According to experts on this subject, solar energy is the favoured source of renewable energy and is recommended for residential and commercial purposes in South Africa and the world. As one of the most abundant and readily available sources of alternative energy found globally, it has a number of advantages over energy supplied by fossil fuels, these include energy saving, cost saving and environment benefits.
Research in South Africa on new solar powered lighting using the latest LED technology reports significant positive impacts on life in rural communities. An enhanced sense of safety, cost savings, increased social cohesion, more school homework done and enhanced health and well-being.
"CNBC Africa looks forward to hosting the Philips African Dialogues; the second episode focuses on renewable energy which plays a major role in Africa's future. CNBC Africa strives to bring you content that is leading, actionable and insightful. The outstanding calibre of the candidates guarantees a lively and engaging debate", says the executive director of the ABN Group, Bronwyn Nielsen.
Among the panellists at this dialogue are JJ van Dongen, vice president and CEO Philips Africa; Andrew Etzinger, senior GM integrated demand management, Eskom; Professor Wilhelm Leuschner, head of Department, Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria and Itotia Njagi, manager at Lighting Africa Program, IFC. CNBC Africa anchor, Hannah Viviers will moderate the discussion, which will be filmed in the CNBC Africa Sandton studio in Johannesburg, South Africa.
"Lighting is in the midst of a very exciting revolution", says van Dongen, "We are moving to highly efficient LED lighting, which when combined with the latest solar and battery developments, can provide excellent, reliable and cost-effective lighting solutions for the 1.6 billion people around the world who currently live without electricity. A shift to LED lighting solutions will allow Africa to make a technology leap in the same way as mobile phone are doing right now, and offers the continent and indeed the world very significant benefits."
