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Limited medium term electricity supplies, steep
increases in the cost of electricity, and the new
tax on energy generated through non-renewable
sources, place local government in a unique position
to lead the implementation of innovative and
sustainable renewable energy strategies. Local
government leaders must not miss the opportunity
that is presented by local renewable energy purchase
agreements, generation partnerships, and initiatives
to diversify household energy demand. These types of
initiatives will allow municipalities to mitigate
the impact of limited electricity supply on local
economies and ensure sustainable growth and
development. Renewable energy also has the potential
for job creation and poverty alleviation.
On
13th and 14th May 2008, the South African Cities
Network (SACN) will convene a Summit on Renewable
Energy at the Spier Conference Centre in
Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands (http://www.spier.co.za)
to enable local government decision makers to
consider and discuss the merits of a range of
leading practices in promoting the shift to a
renewable energy future. This Summit will be hosted
in association with the
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
(REEEP),
South Africa National Energy Research Institute
(SANERI),
Alliance to Save Energy (ASE),
Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA); and with the
support of the Royal Danish Embassy,
USAID
and
Absa Group Limited (ABSA).
To
register, please send confirmation of your
attendance by completing the registration form
available at
http://www.recitysummit.org.za as soon as
possible. You will also be able to view the draft
programme for the event at this website. Please note
that places are limited due to the capacity of the
venue, so participation will be confirmed on a
first-come-first-served basis.
SACN looks forward to
seeing you in Stellenbosch in May and working
closely with your local government to find solutions
to the local energy challenges. |
