News


Overcoming the obstacles to an energy efficient SA

April 2017 News

Energy efficiency lies at the core of sustained industrial and economic growth in SA, and industries and businesses must prepare more sufficiently for inevitable energy price hikes, while government should be more proactive and involved in encouraging energy efficiency. These are the findings from a panel of high-profile energy and consumer experts who participated in the Industrial Energy Efficiency Workshop during February.

Participants from the National Cleaner Production Centre, South Africa (NCPC-SA), Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) focused on the daily challenges of rising energy costs and access to reliable alternatives.

The common consensus was that although the country has made significant strides and is even a world-leader in some aspects, overall energy efficiency is currently stifled by bottlenecks from a policy, regulatory and legislative perspective – leading to private sector apathy.

Ndivhuho Raphulu, NCPC-SA director, said energy efficiency initiatives can be used as a tool for growth in challenging economic conditions. “By investing more in research, development and innovation centres, government can accelerate energy efficiency and infrastructural development in SA with an excellent return on investment. This needs to be supported by improved policy framework, and by strategically identifying regional business opportunities with the private sector.”

Deidre Penfold, CAIA executive director, said that chemical plants are energy intense, and current energy affordability, sustainability and investment are falling short in SA. “Although there are some excellent initiatives such as the Industrial Energy Efficiency Programme, there is not enough involvement from government and that is creating a stumbling block for the industry.”

She added that the chemical industry is also an apex for upstream and downstream industry growth. “The private sector wants to grow and invest locally but cannot because a lack of cheaper energy alternatives translates into a lack of investment. Gas-to-power is a prime example of an alternative energy technology that would greatly assist the chemical industry in achieving growth.”

In addition to reducing carbon footprints, a long-term and strategic energy efficiency plan is also crucial to streamlining operational costs for business. Alexander Haw, Massmart Group sustainability manager, representing the Consumer Goods Council, said that many local companies are not aware of their own energy consumption, thereby inadvertently adding to grid constraints and adding to operational expenditure.

“It has never been easier to implement renewables as part of a business plan, as it is more readily available and competitively priced than ever before. Onsite solar farms and bio-gas plants are effective options for many businesses. The current drawback to this is that businesses can’t put energy back into the grid, and are therefore constrained in terms of planning these builds,” he said.

Crescent Mushawana, principal engineer and research group leader for energy systems at the CSIR, said government and business must work hand-in-hand to develop an energy management system and model that measures what is best for the country in terms of sustainable supply and cost trajectories. “Energy efficiency makes business sense – it is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ option.”

In addition to the panel discussion, the Industrial Energy Efficiency Workshop also hosted presentations on best practice and case studies on workable solutions, including energy management systems, energy modelling (integration of alternatives) and energy efficiency financing. The presentations focused on providing practical solutions to industries and businesses faced with energy supply and cost challenges.

For more information contact Julie Wells, CSIR, +27 (0)12 841 2424, [email protected], www.ncpc.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.

Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Something completely different
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair is around the corner, and RX Global is ramping up its efforts to make the 2025 exhibition one to remember. More information can be found in their advertisement ...

Read more...
KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition helps drive economic growth
News
The upcoming Africa Automation Technology Fair will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to chart Africa’s automation future.

Read more...
Inside the expanded plant at Fuchs Lubricants
News
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa recently introduced customers to its new expanded Isando facility. Manufacturing executive, Thami Mzolo says that it is the most efficient plant built and upgrade he has ever been involved with.

Read more...
Justice Malala to talk at exclusive breakfast
News
South Africa’s economic recovery and industrial growth depend on policy reform and business innovation. Few commentators are better placed to explore these challenges than Justice Malala.

Read more...
Beyond the exhibition: AATF 2025 Conference lineup brings exclusive
News
While the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025 exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge automation solutions, the real game-changing insights will be found within the conference halls.

Read more...
How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.

Read more...
Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo South Africa News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.

Read more...