Investments in the energy sector
Facing an increased demand for energy, South Africa will invest in the next twenty years in this sector and will thereby create some very interesting investment and cooperation opportunities for European companies. Some large companies in the energy sector already have put themselves in a good starting position in order to be able to benefit from the growth in this particular sector. There are also several opportunities for medium sized businesses. The demand is especially high when it comes to knowledge and technologies in the field of power plant engineering.
Energy-mix at the cape
The government also plans investments and projects in the field of renewable energy. It is estimated that until the year 2020 almost 15% of the national energy requirement will be covered by renewable sources. The government currently aims to increase the production of renewable energy by 10.000 Giga-watt-hours until 2013, equaling 4% of the national power demand. Among other projects, South Africa is mainly focusing on hydro-electricity, solar technology and the development of renewable fuel. The Clean Development Mechanism, a development aid and climate protection project for the implementation of the Kyoto protocol, offers possibilities for the financing of such projects in the field of renewable energy. Moreover, South Africa offers opportunities for cooperation in the sector of research and development. Until now European companies take only little advantage of these possibilities.
upcoming event
Business trip to South Africa in January 2011
The next business trip to South Africa organised by ESA-Meridian takes place from January 22, 2011 until January 28, 2011. Participants get the chance to talk to business leaders, visit companies as weel as infrastructure projects. For further information please send us an e-mail to businesstrip2011@esa-meridian.com
news
ESA-Meridian in Renewable Energy working group
Renewable energy are gaining importance in the local energy mix. The South African government is focussing on solar and wind within its strategic energy planning. Generous feed-in tariffs has already attracted local as well as international investors. The German-South African Chamber of Commerce in Johannesburg has set-up a working group dealing with renewable energies. The working group represents inter alia the interests of the German industry in this important industry segment. ESA-Meridian is an active member of the working group and will report on a regualr basis about the news.
upcoming event
automechanika - 2011 again in South Africa
The automechanika open its doors again from March 9, 2011 until March 12, 2011. After a succesful kick-off in 2009 the fair expects approximately 400 exhibitors on the NASREC premises in Johannesburg. Automecchanika is one of the most important automotive fair worldwide. The event is a cooperation between Messe Frankfurt and South African organisers.