Construction sector facing problems: Gigaba
Times Live 17 October 2013 The South African construction industry is confronted with major delivery problems, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Wednesday. “The delays and disruptions, poor site management, time and cost variations, skills and competence issues… and lack of worker
Solar energy to undercut coal in South Africa: Frost & Sullivan
PV Tech 17 October 2013 Electricity from solar power could be the cheapest in South Africa by 2020, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan. The study, commissioned by the South Africa Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), found that state utility Eskom will be selling coal-fired electrici
8th Southern African Energy Efficiency Convention (2013SAEEC)
This two-day convention will feature over 70 speakers, 50 exhibitors and 500 delegates and annually brings together stakeholders in the energy efficiency sector including equipment suppliers, consulting engineers, energy service companies, end-users of energy, utilities and researchers. Topics covered
France to lend €100m to Eskom for solar power
Engineering News – ONLINE 14 October 2013 France will lend €100-million to South African state power utility Eskom to help it finance solar power projects in Africa’s largest economy, according to a communique obtained by Reuters on Monday. The deal will be signed as a part of a summit
Standard Bank backing another R10bn worth of SA renewables projects
Engineering News – ONLINE 14 October 2013 Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking reports that it is backing projects worth R10-billion as part of South Africa’s third renewable-energy bidding round, which is currently in the final stages of adjudication. During the first bidding round,
S&P’s says Eskom will need another R50bn injection to close funding gap
Engineering News – ONLINE 14 October 2013 Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P’s) has downgraded Eskom’s standalone credit profile (SACP) to ‘b-‘ from ‘b’ and has indicated that it believes the utility will require additional funding of about R50-billion to clo
Japan Next-Generation Farmers Cultivate Crops and Solar Energy
Renewable Energy World.COM 11 October 2013 Farmers in Japan can now generate solar electricity while growing crops on the same farmland. In April, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) approved installation of PV systems on existing, crop-producing farmland. Previously solar generatio
UPDATE: India Invites 750 MW of National Solar Bids After 2-Year Gap
Renewable Energy World.COM 08 October 2013 India called for bids to build 750 megawatts of solar plants in its first national auction since 2011 and is offering about 18.75 billion rupees ($303 million) in grants. Bids are due by Nov. 29, state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India said on its website.
Five things you need to know about: the return of direct current
How the idea of channeling direct current electricity using circuit breakers could give rise to supergrids. What is it? Why the renewed interest in DC? What are the applications? What do the critics say? So is it the future or just ani che technology? Read more
What is Solar Worth to a Utility?
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD.COM 30 September 2013 It’s an issue of national debate, but one unexpected state — Minnesota — is engaging a formal process for determining the methodology for setting the value of solar. As the first multi-utility process, it’s likely to set a precedent nationwide for wha
