2007 and announces R500 million Energy Efficiency Funding for SANParks
17 September 2007
Today the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minister Marthinus
van Schalkwyk officially launched the start of the annual "South African
National Parks Week 2007" at Skukuza rest camp in the Kruger National Park.
The launch follows months of preparation in celebration of South Africa's
Heritage and Tourism month events countrywide, with various stakeholders and
members of the public invited to attend this auspicious event.
The day's activities began with a variety of entertainment as well as a
ranger parade and a helicopter display demonstrating a number of tactics and
procedures used in day-to-day park management activities.
During the keynote address of the day, Minister Van Schalkwyk focussed on
climate change and said: "I am proud to announce that we have secured an
investment of up to a maximum of R500 million over the next three years, to
ensure that all SANParks facilities are exemplary energy efficient showcases
for local and international visitors. This 'Energy Efficiency Financial Support
Project' for South African National Parks is in support of a planned R574,9
million infrastructure upgrade, planned for the next three years at all
camps.
I want to thank the National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA) through the
Central Energy Fund (CEF) (Pty) Ltd) who are availing these funds to support
our infrastructure upgrades in our parks from an energy efficiency position,
thereby ensuring sustainability in this major South African 'natural'
asset."
The NEEA will provide 'top-up' funding for each upgrade to buildings and
other facilities within SANParks, to finance the specific technology
improvements that will ensure a sustainable and energy-efficient compliant
installation, e.g. if the current plan and budget makes provision for
conventional electric geysers in the accommodation units, NEEA will fund the
additional amount required to rather install quality energy efficient Solar
Water Heaters, (SWH). Likewise, where conventional lighting systems have been
specified, the NEEA will fund the difference between the current (inefficient)
technologies and Compact Fluorescent Lamps, (CFLs). The criteria to evaluate
and make recommendations for each intervention will be developed by the NEEA in
conjunction with its network of local and international experts, to ensure a
world-class solution is provided throughout.
Furthermore, the assessments (energy audits) and implementation of the
energy efficiency component of this project, will be carried out by emerging
(BEE) Energy Service Companies (BESCos), as part of the NEEA's 'Capacity
Building' drive, to train and prepare these BESCos for bigger projects in the
hospitality sector. Additional jobs will therefore be created through the
training of 'local' Energy Advisors in areas close to the relevant parks.
We believe this will create a platform for South Africa to re-emphasise its
commitment to combating climate change and global warming. The value of
promoting these facilities as energy efficient and sustainable, will also go a
long way in marketing the country as an environmentally-conscious country and
will furthermore contribute to off-setting the 'carbon footprint' that will
possibly arise as a result of activities leading up to the Soccer World Cup
(SWC) 2010.
In his address, Dr David Mabunda, Chief Executive of SANParks said, "All
South Africans have the responsibility to protect and conserve our natural
assets, not for ourselves, but for the benefit of future generations and the
rest of the world."
Having enjoyed huge success with its sponsorship, First National Bank (FNB)
and SANParks opened the gates of not only the Kruger National Park but most of
the country's national parks to South African citizens during this week-long
celebrations leading up to Heritage Day.
"FNB Public Sector Banking, together with its branch banking division, is a
long-standing banker to SANParks, and continues its R800 000 annual sponsorship
of the South African National Parks Week so that all South Africans can get an
opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage on their doorstep and so build a proudly
South African tradition" said Ms Elizabeth Maepa, Chief Executive Officer of
Public Sector Banking at FNB."
Highlight events for the week will include free access for South Africans on
specified days of the week to most national parks, opening of the Information
Centre in Mata Mata rest camp in Kgalagadi; and a 70th birthday celebration at
Mountain Zebra National Park.
For more information on various park activities in your area, please visit
the SANParks website at http://www.sanparks.org
Enquiries:
SANParks
Wanda Mkutshulwa
Cell: 082 908 2692
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 778 9923
General note about the National Energy Efficiency Agency, (NEEA):
The National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA), was established through a
Ministerial Directive issued by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), in
2006.
The entity was created as part of a broader strategy to reduce overall
energy demand in South Africa by 12 percent, by the year 2015.
NEEA is a division of the State Owned Entity, CEF (Pty) Ltd, an organisation
set up in 1977, to find the energy solutions that will meet the future needs of
South Africa's growing economy. Initial funding for project implementation is
derived from the NERSA-approved recovery of funds by Eskom's Demand Side
Management (DSM) programme, to fast-track energy efficiency in the country.
The overarching objectives of the NEEA are:
* The prioritisation and recommendation of energy efficiency and DSM
projects to be undertaken in the country. Identification and development of key
strategies, to address the growing demand for energy in the country, including
gas, electricity, liquid petroleum and renewable energies.
* Stimulate areas neglected in terms of energy efficiency in the past, such as
the transport sector.
* Develop and implement comprehensive annual 'Energy Efficiency and DSM'
awareness campaigns, to assist the general public in making wise choices when
purchasing energy-consuming equipment and appliances.
Oversee the integration and co-ordination of training in energy efficiency,
currently undertaken by various stakeholders in the country. The Agency will
also facilitate skills transfer, capacity building and the creation of
additional jobs in the field of energy efficiency.
Co-ordinate the implementation of energy efficiency upgrades in the public
sector, (national, provincial, local government and State Owned Entities,
excluding Eskom facilities).
Co-operate with persons, associations and institutions undertaking energy
efficiency programmes in other countries, to ensure that international 'best
practices' are adopted and applied in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Barry Bredenkamp
General Operations Manager, (Acting)
National Energy Efficiency Agency
Tel: 011 207 5611
Cell: 083 655 6891
E-mail: barryb@cef.org.za
Website: http://www.cef.org.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
17 September 2007
