Green & Circular Economy News

The European Union would like to thank South Africa for the opportunity to submit comments on the draft Notice 1211 of 2022 concerning the Trade Policy Directive issued on the proposed six-month ban on the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal.

The European Union and South Africa enjoy a unique strategic and preferential economic relationship that is embedded in the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, but includes cooperation across a much wider set of social, environmental, industrial, developmental, and security-related matters. The strength and impact of these economic and political relations is reflected in the deep linkages between companies and industries in the EU, and South Africa.

The European Union and South Africa enjoy a unique strategic and preferential economic relationship that is embedded in the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, but includes cooperation across a much wider set of social, environmental, industrial, developmental, and security-related matters. The strength and impact of these economic and political relations is reflected in the deep linkages between companies and industries in the EU, and South Africa.

The global offshore wind energy market is growing rapidly while the cost of the technology - involving both shallow water 'fixed-bottom' and deeper water 'floating' substructures - is dropping significantly

Powerfuels are synthetic gaseous or liquid fuels based on renewable hydrogen, which is hydrogen obtained by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. Powerfuels are therefore a renewable alternative to fossil fuels (as their use avoids net emissions of CO2), to be used in sectors which may be difficult to decarbonise and may not be easily driven directly by renewables-based electricity.

Powerfuels are synthetic gaseous or liquid fuels based on renewable hydrogen, which is hydrogen obtained by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. Powerfuels are therefore a renewable alternative to fossil fuels (as their use avoids net emissions of CO2), to be used in sectors which may be difficult to decarbonise and may not be easily driven directly by renewables-based electricity.

EU Delegation in South Africa engaged with national, provincial and local South African government stakeholders, as well as representatives from industry and civil society, in an online dialogue on the theme of green SMME recovery. This engagement forms part of various initiatives in the build-up to the #Team Europe Climate Diplomacy Week, which runs from 14 – 23 September.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe met with renewable-energy stakeholders on Thursday in an effort to build trust, improve communication and reduce obstacles to the roll-out of renewable energy in South Africa - Terence Creamer

Investors in renewable energy and municipalities both must give ground if South Africa is to find a lasting solution to the electricity crisis, argues electricity analyst - Chris Yelland

In order to provide clarity to EU stakeholders, the webinar explored the current status and the reasons, real or perceived, for the regulatory blockages delaying much needed private sector investment in the energy sector.

An energy storm is driving innovations and reforms in own use electricity generation in South Africa’s municipalities. 

On 18 February 2020, the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy published a consultation paper and invited the public to comment.

Mr Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for the Green Deal, was in South Africa in early March 2020.

Globally, most GHG emissions are due to fossil fuels and this is especially the case in South Africa. Additional contributions expected from developing countries means that the global energy demand is expected to rise by a third by 2040.

As the electricity infrastructure development plan for the country, the IRP is to be based on least-cost electricity supply and demand balance