Following on the success of the launch of Viridis Africa 2011, where more than 20 major investment opportunities were presented to prospective investors, Viridis Africa is now soliciting business plans in the clean tech industry from entrepreneurs seeking funding to turn their projects to account.

On the African continent today, South Africa is the only country to possess a nuclear reactor, and its developments in this field will undoubtedly influence other African countries. If funds and efforts are focused on nuclear power, this inhibits the development of renewable energy, which is the only long term clean solution.

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published a study mapping the potential of renewable energy sources in Africa. The report analyses the current energy consumption in Africa and assesses potential of renewable energy sources - solar, wind, biomass and hydropower - and their cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.

‘Greening’ has become a priority within many different industries and even within the home. Various new products are available, which promise to be environmentally friendly, with little impact on our environment. Although this is good vision, South Africa is still responsible for 42% of the continent’s gas emissions, mainly as a by-product of power generation.

Nothing less than an energy revolution is required to achieve the targets that have been set globally and in South Africa. Yet even the most stringent goals can be realised, with sufficient commitment from all stakeholders. If you have a personal or business interest in the future of energy in our country, there's an event you don't want to miss. Introducing The Sustainable Energy Seminar 2010, an event that seeks to provide practical solutions for South African energy stakeholders.

This Seminar will bring together some of the country's energy stakeholders who will be playing meaningful roles in either initiating energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and policy or specifying and manufacturing the products and technologies that will change the way we deal with energy in South Africa.

Top South African and International presentations and focused workshop sessions will be jam-packed into this 1-day Seminar which will be held at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria on the 6th October 2010.  Click here to view the provisional programme.

network with decision-makers

The Seminar will be accompanied by an exhibition of industry products and services and delegates will be able to network with the country's sector decision-makers as they enjoy a tea and lunch service between sessions.

Presentations will contribute practically to some of the most important energy/electricity discourses in South Africa. Presenters will attempt to incorporate environmental, economic and social impacts.

The Sustainable Energy Seminar is a micro-event and limited delegate seats are available.
Click here for rates and booking forms.

Who are the delegates?

* Property Owners
* Engineers
* Environmental Designers
* Urban and Town Planners
* Architects
* Building Certification Professionals
* Technologists
* Facilities Managers
* Plant Engineers
* Government Managers and DG's
* Local and National government
* City Managers
* Municipal Managers
* Utilities managers and consultants
* Commercial Property Owners and
* Developers
* Heavy Industry Private Sector
* Heavy Industry
* Public/Parastatal/Mining
* Corporate Commercial Managers
* Academia and Research Institutes
* Councils and Voluntary Associations
Contact them:

www.energy-resource.co.za
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            021 447 4733      

photo: Saha partner Michael Pead

Nothing less than an energy revolution is required to achieve the targets that have been set globally and in South Africa. Yet even the most stringent goals can be realised, with sufficient commitment from all stakeholders.

South Africa can create around 150 000 new jobs in the energy sector in the next 20 years, and at the same time safeguard against catastrophic climate change - according to Greenpeace's new 'Advanced Energy [R]evolution' report.

Civil society groups are up in arms in response to the statement by Minister Dipuo Peters at the Investec Power Summit in Sandton on Tuesday, that South Africa could build 'a fleet of five or six nuclear power stations'.

This is particularly alarming, given the recent release of an authoritative report by an eminent group of Russian scientists that concludes (based on records now available) some 985,000 people died, mainly of cancer, as a result of the Chernobyl accident. That is between when the accident occurred in 1986 and 2004. More deaths, it projects, will follow.

'If you don't know where you're going, any road will lead you there.'
This is as true in achieving sustainable energy efficiency as in any other core business outcome. Being Energy Smart means having stretched targets. You also need to understand what is required to bridge the gap between your current situation and the goals you want to achieve, or the state to be.