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

ElectricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons.: 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 TransportOften efficient transport will be interlinked with e-mobility; another aspect is sufficient public transport.: The South African National EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. Research Institute (SANERI) is hosting a National Research and Demonstration Centre for Green TransportTransport includes all kinds of mobility, like cars, buses and airplanes. 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 energyRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil.: 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 UNThe United Nations Organization (UNO) is an international organization that focuses on facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace. It was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace ... agencies and the International Emissions TradingThe creation of a market designed to facilitate the buying and selling of the rights to emit greenhouse gases. Association announced they will organise the event because of a growing interest in Clean Development MechanismDefined in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, the CDM is intended to meet two objectives: (1) to assist parties not included in Annex I in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the convention; and (2) to assist parties included in Annex I in achieving ... projects in Africa. See: http://www.carbonoffsetsdaily.com