Capitalising on high sunshine, Solar Capital selected as preferred bidder for solar energy

Solar Capital has been selected by the Department of Energy (DoE) as a preferred bidder in an R18 billion deal to supply South African energy grid with electricity generated by its photovoltaic solar farms. Dr Mamphela Ramphele chairs the renewable energy company, based in Cape Town, which was founded by CEO Paschal Phelan, who immigrated to South Africa ten years ago from his native Ireland. 13 Dec 2011 09:29

Durban reaches historic deal

[Kemantha Govender] Governments, including 38 industrialised countries, have agreed to a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol from January 2013 as the COP17 drew to a close on early hours of Sunday morning. 12 Dec 2011 08:44

2016 deadline for old light bulbs

It will take government four years to change South Africa's light bulbs. 7 Dec 2011 14:46

Neethlingshof becomes biodiversity & wine initiative champion

Neethlingshof is the 23rd winery to become a Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI) Champion, having implemented an extensive biodiversity and conservation programme for several years. Developed by master viticulturist Prof Eben Archer, who was commissioned to re-plan and replant all the vineyards on the farm, the programme is now overseen and executed by winemaker De Wet Viljoen. 7 Dec 2011 10:01

SA praised for proposed climate change legislation

[Kemantha Govender] The South African government has been praised for setting an example by moving to introduce climate change legislation. The second GLOBE Climate Legislation Study was released on Monday and South Africa features in the list of countries reviewed in 2011. 7 Dec 2011 09:57

COP17 'proceeding well'

International relations minister and COP17 president, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, says discussions at COP17 are proceeding as planned and the environment is conducive for constructive engagements. 5 Dec 2011 09:47

Green electricity becomes a reality

Investec and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are equal partners, with each contributing EUR 50 million to a programme to establish a renewable energy funding facility that will promote clean energy generation and energy efficiency initiatives in South Africa, in line with the government's recent Green Economy Accord. 2 Dec 2011 10:32

COP17 can still save Kyoto Protocol

[Chris Bathembu] The dust is beginning to settle at the COP17 talks after two days of drama surrounding the future of the Kyoto Protocol and Canada announcing its imminent breakaway from the climate treaty. 1 Dec 2011 08:45

Energy efficiency 'at top of Wal-Mart's agenda'

[Annaleigh Vallie] US giant Wal-Mart is the world's largest private purchaser of energy and even though it opened its 10000th store last week, its energy bills have been declining, the group's vice-president of international design and construction, Charles Zimmerman, said yesterday, 28 November. 29 Nov 2011 15:10

Green properties through renewable energy - a vision for the future

[Karl van Eck] Improving sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of properties has become an important issue over the last few years, particularly within the commercial sector, due to a combination of social and economic pressures. 29 Nov 2011 12:19

Don't drop the ball, climate delegates told

[Chris Bathembu] International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has called on the delegates attending the climate change conference in South Africa to "retain" the trust that was built in Mexico last year. 29 Nov 2011 10:53

COP17 a defining moment - Zuma

[Chris Bathembu] The much-anticipated UN climate change conference, COP17, kicked off in Durban on Monday, 28 November 2011, with calls for compromise and commitment to curb global carbon emissions. 28 Nov 2011 15:30

African agenda set at COP17

[Kemantha Govender] The South African government recognises its role as the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions on the continent, says Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, as the African agenda is set at COP17. The all-important conference officially got underway in Durban on Monday, 28 November 2011. 28 Nov 2011 13:47

Anglo Plat to demonstrate platinum-based fuel cell generator at COP17

Anglo American Platinum will demonstrate a platinum-based fuel cell generator to attendees at COP17 by supplying power to the local electricity grid. The 150-kilowatt fuel cell will use hydrogen to generate electricity. COP 17 delegates and visitors will have the opportunity to see the fuel cell installation situated close to the conference venue at the Greyville Racecourse. 25 Nov 2011 10:55