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Environmental News

EDS Systems developing first South African carbon tax tool

By: Tracy Hancock 19th May 2020 Software developer EDS Systems is developing the first cloud-based carbon tax tool tailored to the South African market, in response to the introduction of the country’s Carbon Tax Act last year, and has entered the final stages of quality assurance. “There are many carbon tax calculators online,... →

Creecy takes decisive action against Eskom’s noncompliance at Kendal

By: Marleny Arnoldi 18th May 2020 The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has welcomed the decisive action taken against Eskom’s Kendal power station by Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy. The Minister has ordered the State-owned power utility to, within 30 days, stop operations at either Unit 1 or... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy

Covid-19 could exacerbate food insecurity, malnutrition in Africa – WHO

By: Sane Dhlamini 15th May 2020 The World Health Organization has expressed concern at the potential impact of the coronavirus on food security, which it says could worsen malnutrition in Africa. WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti has warned that the virus is threatening livelihoods and household economies... →

Covid-19 catalysing cooperation in water sector

By: Donna Slater 15th May 2020 Water Research Commission CEO Dhesigen Naidoo has said the Covid-19 pandemic was encouraging different water sector role-players to open channels of communication and use digital tools to further their goals of making clean and safe water available to an increased number of people and... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Water Research Commission CEO Dhesigen Naidoo

Joint venture formed for fuel cell production

15th May 2020 Automotive manufacturers Volvo Group and Daimler Truck have signed a preliminary non-binding agreement to establish a new joint venture (JV) to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicle applications and other use cases. Both companies share the Green Deal vision... →

CARBON NEUTRAL TRANSPORT Both companies seek to to offer heavy-duty vehicles with fuel cells for demanding long-haul applications in series production in the second half of the decade

GreenCape highlights green economy growth opportunities

By: Simone Liedtke 14th May 2020 In response to changing market demand, energy services providers are broadening their market offerings, opening up opportunities for equipment suppliers, project developers, technical advisers and investors, reports nonprofit organisation GreenCape. The organisation has published online versions... →

Entrepreneurs urged to document business development from early stage to attract investors

By: Donna Slater 14th May 2020 Entrepreneurs that have started a business or are looking to start a business, especially in the green economy, should start, as soon as possible, with documenting their business development process to ensure they have that information available for when they start looking for investors, YWaste... →

YWaste Solutions MD Emile Fourie discusses how entrepreneurs can navigate starting businesses in the green economy.

Nedbank tables climate risk resolutions for May 22 shareholder meeting

By: Marleny Arnoldi 12th May 2020 In a first for a South African company, Nedbank’s board has tabled its own shareholder resolution on climate risk. Nedbank is also the first and only South African financial institution that has completely excluded the financing of new coal-fired power plants, says nonprofit responsible... →

Climate-smart mining tech even more important in a Covid-19 context – World Bank

By: Marleny Arnoldi 12th May 2020 The production of minerals such as graphite, lithium and cobalt could potentially increase by 500% by 2050 to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies, the World Bank reports. In a report, titled 'Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition',... →

Mistra celebrates 10 years

By: Sane Dhlamini 11th May 2020 The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) has hit ten years of independence and transdisciplinary research. Since May 2010, after much consultation, Mistra was founded by a group of researchers, academics, policymakers and former policy practitioners which created a platform to... →

Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection executive director, Joel Netshitenzhe

Environmental studies, discourse vital to decommissioning

By: Cameron Mackay 8th May 2020 With the decommissioning of South Africa’s two nuclear facilities officially planned for this decade, consulting engineers WSP hydrology senior associate Karen King states that, with all the environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to be conducted, interested and affected party (IAP) engagement... →

KAREN KING As with all EIAs undertaken locally, interested and affected party engagement will be essential. WSP is well-placed to undertake all of these studies

New infrastructure creates opportunities for demolition, decontamination

By: Cameron Mackay 8th May 2020 The development of new infrastructure, particularly in the expanding local mining sector, has created opportunities for demolition solutions provider Jet Demolition to be involved in sectional demolition and decontamination projects, particularly those involving radiological decontamination.... →

ION-OPENING EXPERIENCING Radiological decontamination and demolition projects can involve a range of procedures, including radiological scanning and testing of scrap metal after ultra-high pressure washing

New label can improve consumer education

By: Tracy Hancock 8th May 2020 The next challenge for the South African domestic appliance industry is the migration to a new energy efficiency label under the Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (S&L) programme to improve consumer education. The label will simplify energy classes and provide explanations of... →

