clean energy: study

renewable energy No Responses »

Oct 212010

The world’s top polluter, China, is a surprise leader in clean energy efforts, a study showed Tuesday, outstripping the United States and Japan and leaving Australia lagging far behind.

A wind turbine complex on the Zhemo Mountain on the outskirts of Dali in China's southwestern province of Yunnan. AFP PHOTO / FILES / LIU Jin

The Vivid Economics report, commissioned by Australia’s Climate Institute thinktank, showed China was second only to Britain in the value of its incentives to cut pollution from electricity generation.

Britain’s efforts were estimated at 29.30 US dollars per tonne of carbon to China’s 14.20 US dollars, with the United States clocking 5.10, Japan 3.10, Australia 1.70 and just 70 US cents for South Korea.

The six countries account for just under half of all global emissions.

“The Chinese leadership have made a strategic decision that they missed out on the last two industrial revolutions and they don’t want to miss out on the third one,” said Erwin Jackson, director of the Climate Institute, of China’s “surprising” dominance.

“They are now commanding the largest market share of clean energy investment at a global level as a result,” Jackson told AFP.

China’s investment in clean energy topped 35 billion US dollars in 2009 compared with 11 billion in Britain and 18 billion in the United States, and Jackson said it was set to increase tenfold over the next decade.

The main driver of China’s performance was its commitment to shutting down more than 100 small coal-fired power plants for cleaner coal stations by 2011, which the report said would reduce emissions by 15 percent.

It also offered subsidies worth billions of yuan for green energy projects, aiming to generate 15 percent of the nation’s total energy from renewable sources by 2020.

In Japan, 10 major power producers had joined a voluntary scheme aiming to cut emissions by 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2012, a major initiative which accounted for more than half of its clean energy rating.

Variations of an emissions cap-and-trade system were in place in South Korea, Britain, Tokyo, and parts of the United States, the report said.

The study said there were few policies which applied directly to coal, despite the fact it was the major source of fuel and carbon pollution for the six countries.

It also warned that none of the countries was on track to meet reduction targets agreed after last year’s global climate summit at Copenhagen, with Japan lagging worst in relative terms.

Jackson said the report showed that Europe and China were ahead of the game on pollution reduction investment, far outpacing countries such as Australia — the world’s worst per capita polluter due to its heavy dependence on coal.

Without action to price carbon, he said Australia risked falling foul of anti-pollution taxes, with countries such as Japan and India already taxing imports of coal and similar moves foreshadowed in the United States and Europe.

Australian Climate Change Minister Greg Combet welcomed the report, saying a carbon price “will not only provide an incentive to reduce pollution but also … drive this country’s long-term competitiveness”.

The ruling Labor party in Australia, the world’s largest coal exporter, has shelved emissions trading laws after failing to pass them and nearly lost power at August polls, with the eco-minded Greens party winning a record vote share.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, now at the head of a Greens-backed coalition government, has urged penalties for carbon pollution and formed a cross-party committee to investigate the best way to slash emissions.

Source – The Times

GM To Install Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

renewable energy No Responses »

Oct 192010

chargepoint-sydney-charging-station-electric-vehicle-car-lg

Envision Solar International has announced that the company has been selected by General Motors, LLC to install its CleanCharge solar powered electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations integrated into EnvisionTrak tracking Solar Trees at a number of prominent locations.

“We are pleased to have been selected by General Motors for these strategic installations that will enable Chevy Volts to leverage clean solar power to recharge their batteries without relying on carbon fuel generated electricity,” said Bob Noble, CEO of Envision Solar.

“We applaud GM’s commitment to clean energy as well as green job creation through this initiative.”

The Chevy Volt extended-range electric car is expected to hit showrooms in November 2010 and will be rolled out initially in California, Michigan, Washington, D.C., Texas and New York. New Jersey and Connecticut will join in mid-2011.

“GM is committed to reducing carbon emissions and reliance on petroleum,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, global product operations.

“We chose Envision Solar because its clean charging infrastructure allows us to maximize the environmental benefits of our electric vehicles through the use of clean renewable energy and further demonstrates our commitment to the proliferation of sustainable EV charging infrastructure.”

Envision Solar’s Solar Tree with EnvisionTrak is a highly engineered parking lot solar array that is 20 to 25 percent more productive than conventional fixed solar arrays, due to the incorporation of dual axis tracking which enables the canopy to follow the sun throughout the day.

“We have designed this technology with an architectural focus that enhances the overall aesthetic of corporate and commercial campuses,” Noble added. “The addition of our CleanCharge system makes this a truly comprehensive design and technology package, offering a value-added investment for businesses anticipating the dramatic growth in the electric vehicle market over the next decade.”

Pike Research forecasts that the market for plug-in hybrid and battery electric passenger cars and light duty trucks will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 106 percent between 2010 and 2015, resulting in sales of more than 3.24 million vehicles during that period.

Source – www.solardaily.com

Carbonworx - Carbon Free campaign

Green Tips No Responses »

Sep 222010

If you’ve been watching SABC3, you may have seen an advertisement about the Carbon Free campaign. SABC have partnered up with CarbonWorx to encourage ordinary South Africans to play a role in solving the carbon emission problem and contributing to environmental change.

How it works
You purchase a Carbon Free card to have an indigenous tree planted in a protected sanctuary. You then get the GPS co-ordinates of your tree’s location so you can monitor it and watch it grow. With your card, you can also participate in additional programs to accrue points through retailers and suppliers. These points can be redeemed for additional trees.

