Limpopo Premier Mr Cassel Mathale will lead a government delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a trade and investment promotion mission. The delegation will leave on 16 January and return on 19 January 2010. The Premier will be accompanied by the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr Pitsi Moloto, Premier’s Economic Advisor, Mr Sam Mafadza and senior government officials.
Limpopo Provincial Government, the Premier in particular, has been invited to join the South African Minister of Energy, Ms Dipuo Peters, in the World Future Energy Summit taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 18 to 20 January 2010. This summit, in which industry leaders, investors, Heads of State, Ministers and policy makers will converge, seeks to find the long lasting solutions to the challenges of global rising energy demand and, more importantly, to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable future world.
“In line with our economic growth, employment and development plan, we are working on several bankable renewable energy projects to respond to the challenge of skyrocketing energy demand. Given our advantageous solar position and conditions, particularly Musina, Phalaborwa and Lephalale, we are a future major regional player in renewable energy and this summit will therefore give us an opportunity to seek and establish global partnership in technology and funding for these projects,” said Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale.
The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) will be preceded by the meeting of 164 member countries that constitute the newly established International Renewable Energy Agency from 16 to 17 January 2010.
Limpopo has the potential for downstream beneficiation of the silica deposits into polysilicon. The current global polysilicon facilities are in the investment range of R1,2 billion and 500 direct employment. If realised, projects will add to worlds biggest dry air cooled R26 billion Medupi power station in Lephalale.
Limpopo’s potential in the production of renewable energy is also harnessed by its rich endowment of the world’s best quality silicon deposit. The silicon is a key input into the production of solar panels. This strategic potential can see Limpopo emerge as one of the key players in the global photo-voltaic and solar industry. To that effect, the Premier will meet with the leadership/representatives of such international role players in the energy sector as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and MASDAR City.
“This world summit provides us with a unique opportunity as a future role player in renewable energy and we hope to use the summit and other meetings to clinch tangible deals that will see the people of the province benefiting from export opportunities and foreign direct investment,” said Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale.
Meanwhile, the premier has appointed Mr Namane Dickson Masemola, the MEC for Education to act as the Premier of Limpopo province for the entire duration of the visit.
Enquiries:
Mogale Nchabeleng
Cell: 082 520 8966
Cell: 072 632 8984
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
14 January 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za/)
