Is it possible that tons upon tons of waste can be put to good use? New research says it is and, if approached methodically can also help reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. Here’s what happening.
Is it possible that tons upon tons of waste can be put to good use? New research says it is and, if approached methodically can also help reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. Here’s what happening.
Energy sector leader Lethabo Manamela has identified at least three issues she believes South Africans should tackle with greater urgency.
Assessing key trends and issues in 2022, Manamela, Interim CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and winner of the SA National Energy Association (SANEA) award as the energy sector’s 2021 Shapeshifter, has identified energy efficiency, a Just Energy Transition and development of a green hydrogen industry as issues that are beginning to assert themselves and demand greater attention.
CLASP’s 2021 report titled “In-depth Assessment of Water Efficiency Opportunities in South Africa” found that standards for taps and showerheads could address the country’s linked water and energy crises by reducing the use of water and electricity needed to heat some of that water. As a next step, the report recommended a gap analysis between the various South African National Standards that were perceived to require high flow rates, in contrast to international trend of standards requiring decreasing flow rates in support of sustainability.
South Africa can significantly improve water and energy efficiency by aligning its tap labelling programme with international standards, according to a new study released ahead of National Water Week marked on 20 to 26 March 2022. The week aims to raise awareness and call to action renewed value for this scarce resource.
In 2018, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan identified a water supply deficit of 17% by 2030 for the country, putting water efficiency under the spotlight at a time when parts of the country were feeling the pinch of prolonged drought conditions.
The South African Energy Association Board (SANEA) is pleased to announce that the association will once again host a conference in 2022. SANEA will host its first ever hybrid event on 31 August – 1 September 2022 and our members and stakeholders will be able to attend either in person, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, or virtually from wherever they may be located without having to travel to Gauteng. We invite thought leaders, from across the energy sector, to propose a paper or presentation as outlined below which supports this year’s theme ‘IGNITE – Energy for All’.
The SANEA Board’s decision to host another conference in 2022 was made after the resounding success of SANEA’S 2021 conference. Held virtually it was supported by key energy sector leaders and stakeholders who conversed and deliberated the theme – UNLOCK: Unlocking the possibilities of energy sustainability and celebrated 2021 World Energy Day, which focused on Unlocking Energy Sustainability in South Africa.
For 2022 we have selected the theme of ‘IGNITE – Energy for All’ – moving to a more action-oriented focus that is required to deliver the significant outcomes to advance the energy sector. Last year we hosted the conference to coincide with World Energy Day celebrations which normally takes place on the 3rd Friday of October each year. This year, given the other energy conferences being hosted in South Africa during this time, we made the decision to host our conference on 31 August to 1 September 2022, where the important discussions taking place at our event will lead to another event which we will host on World Energy Day!
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2023 Academic Year
The DSI and NRF are pleased to announce a call for new applications for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the academic year 2023. All continuing students who are eligible for a second or third year of funding must submit a Progress Report and not a new application.
The NRF minimum academic requirement for postgraduate funding is 65%. The entry age requirement is 28, 30 and 32 years or younger for honours, master’s and doctoral studies respectively, in the year of application, regardless of first year of registration. Successful applicants will be funded either at Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS). The FCS funding will be awarded to South African citizens and Permanent Residents only, who are either financially needy (i.e., those whose combined household family income is less than or equal to R350 000 per annum), living with a disability or exceptional academic achievers. However, the PCS funding will be awarded to 5% of international students including South African citizens and Permanent Residents who could not be funded under FCS, but meet other minimum requirements for the NRF scholarship funding criteria. Scholarships are intended to support honours, master’s and doctoral candidates to pursue studies in all areas of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
All the postgraduate students will be expected to apply on the NRF Connect system by accessing the link: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. No manual applications will be accepted.
Gathering several African and European funding agencies (members of the LEAP-RE consortium) the joint goal is the preparation and implementation of transnational joint Calls for proposals co-funded by European and African national research funding agencies, with additional EC contribution. The selected projects will focus on achieving goals of mutual benefit based on a balanced and cooperative approach. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the impact of R&I supported activities for the well-being of the society, in Europe and in Africa.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Solar Energy Technology (1 post)
This role is aimed at development and characterization of solar cell materials for solar energy applications. Other areas of interest will be aimed at advancing knowledge of perovskite solar cells within the research group. The research fellow will also be expected to explore materials characterization technique using correlative microscopy.
Key performance areas:
Minimum qualifcations and experience:
Expected outcomes:
To apply for the above position, please send a motivation letter, CV containing contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised/mentored the candidate, copies of educational certificates as well as ID copy to Prof E.L. Meyer [email protected] cc Dr C.C. Ahia: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 20th May 2022
A Day of the year has been allocated to the power of the sun thanks to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). International Day of the Sun on 03 May is meant to recognise and promote the expansion of this abundant renewable energy resource.
International Day of the Sun also coincides with a major research collaboration to identify the optimal thermal technologies that companies and households can use as alternative sources of energy. The first of these collaborations will focus on solar water heating potential using different solar technology solutions.