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Energy efficient products exhibited in Gauteng
An energy exhibition was held at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, from 6-8 June 2008 to create awareness around energy efficiency and renewable energy while mobilising all households and business to participate in reducing energy consumption.
Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu addressed the Energy Expo (Energex) which drew to a close on Sunday.
She said it was an opportunity to develop the energy sector and address the challenge of reducing greenhouse gasses which contribute towards climate change.
Organised by the department, the expo displayed the various energy saving products that can be used to address the 10% reduction need to save electricity.
Earlier this year government requested businesses to reduce energy consumption by 10% to help reduce the demand of electricity and reduce the risk of load shedding.
Speaking to BuaNews during the exhibition, Mahlangu said a comprehensive strategy for renewable energy has become essential.
“New business models need to be developed for all products to become commercially competitive, as a result we [as a department] are committed to supporting the development of all costs effective energy efficient technologies for the country and other provinces,” the MEC said.
South Africa is among a handful of countries which have set a comprehensive target for energy efficiency improvements, she added.
The Energy Efficiency Strategy, compiled by the Department of Minerals and Energy seeks to acquire a final energy demand reduction of 12% by 2015. A saving of 4,255 megawatts is needed over 20 years.
Mahlangu said the way forward for the province was to develop a seven year Energy Efficiency Strategy by the end of the year.
“This plan needs to be implemented by 2009. Cooperation from various stakeholders in the province in ensuring that Gauteng becomes an energy efficient province, is highly appreciated,” the MEC said.
In May earlier this year, Mahlangu addressed the three-day Institute for International Research (IIR's) Optimising Power and Production Conference.
Delegates discussed new mechanisms to address the power crisis in the province.
Gauteng Local Government spokesperson Themba Sepotokele said at the time the conference looked at methods which could be put in place to generate more power and reduce load-shedding and complete power outages.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
