And the lights go out again.

[Dave A]

I see Eskom is calling for a halt on new electricity hungry development.

Eskom says South Africa should be closed for new big industrial projects at least until 2013, when electricity supply is expected to improve.

Bongani Nqwababa, Eskom's finance director, said yesterday that the parastatal had advised the government that it wanted South Africa marketed only from 2013 for both local and foreign projects. It was inappropriate to advertise South Africa as an investment destination with low-cost electricity. "You don't sell what you don't have."

He warned that the Rio Tinto Alcan aluminium smelter in the Coega industrial development zone could be delayed. "Eskom needs to review supply to Coega." Other projects, such as BHP Billiton's plans to expand, were on the back burner.

When Eskom and Alcan had signed a 25-year power supply agreement in November 2006, both made commitments that, if reneged on, would incur penalties. Nqwababa said: "There must be penalties [but] I am sure they are cheaper than building a power station."
from Business Report here

So the Coega smelter is on hold - or maybe not as this report suggests:

Despite electricity blackouts, Rio Tinto Alcan is looking to give the go-ahead on South Africa's largest greenfields project, the Coega aluminium smelter, by mid-year, after receiving assurances from Eskom that it will be able to power the project starting in late 2010.

Robert Valdmanis, a Rio Tinto spokesperson, said yesterday that the engineering study was expected to be completed before the end of June.

Aluminium smelters are Eskom's largest energy consumers. At 1 350 megawatts, the Coega smelter will use about 3.5 percent of Eskom's available power capacity while the utility will battle to supply its other industrial and municipal customers.
from Business Report here

[duncan drennan]

Maybe it is just me, but this all just looks like a HUGE opportunity for the right people.

Anyone have a way of halving the energy required for an aluminium smelter?

Anyone have a way of providing at least half of that energy quickly and efficiently?

There is a huge industry that is about to boom in South Africa, and that is energy efficiency and self-provisioning. Where do you think people are going to invest capital if they can't build new plants?

[Chatmaster]

Just listened to a very interesting discussion on radio. One of the big lions at Eskom said that solar power are being subsidized by Eskom. I just wonder by how much... If I understood correctly you are talking at least 70k to convert your entire house to solar power.

[Dave A]

I gave Bundu power a call. It looks like I will be going for the 2600 petrol model.

It looks like you got there in time. I'm trying to source a generator for a client at the moment and called Bundu Power. Next shipment due in 6-8 weeks.

[Debbiedle]

Heard yesterday on 567 Cape Talk that China supply power to their factories for 4 days a week, responsibility for the other 3 days lie with the factory. In certain areas of India there is load shedding with factories adjusting by having "Sunday" on Friday and thereby sharing the load more evenly. This problem is here to stay, we have simply expanded too rapidly and the powers that be (hahaha punny!) didn't see it coming!

So what can we do to provide our own power? What can we do to save power? How can we help Eskom and the nation? Oh yes, me thinks water is next by the way! Polokwane put a moratorium on all development towards the end of last year for this very reason. Apparantly (and this is unsubstantiated) the water rights for their supply dam were sold to a nearby mine!

[Dave A]

In certain areas of India there is load shedding with factories adjusting by having "Sunday" on Friday and thereby sharing the load more evenly.

That is certainly a very interesting idea! We definitely are going to have to think out the box.

Historically, we've been quite an inventive nation. I'm quite interested to see what bright new ideas might come out of this challenge.

The water problem has been predicted for a while, particularly for Gauteng. It's always just being a matter of time before it really bites. That said, the topic seems to have been pretty quiet the last year or so. Good rains, I think.

Apparently (and this is unsubstantiated) the water rights for their supply dam were sold to a nearby mine!

Somebody deserves to get their tail kicked if that is true!

[Chatmaster]

It looks like you got there in time. I'm trying to source a generator for a client at the moment and called Bundu Power. Next shipment due in 6-8 weeks.

I spoke to their head office here in Jhb, they still had stock. 011 397 7373

[Chatmaster]

Oh yes, forgot to mention. I saw this pamflet from Game, they have a current special on generators to, a nice 2600kw for R2600. Maybe that can help?.

702 had a chat with a Labour Consultant about the factories idea. According to him the idea raised about factories changing their hours to night shift i not realistic and will cause major labour issues. Employees will simply not be willing to change their hours. Then there is security, transport and other issues he mentioned as well.

[Dave A]

Obviously I made the mistake of calling their KZN agent because it is needed in Durban.
Thanks Chatmaster. I'll pass the message on.

(Not a particularly good reflection on their KZN agent)

[Debbiedle]

702 had a chat with a Labour Consultant about the factories idea. According to him the idea raised about factories changing their hours to night shift i not realistic and will cause major labour issues. Employees will simply not be willing to change their hours. Then there is security, transport and other issues he mentioned as well.

Yup, the solution is going to need huge buy in from ALL concerned, I wonder if South Africans are up to it?