Is it possible that tons upon tons of waste can be put to good use? New research says it is and, if approached methodically can also help reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. Here’s what happening.

Energy sector leader Lethabo Manamela has identified at least three issues she believes South Africans should tackle with greater urgency.

Assessing key trends and issues in 2022, Manamela, Interim CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and winner of the SA National Energy Association (SANEA) award as the energy sector’s 2021 Shapeshifter, has identified energy efficiency, a Just Energy Transition and development of a green hydrogen industry as issues that are beginning to assert themselves and demand greater attention.

CLASP’s 2021 report titled “In-depth Assessment of Water Efficiency Opportunities in South Africa” found that standards for taps and showerheads could address the country’s linked water and energy crises by reducing the use of water and electricity needed to heat some of that water. As a next step, the report recommended a gap analysis between the various South African National Standards that were perceived to require high flow rates, in contrast to international trend of standards requiring decreasing flow rates in support of sustainability.

South Africa can significantly improve water and energy efficiency by aligning its tap labelling programme with international standards, according to a new study released ahead of National Water Week marked on 20 to 26 March 2022. The week aims to raise awareness and call to action renewed value for this scarce resource.

In 2018, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan identified a water supply deficit of 17% by 2030 for the country, putting water efficiency under the spotlight at a time when parts of the country were feeling the pinch of prolonged drought conditions.

A Day of the year has been allocated to the power of the sun thanks to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). International Day of the Sun on 03 May is meant to recognise and promote the expansion of this abundant renewable energy resource.

International Day of the Sun also coincides with a major research collaboration to identify the optimal thermal technologies that companies and households can use as alternative sources of energy. The first of these collaborations will focus on solar water heating potential using different solar technology solutions.

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) announces its new board appointed by the minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Gwede Mantashe, following the expiration of the previous board’s term.

SANEDI’s new board comprises ten members who hold extensive experience across various industries, including clean energy, intellectual property and chemical engineering. The newly appointed board members are: Sicelo Xulu, Lungile Mtiya, Abegail Boikhutso, Tumelo Mashabela, Ilze Baron, Jongikhaya Witi, Mthokozisi Mpofu. Noma Qase, Gerhard Fourie and Olga Chauke sit on the board as alternate members.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has sparked fears of a global energy supply crisis affecting electricity and fuel security. As the world’s third largest oil producer, uncertainty around oil supply from Russia has sent the oil price soaring.

Meanwhile countries in Europe are scrambling to reduce their reliance on Russian gas, thrusting energy efficiency into the spotlight where it belongs. Energy efficiency will become the single most effective tool to remedy high demand and low capacity, or supply.

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) commissioned the University of Johannesburg’s Process, Energy and Environmental Technology Station (UJ PEETS) to take stock of the current status of micro-digesters and the wider state of the technology in South Africa and globally. UJ PEETS, together with the DSI/NRF/Newton Fund Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development (UJ-TRCTI), conducted research over the period of two years, with significant levels of stakeholder engagement that has culminated in the development of a Sector Development Plan (SDP). This Plan outlines three pathways that the micro-digester sector in South Africa can take to ensure growth and sustainability of the sector by 2030. The first pathway focuses on increasing uptake of this technology in rural areas. The second pathway looks to pilot micro-digester use in urban areas, especially urban gardens, food establishments and small housing developments. The third pathway is cross-cutting and focuses on actions to create a supportive enabling environment relating to skills and training, financing, regulation and policy.

On Friday 18 March the world will mark Global Recycling Day to bring to light the benefits of recycling waste for the environment, businesses and people. The day was first recognised by the United Nations in 2018 and has since birthed countless initiatives by governments, civil society groups and the private sector that have impacted environmental action and awareness in profound ways.

This year the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will be no exception. The military is taking its “green soldiering” environmental concept to the next level by installing biogas plants that will enable two military bases to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels to cook meals for about 220 people a day.