The SA Renewable Energy Council (Sarec) has been formally launched as the umbrella body and ‘single voice’ for all renewable-energy associations in the country.
According to an Engineering News report, the organisation comprises the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association, the SA Wind Energy Association (Sawea), the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa and the Southern African Solar Thermal and Electricity Association, and has set up offices in Johannesburg. Chair Johan van den Berg, who is also CEO of Sawea, said Sarec had its genesis in 2011 when the various associations participated individually in the drafting of the Green Economic Accord. Through that process, government made a request for the creation of a single entity with which it could consult. Van den Berg does not envisage Sarec displacing the lobbying and advocacy efforts of the various member associations. Instead, it will seek to encourage the development and deployment of renewable energy in SA’s energy mix. One of Sarec’s first projects will be the production of a documentary exploring the impact that the first wind and solar projects have had on surrounding communities, the report states.
Full Engineering News report
Staying with renewables: With increasing pressure of load shedding this winter, one of the biggest wind farms in SA has started operating commercially and will be officially inaugurated in July, says a report in The Herald. The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm achieved its commercial operations date on schedule and on budget to supply 460 000 megawatt (MWh) of green electricity a year to the Eskom grid, according to the report which notes this is enough energy to power more than 100 000 homes. All 60 turbines at the wind farm were commissioned and connected to the Eskom grid last month, and last week the energy provider gave the operators the go-ahead after fulfilling all the requirements to provide electricity to the grid. ‘It is astounding to think this project was constructed in just 18 months. It is testament to how swiftly renewable energy can be deployed to help meet the energy needs of SA,’ project manager Leo Quinn is quoted in the report as saying.
Full report in The Herald (subscription needed)
New umbrella body for renewables sector formally launched
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