What happened recently in Southern Africa? Our Southern Africa Regional Secretariat put together a short list of the most important new from the region:

Electricity: Cabinet has approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IPR), formulated under the Electricity Regulation Act, and it will guide government on how it can meet the country’s electricity demands. see: http://www.buanews.gov.za

Air pollution: According to the South African Air Quality Information System, air pollution in the Vaal Triangle Area has exceeded government’s Air Quality Management Plan maximum allowance limits. See: http://www.fin24.com

Green Transport: The South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI) is hosting a National Research and Demonstration Centre for Green Transport in Midrand which will play a lead role in preparing for the Green Transport Technology options at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. See: http://www.reeep-sa.org/news/88-south-africas-green-transport-initiative

Renewable energy: Energy Minister, Dipuo Peteres announced that the state did not intend to increase its target of producing 10000 GWh of renewable energy by 2013 but would review the renewable energy white paper to determine medium and long term targets. See: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=88986

Conferences and other events

ENERGY INDABA 2010: A time of change: will be held from 24-26 February 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre. It is an annual event on the African business calendar with a specific focus on exploring solutions for a new energy future for Africa. For more information on the event please see: www.energyafricaexpo.com or send an email to info@siyenza.za.com

2nd Africa Carbon Forum: will be held from 3-5 March 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. Partner UN agencies and the International Emissions Trading Association announced they will organise the event because of a growing interest in Clean Development Mechanism projects in Africa. See: http://www.carbonoffsetsdaily.com