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Wednesday, November 26, 2008.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon O'Donnell.

Making headlines today:

The South African government has received more than 100 renewable-energy project proposals. Some involve as much as 5 000 MW of potential generation capacity. This is in response to its recent call for expressions of interest that closed on October 12th.

The Department of Minerals and Energy is currently sifting through the proposals to assess their technical viability.

The department didn't provide details about the proposals or the bidder, but confirmed that 45% of the applications related to wind-energy, 34% to biomass projects and 8% for small-scale hydro schemes. It also confirmed that projects had been proposed in all nine of South Africa's provinces.

Government had set a renewable-energy target of 10 000 GWh by 2013 and had also outlined a ‘Renewable Energy Framework'. The framework outlined that electric, or grid-connected, projects would contribute 6 000 GWh and nonelectric technologies, the balance.


South Africa's economic growth slowed to a decade low in the third quarter of 2008, backing calls for a rate cut as tight monetary policy eats into consumer demand.

Statistics South Africa said that seasonally-adjusted, annualised third quarter growth braked to 0,2% quarter-on-quarter - its lowest level since 1998 - compared to an upwardly revised 5,1% growth in the second quarter.

The economy grew by 2,9% year-on-year.

Manufacturing, mining and the retail and wholesale sectors all contracted during the period from a fairly high base in the previous three months. These sectors together make up about one-third of the economy.


Also making headlines:

JSE-listed specialist chemical services company Omnia's profit is up 285%.
Construction and engineering firm Murray & Roberts will implement cost-cutting measures, but maintains its growth guidance.
South Africa will set up a technology innovation agency early in 2009.
And, national carrier South African Airways will launch a new route to Buenos Aires next year, as part of its broader growth strategy.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.