Deputy President
Programme director
Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises
Chairman of Eskom and other board members
Directors-General
Business representatives and leaders of community formations
Senior government officials and other Executives
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Members of the media
I am encouraged by the fact that we are now taking full responsibility on energy efficiency as citizens of this country. Indeed if all of us do our part, together we can do more. Our concerted effort will certainly result in a dramatic improvement in energy efficiency and cost reduction that will allow us to talk in confidence about the balance between energy supply and demand.
Programme director, achieving this potential will require a change in policy direction, and the application of good practices at all levels in the energy value chain. We need to harmonise the instruments that we have at our disposal, including the technical codes and standards relating to processes and equipment.
I am happy that as a country substantial work relating to these instruments has been done and is still in progress, as we grow as part of the global economy. In this regard, all of us, as government, labour, business and communities, have to consciously and continuously work harder to strive to reduce the barriers that stand in the way of good practice.
The objective of the energy efficiency campaign is to raise and enhance awareness of the benefits of efficient use of energy to all stakeholders, whilst at the same time increase the flow of energy efficiency information. There are other components of the campaign which involves partnership with other key role players such as government, the business community, SANEDI, United Nations Development Programme (UNIDO), Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), etc.
The Industrial Energy Efficiency programme will provide capacity building among employees in the industry on energy efficiency. It is an initiative between government, Business and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
The main objective on this Industrial Energy Efficiency Project is on skills transfer and technical support in the intensive roll out of energy systems optimisation in industry and the implementation of sound energy management practices.
The review of the National Energy Efficiency Strategy is covered under this programme. You would recall that in 2008 there was a call for public comments relating to the review which formed the basis of the work currently being undertaken. Substantial work has been done to date in order to finalise the strategy by May 2011.
Ladies and gentlemen, we need to intensify awareness on energy efficiency in the building sector and also raise the market profile of a building’s energy performance while ensuring that efficiency in buildings is visible and provide information on major energy-savings opportunities to all in the building sector.
The National Building Codes and Regulations also addressed energy efficiency as one of its components for enforcement. The promulgation is also expected during the course.
Programme director, I hope that we are all aware that National Treasury promulgated the Tax Incentive Regulations for those who are within the energy efficiency value chain. This will come to into force once the Energy Efficiency Regulations are completed.
I can report that the energy efficiency regulations will be promulgated soon as it is in its advanced phase.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are equally excited about the Energy Efficient Monitoring System, which is programme run collaboration between the Government of South Africa through the Department of Energy and the Swiss Development Corporation. Among other benefits the programme will ensure that energy efficiency policies are supported by adequate end-use information systems by substantially increasing the effort to collect energy efficiency data and information across all sectors.
Programme director, the other phase of the programme is the energy efficiency in local government led by South African Local Government Executive Council (SALGA) with five municipalities selected to pilot the programme. These municipalities are Sol Plaatjie Municipality, Polokwane Municipality, Rustenburg Municipality, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and Mbombela Municipality.
In 2009, we announced a national target of installing 1 million Solar Water Heaters (SWHs) by 2014 inclusive of all sectors but mainly in residential areas. Let me indicated that this fiscus funded programme is underway in Tshwane Municipality, Sol Plaatjie Municipality and Naledi Municipality. There has been a joint effort among Eskom as the implementing agent, the Department of Energy and municipalities. This has proven the need to work together as a team.
Programme director; let me take this moment to thank the National Business Initiative for facilitating participation from the Industry to commit on energy efficiency. This commitment was demonstrated by signing the Energy Efficiency Accord. We are encouraged by this commitment.
Mr Deputy President, South Africa endorsed several of the Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives and most of them are within the energy efficiency sector. To quote a few, Electric Vehicles, Super Efficient Appliance Deployment, Global Sustainable Efficient Buildings, Renewables, Women in Clean Energy Education and Empowerment, Global Atlas on Solar and Wind and Carbon Capture Use and Storage.
Programme director; these initiatives will assist South Africa to contribute to the global emission reduction targets on climate change. All relevant stakeholders in the country have been urged to participate in this regard.
The energy sector currently accounts for a large percentage of CO2 emissions, which directly contribute to climate change effects. It is clearthat without delay we need to implement practices that will reduce demand, choose cleaner sources and deploy the best available energy technologies that will also create much needed jobs.
Over the past few years, standards have been developed to enhance the Energy Efficient Appliance labelling programme. The following standards are very close to publication: SANS 62087, methods of measurement of the power consumption of audio, video and related; SANS 62301, household electrical appliances – measurement of standby power; SANS 50285, energy efficiency of electric lamps for household use – measurement methods; etc.
Ladies and gentlemen, all these show the good work that the country is doing on energy efficiency and I need to commend all the teams for contributing to the national awareness campaign on various aspects. I must also indicate that one of the biggest obstacles that we have to remove is in relation to education about our habits that lead to energy wastage.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Deputy President of the Republic for leading from the front in this national campaign of public awareness around energy efficiency. With his support, I am confident that energy efficiency is now reaching the broader community where maximum impact can be achieved.
Meeting future energy demand while substantially reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions will require nothing short of an energy revolution.
Let us all find solutions for future energy challenges by continuously engaging as we launch this 49 million programme.
I thank you.
Source: Department of Energy