ON PAR The energy efficiency of domestic appliances in South Africa is generally of a high standard

South Africa has duty to address SADC energy efficiency

By: Tracy Hancock 8th May 2020 South Africa has a duty to make the energy efficiency knowledge accrued through the Industrial Energy Efficiency Project (IEEP) more accessible to the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to help drive its economic development through globally competitive... →

ENERGY HEAVY South Africa’s industry consumes more than half of the energy used by the industrial sectors in all the remaining SADC States

Researchers report decrease in South African air pollution during lockdown

By: Rebecca Campbell 7th May 2020 Concentrations of air pollutants over South Africa had decreased during the national lockdown (imposed to try and counter the Covid-19 pandemic), preliminary analysis of satellite data indicated. The study was focused on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The research was being... →

Total sets industry’s highest zero-emissions target

By: Marleny Arnoldi 5th May 2020 Petrochemicals giant Total plans to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations worldwide by 2050. This ambition is supported by the strategy to develop Total as a broad-based energy company, with oil and gas, low-carbon electricity and carbon-neutrality solutions as integrated parts of... →

Incentives needed to aid local energy tech

By: Mamaili Mamaila 1st May 2020 While there is an increased focus on local content across several South African industries, government could do more in terms of incentivising local manufacturing, says energy solutions company i-G3n co-founder and director Sydney Phakathi. →

NO FUSS WHATSOEVER i-G3n offers standard solutions that it can also tailor to suit the specific needs of every client

Eskom shuts power plant after warning ash dam may collapse

By: Bloomberg 30th April 2020 Eskom Holdings, South Africa’s State-owned electricity utility, said it has temporarily closed its Camden power plant because the dam where it stores the ash from burning coal could burst and endanger local residents. The 1,600-megawatt power plant will be closed for up to three months after a... →

IFAT Africa trade fair to proceed as planned for 2021

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 28th April 2020 IFAT Africa, the trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling in Sub-Saharan Africa, will be back in Johannesburg in 2021, with an expanded African reach and a range of new highlights. With water, waste management and recycling now more important than ever before, IFAT Africa will showcase... →

Eskom says all repurposing options on table for Komati, Hendrina and Grootvlei

By: Terence Creamer 28th April 2020 State-owned power utility Eskom insists that all options are on the table as it considers proposals for the repurposing of three coal-fired power stations – Komati, Hendrina and Grootvlei – that are scheduled to cease producing electricity between 2022 and 2026. The utility issued an expression... →

Komati

Pipeline repair continues despite Covid-19

24th April 2020 Repair of the Mt Albert high-pressure sludge pipeline is a critical project for city council Wellington’s wastewater network in New Zealand, and one that Wellington Water is committed to progressing during lockdown. Repairing these pipelines is a significant technical challenge, because the... →

Mobile sewage cleaning unit available locally

By: Halima Frost 24th April 2020 Local high-pressure pump supplier Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment has joined forces with sewer cleaning equipment manufacturer Baroclean to supply South Africa’s first rapid response vehicle for sewage cleaning operations. Werner has imported a high-pressure jetting and vacuum pump unit... →

HOT WHEELS The bakkie mounted high-pressure jetting and vacuum pump unit is a compact solution to hard to reach sewage projects

Supplier keeps valves flowing

By: Halima Frost 24th April 2020 Water treatment solutions provider Allmech assures clients that although South Africa is still reeling from the Covid-19 lockdown, implemented last month, the company will continue to supply its water treatment solutions and Runxin filter valves range in the coming months. Runxin valves are... →

"A-RANGED" When all lined up the Allmech Runxin range of valves suites most sewage and water treatment applications

LNG market sees increased clean energy demand

24th April 2020 Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased by 12.5% to 359-million tonnes last year, which is a significant increase that bolsters LNG’s growing role in the transition to a lower carbon energy system. This is according to a LNG outlook report that was published by natural gas and... →

AN EVOLVING MARKET New spot-trading mechanisms and a wider variety of indices used for long-term contracts point towards LNG becoming an increasingly flexible commodity

Drive systems suited for sewage applications

24th April 2020 Industrial equipment supplier BMG offers solutions for the water, wastewater and sewage sectors, encompassing the supply of quality branded drive systems. BMG supplies an extensive range of drive packages from Nord Drivesystems and diversified corporation Sumitomo Drive Technologies including... →

