African Energy News Review
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TOP STORIES
Eskom owed R8bn as consumers struggle to pay [L]
South African state-owned electricity utility Eskom is expected to request another 40% increase soon, despite the fact that consumers owe the organisation billions in unpaid bills.   
Petrol, diesel, LPG and paraffin prices decrease [L]
The South African Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) have published the latest changes to the fuel price, which take effect on Wednesday 7 October 2009.   
African leaders threaten Copenhagen walkout if dissatisfied [L] [*]
African leaders have threatened to walk out of talks if the December climate summit in Copenhagen fails to give due consideration to the continent's position.   



Generation & Distribution
Eskom puts five power related projects on hold [L] [*]
South African state-owned electricity utility Eskom has now put five projects worth more than R54 billion on hold as a result of its funding shortfall.   

CEF gets landfill gas generation process underway [L]Geothermal energy in Kenya to be boosted by $22m EU project [L]AfDB approves $66m loan for Tunisian electricity upgrade [L]

Renewable Energy
South African government to support large-scale solar park [L] [*]
The South African government will be conducting a study into the viability of a large-scale "Solar Park" to encourage extensive use of solar energy in the country.   

Eskom under fire at renewable feed-in tariff hearing [L] [*] Botswana solar thermal project moves forward [L]NGO developing mini-hydro stations in Southern Africa [L]

Nuclear
PBMR socio-economic report flawed says public service watchdog [L] [*]
The Socio-Economic Impact Assessment for the proposed Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) Demonstration Power Plant does not provide enough information to make a decision on the use of public funds, according to a prominent public service watchdog organisation.   

PBMR demo plant on hold indefinitely [L]US signs agreement on nuclear energy with South Africa [L]Energy Minister to meet with nuclear stakeholders [L]

Emissions & Pollution
African leaders threaten Copenhagen walkout if dissatisfied [L] [*]
African leaders have threatened to walk out of talks if the December climate summit in Copenhagen fails to give due consideration to the continent's position.   

IFC funding to assist in Kenyan carbon market stimulation [L]Minister launches Carbon Capture and Storage Centre [L]SA business calls for a balanced outcome at Copenhagen [L]

Fossil Fuels
Ugandan oil and gas find could prompt local refining [L] [*]
The Ugandan energy ministry has confirmed that at least two billion barrels of oil with a production capacity of 100 00 barrels per day have been discovered in the country.   

West African Gas Pipeline Project costs increase to $1bn [L]PetroSA, CDC sign agreement for oil refinery [L]PetroSA to shutdown for maintenance in September [L]

Energy Efficiency
World Bank in $55m energy efficiency finance project with Tunisia [L] [*]
The World Bank has signed a $55 million energy efficiency finance project with Tunisia, with the objective of scaling up industrial energy efficiency and cogeneration investments.   

Incentives and penalties can result in energy efficiency [L]Building sector must reduce energy use by 60% by 2050 - study [L] [*] Minister says SA not energy efficient enough [L]

Biofuels
Uganda looks at biofuels and biogas for energy security [L] [*]
The Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has commissioned a study on energy from crops, garbage, and manure in an attempt to find solutions to the country's energy supply issues.    

South African company looks to build 3 biodiesel plants [L]IDC to invest R4.2bn in bioethanol projects [L] [*] UK biofuels target increased carbon emissions - study [L]

Transport
Nissan looks at SA market for electric vehicle [L] [*]
Nissan South Africa has announced that it is in discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) about the introduction of a mass-market zero-emission vehicle by 2012.   

McDonald's deploys electric vehicle charging stations [L]Tesla Motors launches all-electric family sedanSouth African electric vehicle to begin production in 2010 [L] [*]

Crime & Corruption
Commission investigates piped gas and petroleum industries [L] [*]
The South African Competition Commission has begun investigations into the piped gas industry as well as the petroleum value chain after it received leniency applications from Sasol Gas and Sasol Oil.   

Sasol asks for leniency for cartel action [L] [*] CFTC charges Dutch firm with oil price manipulation [L]Farming bulk fuel tanks targeted by diesel thieves

Legislation & Regulation
Energy regulator warns municipalities over rates "blackmail" [L] [*]
The Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has warned that the widespread practice of municipalities "blackmailing" ratepayers into paying outstanding accounts by threatening to disconnect their electricity is illegal.   

Constitutional Court battle over ‘constitutional right’ to electricity [L]Regulator rejects Transnet fuel pipeline tariff hike [L]Regulator warns Eskom may miss tariff hike deadline [L] [*]


Other News Headlines
Ethiopia and China sign hydro and wind power agreements [L]
Eskom to assist with Angolan hydropower [L]
Ugandan hydro project to raise electricity costs [L]






Business
South African company looks to build 3 biodiesel plants [L]
Three biodiesel plants that will make use of wasted vegetable oil will be built in South Africa over the next four years at a cost of R1.5 billion.    

IPPs consider big power users over Eskom programme delays [L]

Eskom accused of dragging feet on power purchase agreements [L]

Consultants chosen for $1.2bn Ugandan hydropower project [L]

NERSA includes photovoltaic in phase 2 of feed-in tariffs [L] [*]

Southern Africa set for a flood of renewable energy projects [L] [*]

Sasol signs deal for gas to liquids venture in Uzbekistan [L] [*]

Nissan looks at SA market for electric vehicle [L] [*]

IDC to invest R4.2bn in bioethanol projects [L] [*]

Feed-in tariff needed to support investment in electricity generation [L] [*]

Electricity trading may be allowed in future in South Africa [L]

Studies - green buildings have higher occupancy, sale prices & rental rates [L] [*]

Banks meet to discuss Congo's $80bn Grand Inga hydro project [L]

Survey shows global carbon emissions market grew 64% in 2007 [L]

Solar-water heating suppliers unable to meet demand in South Africa [L] [*]


AFRICAN ENERGY NEWS REVIEW – an analysis of energy news for decision makers