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SUSTAINABLE ENERGY NEWS NUMBER 8

2. SA's renewable energy progress

SA representatives prominent at 1st annual wind conference The 1st World Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition held from 2nd to 6th of July in Berlin was an outstanding success. 530 delegates from 52 nations attended, 150 exhibitors showed their goods and expertise. For South Africa in particular, this conference was a significant milestone: SA filled 14th place in attendance figures, well ahead of China and India. The opening address by DME Director General Sandile Nogxina was very well received. He was accompanied by Sandile Tyatya and Kosi Lisa of the Department of Minerals and Energy, showing real commitment by our Government to wind energy in South Africa. In the side event Continental Forum for Africa and Arab Countries, Lulamile Xate gave a presentation on the situation of the technology in South Africa. Joe Asamoah of Enerwise unfortunately was forced to cancel his visit to Berlin on short notice and Herman Oelsner of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) presented on his behalf: "Potential Resources, Obstacles and Constraints of Wind Energy in South Africa". After intensive negotiations during the conference, the bid for holding the 2nd World Wind Energy Conference in 2003 was awarded to the African Wind Energy Association, which proposed Cairo and Cape Town. It was further decided to postpone the official announcement of the conference venue and date with the Earth Summit in Johannesburg next month, being the ideal occasion for the announcement of the 2003 World Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition. This would enable the WWEA members to enter into further discussions with other stakeholders like the American and the European Wind Energy Associations to support and strengthen the African Conference. At the Earth Summit, there will from the world community be strong focussing on Africa in general and especially South Africa with regard to future initiatives paving the way for sustainable development. Download the World Wind Energy Associations manifesto that was drawn up at the event, the "Global Strategy for Wind Energy" that formulates the basic conditions for the proliferation of wind energy at www.wcaccess.co.za/~sawea

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