Petrochemicals giant Sasol has announced a sponsorship of R3-million over the next five years to the support solar thermal energy research by the University of Stellenbosch’s Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.

Sasol said on Tuesday that the money would be used to appoint a senior researcher in the field to lead the research effort, and to purchase new equipment for the University’s solar roof laboratory.

This funding, which would be done through Sasol Technology, is in addition to an investment of R4-million by the University to expand the research facilities and to appoint support staff in the solar thermal energy research group.

This investment formed part of Sasol’s commitment to invest in South African universities.

“Stellenbosch University see environmental sustainability and renewable energy in particular, as a key focus area for our research. As part of the overarching strategic plan the University showed its commitment towards solar thermal energy research with a substantial investment. We look forward to developing more industry partnerships in this important area of research,” said senior director of research and innovation Dr Therina Theron.

Stellenbosch University has established research and teaching expertise spanning a wide spectrum in renewable energy, and in particular in solar thermal energy. The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering has a long history of involvement with the South African power generation industry.

Over the last 11 years, the department has focused on bulk renewable solar power generation. The solar chimney type power plant is an example, where a number of research projects were successfully completed.

This solar thermal energy research at Stellenbosch University supported Sasol’s initiative to investigate opportunities in the field of renewable energies and low-carbon electricity. During 2008, Sasol formed a new Energy division with the prime focus to develop business opportunities to reduce the company’s green house gas footprint.

“Southern Africa is blessed with some of the best solar radiation in the world, which is why Sasol supports the development of solar energy technologies as a viable renewable energy source for Southern Africa within a carbon-constrained future,” the company said in a statement.