Carbonworx also offers a corporate programme, where businesses can purchase cards as gifts for employees or clients. These cards can also contain the company’s logo, which may be very beneficial when marketing your company as “green”.

We think this makes an unusual and earth-friendly corporate gift. Do away with pointless notebooks which waste paper and plant a TREE instead! Click here for more info!

We have just signed up and paid to support this worthwhile programme.

South Africa's solution to the drought.

Garden Route water, Greywater Harvesting, rainwater harvesting, water harvesting 5 Responses »

Sep 212010

A typical Rainwater Harvesting system, installed by Water Rhapsody.

Rainwater Harvesting is fast becoming a necessity to survival in some parts of South Africa. It’s the best way of going green and being kind to the environment. The Garden Route is currently going through the worst drought in 153 years, with heavy water restrictions imposed in Mosselbay.

Today it was confirmed that Beaufort West is experiencing its worst drought in over 100 years. Water levels of the Gamka dam reached an all-time low of minus nine percent last week. The town now rely on borehole water.

South Africa’s dams can no longer supply the volume of water required by ever growing population. There is not a single river left in the Western Cape that can be dammed anymore. We simply have no other options.

Water Conservation including Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater re-use, is the only long term sustainable solution to South Africa’s water crises. Continue reading »

Bay engineers plan Eskom-free living - Wind turbines and Solar systems

renewable energy 2 Responses »

Sep 212010

IMAGINE Nelson Mandela Bay filled with small, silent wind turbines and solar systems – and no more reliance on Eskom.

That is the vision of a pair of Port Elizabeth engineers who have designed a “hybrid inverter”, the Renovo Power Solution, which they say could save consumers millions at the same time as saving the world.

Wiegand von Hasseln and Trevor van Onselen have launched a series of public seminars to publicise their invention which they say is “the first energy system mix, manufactured and available for the open market, of its kind in South Africa”.

It is also the cheapest, they say, because the price of R2279 a month, paid off over five years, for their 1kW system, matches the cheapest wind turbine so far produced – and they are adding a photo-voltaic solar panel component. And from that price you can also, each month, subtract your current electricity bill. Continue reading »

21 Ways To Use Old Coffee Grounds

Green Tips 3 Responses »

Sep 202010

Finding new uses for the old is a creative and fun way to live green and help the environment.

Have you ever wondered what other ways coffee grounds could be used after making that much needed morning pot of coffee. For all you java junkies, here are some tips for using coffee grounds.

Used coffee grounds get rid of cellulite. “Mix 1/4 cup warm, used coffee grounds and one tablespoon of olive oil. While standing over an old towel or newspaper, apply the mixture to your problem areas. Next, wrap the areas with shrink wrap and leave on for several minutes. Unwind the wrap, brush loose grounds off your skin and then shower with warm water. For best results, it is recommended to repeat this procedure twice a week.”

Now, on to other tips for using old coffee grounds.

1. Soften and add shine to hair. When washing your hair, rub coffee grounds through wet hair and rinse. For brown hair, coffee grounds add highlights.
2. Use coffee grounds as an exfoliant for skin. Pat on skin, massage over skin, rinse.
3. Add coffee grounds to your skin mask beauty routine.
4. Make homemade tattoos (temporary) with henna and coffee grounds.
5. Fertilize plants. Old coffee grounds are nutrient-rich for plants that thrive in an acidic soil.
6. Add used coffee grounds to the pots of indoor plants.
7. Work used coffee grounds into your garden soil before seed planting. After your plants start to emerge, work in coffee grounds near the plants. Used coffee grounds are said to repel snails and slugs as well as adding nutrients to the soil.
8. Increase your carrot and radish harvest by mixing seeds with dry coffee grounds before planting the seeds.
9. Use coffee grounds to repel ants.
10. Keep cats from using your garden as a kitty box by spreading used coffee grounds and orange peels throughout flower beds. Continue reading »

Simply Green Anti Cancer

Green Tips No Responses »

Sep 152010

Install water tanks and start growing your own vegetables and you could reduce your chances of getting cancer, by eating inexpensive, healthy organic foods.

GARLIC has a number of compounds that protect your skin, colon’ and lungs.

DARK LEAFY GREENS full of antitioxidents called carotenoids. They search out the free radicals from the body before cancer growth can take place.

GRAPES ( and red wine) have a chemical called resvertrol. which can prevent cell damage.

GREEN TEA Flavonoids in green tea have proved to slow or even prevent colon , liver , breast and prostate cancer. Continue reading »

Older Entries

George Municipality to buy privately generated ‘green’ energy

Western Cape launches GreenCape initiative

Solar water heating systems: The obvious solution

China a surprise leader in clean energy: study

The world’s top polluter, China, is a surprise leader in clean energy efforts, a study showed Tuesday, outstripping the United States and Japan and leaving Australia lagging far behind.

GM To Install Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

Carbonworx - Carbon Free campaign

South Africa's solution to the drought.

Bay engineers plan Eskom-free living - Wind turbines and Solar systems

21 Ways To Use Old Coffee Grounds

Simply Green Anti Cancer

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The world’s top polluter, China, is a surprise leader in clean energy efforts, a study showed Tuesday, outstripping the United States and Japan and leaving Australia lagging far behind.

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