The rising demand for reliable energy supply in South Africa and the growing requirement for industry to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases are attracting renewable energy companies to South Africa.

One of the latest companies to offer alternative energy generation options to South Africa is Helius Energy, which installs and operates biomass-fired renewable electricity generation plants.

The firm, which listed on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) of the London Stock Exchange on January 31, will initially focus on the UK and Southern Africa.

Through its Southern African subsidiary, Helius Energy Africa, the company is currently in discussions with Eskom to become a significant independent power producer that will concentrate on renewable energy.

Helius Energy Africa is pursuing opportunities to develop its 50-MW biomass power plants and its modular GreenSwitch 5-MW plants in South Africa. Helius will employ leading international suppliers of thermal power generation services and environmental engineering ser- vices to install and operate these plants. Helius Energy Africa MD Dr Mohammed Jahed says that governments and business worldwide are committing to greener and cleaner energy solutions.

“This, along with the growing demand for power, offers an ideal opportunity for the introduction of ‘green electricity’ to the Southern African market,” Jahed adds.

Helius Energy Africa has been approached to join the Power Commissions Working Party in Zambia and is in discussion with the government of Zambia for the establishment of new power plants, and the upgrading of existing facilities. Moreover, the company is also in discussion with the government of the Kingdom of Swazi- land for a power supply agreement. Jahed says that these projects will go a long way to securing electricity in Southern Africa, which is facing an ever-growing energy crisis.

“We believe that listing on Aim offers us an opportunity to further enhance our ability to take advantage of the exciting opportunities to develop biomass as a sustainable source of renewable power,” he adds.

The company is the first of its kind in the biomass industry to list on Aim.

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