From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. Anglo American Platinum has officially launched the 5 MW Eternity Power Thermal Harvesting plant at its Waterval Smelting Complex, in Rustenburg. Natasha Odendaal tells us more.
Natasha Odendaal:
Operating since June, Amplat’s new R150-million cogeneration plant has been performing above expectations, having ramped up to a consistent generation capacity of 3.2 MW ahead of schedule.
The plant and its success is expected to revolutionise the metallurgical sector as its economical use of the waste heat of the smelter’s processes could be replicated across other large industrial complexes emitting large amounts of waste thermal energy. Amplats executive head of process July Ndlovu tells us more:
Amplats executive head of process July Ndlovu:
Natasha Odendaal:
The project forms part of government's critical infrastructure programme with a R30-million grant from the DTIa key enabler in the decision to move forward with the construction of the power plant. Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies spoke to Mining Weekly.
Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:
Monsanto says genetically modified organisms will meet future food demands,
And, a new research and development approach is required to create a sustainable future
Although honourable, Monsanto South Africa MD Kobus Steenkamp does not see organic farming reaching a stage where it will provide 100% food security, highlighting the ability of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to increase the yield of every hectare.
Monsanto South Africa MD Kobus Steenkamp
Sashnee Moodley:
As the world tends to the task of resolving short-term sustainability challenges, companies, universities and research institutions should pursue research and development (R&D) and stimulate open innovation to find potential solutions to the longer-term challenges.
Wits South African research chair Professor Philip Harrison
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.