HANDSOME HANSEN BMG offers a full range of gear units that drive aerators, water screws and brush aerators for the sewage and water treatment sector

Solidarity Fund raises R2.6bn

By: Sane Dhlamini 23rd April 2020 Government’s pro bono organisation, the Solidarity Fund on Thursday expressed gratitude to all those who have so far donated to the fund, which has received R2.6-billion in pledges to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The mandate of fund is to mobilise and coordinate financial and... →

IMF approves funding for DRC as Covid-19 shocks economy

By: Sane Dhlamini 23rd April 2020 The Democratic Republic of Congo will receive $363.27-million from the International Monetary Fund for urgent balancing of payment needs, as the country’s short-term economic outlook deteriorates during the coronavirus pandemic. The IMF approved the fund disbursement under the Rapid Credit... →

GWEC launches Memorial Award in honour of late CEO Steve Sawyer

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 22nd April 2020 On the occasion of Earth Day, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has launched a memorial award in honour of its late CEO Steve Sawyer. The REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award will honour Sawyer’s life mission to pioneer the global energy transition, recognising young leaders in... →

DA commends Ramaphosa for approaching IMF, World Bank to fund part of relief package

By: Sane Dhlamini 22nd April 2020 Democratic Alliance interim leader John Steenhuisen has welcomed President’s Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the R500-billion Economic and Social Relief Package and has further applauded the President for approaching the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for funds. During a virtual... →

DA interim leader John Steenhuisen

Climate change remains a top concern for people alongside Covid-19

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd April 2020 Market research and consultancy firm Ipsos has reminded governments to not take their eyes off the issue of climate change amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm notes that eight in every ten South Africans surveyed online believed at the start of this year that average temperatures would... →

Spar introduces new 2 ℓ fully-recyclable milk carton

By: Donna Slater 17th April 2020 Household goods retailer Spar has launched a new 100% recyclable 2 ℓ milk carton, which is made from 87% renewable resources. The entire carton closure, including the cap, is made from plant-based material, and the board used to make the cartons, comes from responsibly-managed forests that are... →

Modular power solutions increasing in Africa

By: Simone Liedtke 17th April 2020 In most power plants across Africa, clients prefer to install modular-type solutions, also known as containerised solutions or e-houses, and dry-type transformers fit “perfectly” within this scope, says transformer supplier and specialist Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen. The preference... →

DAVID CLAASSEN Trafo also designs and customises its transformers according to client specifications and requirements

Decarbonising of local power generation sedate

By: Tracy Hancock 17th April 2020 Decarbonising South Africa’s electricity generation is no longer a technical challenge, it is a political and economic issue, says University of Pretoria Graduate School of Technology Management professor David Walwyn. The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) forecasts that it will take... →

RENEWED PROJECTION The growing appeal of grid-tied and standalone rooftop solar systems may alter the Integrated Resource Plan’s 30-year projection for the decarbonising of South Africa’s electric power generation

BlackRock launches impact fund towards companies driving sustainable goals

By: Marleny Arnoldi 16th April 2020 Financial technology provider BlackRock has launched a high-conviction active equity impact strategy called the BlackRock Global Impact Fund. The fund gives investors the opportunity to direct their investments toward companies helping to address major world challenges. →

Standard Bank says it is not legally obliged to have voting on proposed climate resolutions

By: Marleny Arnoldi 16th April 2020 Standard Bank has decided to not table proposed climate change risk resolutions for voting by shareholders at its annual general meeting (AGM) in May, following pressure from nonprofit shareholder activism organisations Just Share and Raith Foundation to do so. Just Share executive director... →

Waste pickers get relief with food vouchers during national lockdown

By: Donna Slater 14th April 2020 An electronic food voucher initiative is being rolled out to waste pickers across the country, as part of a partnership between the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and the packaging industry, to assist waste pickers who have lost their livelihoods during the national... →

Manufacturer pursues innovative ways to improve efficiency

10th April 2020 Multinational automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company's Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth has been pursuing innovative systems and technologies to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing operations, while reducing its impact on the environment in terms of water use, electricity... →

Topics In These Articles

Africa Cutting Energy Engen Environment Health Petroleum Projects Refinery Refining Shell Business Marine Resources Safety Sustainable Tourism Automotive Building Construction Consulting Freight Gas Manufacturing Power Industrial Systems Water Financial Service ... more

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