Energy. Electricity. Power. Regardless of the term they use, how to keep the lights on and the economy going is the question uppermost in many South Africans’ minds, from policy and decision makers to ordinary citizens.
On 21 and 22 November this year, the South African National Energy Institute (SANEDI) will endeavour to answer questions and unpack issues around the country’s current energy crisis and its prospects for a more stable and sustainable energy future. The occasion is SANEDI’s first Energy Conference, under the theme “Inform and Increase Awareness on Energy Solutions: Showcasing Government Initiatives in the Energy Sector”.
Set to become an annual event, the conference is an important vehicle for SANEDI to achieve its strategic objectives. These include contributing to sustainable energy solutions, building energy expertise and competence, creating a capacitated, effective, efficient, and sustainable operational environment, and increasing awareness of sustainable energy.
“Our theme encapsulates what we hope to achieve with this event,” says Dr Titus Mathe, CEO of SANEDI. “Our principal objective is to engage robustly and address pivotal matters pertaining to the energy sector. Additionally, we intend to showcase the initiatives and projects presently being undertaken by SANEDI and others to advance energy development in our nation.”
The programme features a keynote address by energy expert Prof Prathaban Moodley. Prof Moodley will speak on the topic of cleaner fossil fuels and their impact on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. Other topics will include projects in the area of energy efficiency, such as the EE Standards and Labelling Project, and their benefits to all South Africans.
Both days of the conference will include panel discussions on, among other topics, the Just Energy Transition, demand side management, and funding mechanisms for energy research. Various speakers will discuss energy best practices, South Africa’s hydrogen roadmap, smart grids, and the role of data and knowledge management in improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
“We are honoured and excited that energy experts from South African Utilities and research entities have agreed to speak at the conference,” says Dr Mathe.
The SANEDI Energy Conference will be held on 21 and 22 November at Emperors Palace in Gauteng.
For more information: www.sanedi.org.za
Regrettably, notification of this conference was sent to us after the closing date for registration - ed.
