ASSEMBLY QUESTION 2058
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:
Whether her department is actively promoting renewable energy and energy
efficiency at a local government level; if not, why not; if so, what role
are local structures playing in promoting climate change objectives at a
local level? NW2307E
REPLY
Yes, the Department has been actively engaging Provinces, Municipalities
and potential investors in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Yearly,
the department conducts awareness campaign workshops around the country
focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency and the Clean Development
Mechanism. In addition to awareness campaigns, the Department has
programmes that are primarily funded by donor agencies which provide
financial support to national renewable energy initiatives. Most of these
projects, which cut across the various technologies, are at feasibility or
early implementation phases.
Furthermore, the Department has been part of the Energy Efficiency GCIS
Campaign ever since the cabinet approval three years back (2008). This has
since been handed over to the Department at the end of March 2011 for
continuation. Subsequently, the Department has developed a National Energy
Efficiency Communication Strategy (NEECS) to involve all key stakeholders,
that is, all government spheres, business, industry, civil society, and the
public at large (citizens). The draft NEECS was circulated to all
government Departments through Working Group 6 on Energy Efficiency under
the Inter Ministerial Energy (IMC) for inputs. After consolidation of
inputs, the draft document was then circulated to NEDLAC. The draft
document is currently under NEDLAC discussion through the Energy Task Team
which the Department serves as a member. This consultation process is to
ensure that adequate resources are mobilized including ownership of the
process by all stakeholders at the level of implementation. Eskom has
launched the 49m Energy Efficiency Campaign in April 2011 which was
launched by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. This
campaign has since been running.
In terms of EE programme, 21 Municipalities have over the past 2yrs
participated in the energy efficiency lighting programme where old
technologies in the street, traffic and buildings are being retrofitted
with energy efficient technologies. In addition to this, five
municipalities have been implementing SWHs within their areas of supply. It
is envisaged that going forward more municipalities will be participating
in these programme, considering the foundation laid to date.
Specific examples include the Solar Park Initiative where the Department is
actively working with the Northern Cape Government (provincial and local
spheres) and CEF to establish a pilot Solar Park of at least 1000MW during
the first phase.
In the North West, various workshops organised by Invest North West were
held around the Province during the current financial year and the
Department participated in all these workshops, giving presentations on
opportunities within the renewable energy sector. Presentations have also
been made to the Eastern Cape Energy Forum organised by the Department of
Local Government and Traditional Affairs as well as at the Eastern Cape
Climate Change Conference.
Currently, the Department is participating in all the Climate Change
Provincial Summits for COP 17 preparations in which both renewable energy
and energy efficiency projects remain key subjects for deliberation in
relation to local economic development and green economy programmes.
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