South-African Govt plans big investments in biofuels
One effect of high international oil prices was the production of biofuels had become more economically viable, South Africa's Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks told MPs on Thursday.
Opening debate on her department's budget vote in the National Assembly, she said the production of such fuel had become a government priority as it sought to lessen its energy dependence on crude oil.
"The production of biofuels has been recognised as having significant potential for our country, not only because of the environmental benefits, but also to create a significant number of jobs in the agricultural sector and the second economy."
Private sector interested
It would also reduce the need to import oil.
Biofuels can be produced from a variety of agricultural crops, including sugar cane, maize and soya.
Hendricks said the private sector had responded very positively towards government's shift in policy towards biofuels.
"We are looking at significant investment in both the agricultural sector and in the manufacturing of these fuels."
She did not put a figure on this investment. On the diversification of South Africa's energy supply, Hendricks said nuclear energy offered a cleaner alternative to coal-fired power stations.
"For the Western Cape, which does not have coal in abundance, we must consider nuclear energy as a viable option."
However, there was a great deal to be dome before a new nuclear power station could be built in the region.
Hydropower development
"A decision on whether we want to consider this option will need to be made in the next few months in order to go through the proper consultative processes, and have a new nuclear power plant operational by 2015," she said.
On the development of hydropower, she said this showed the most "significant potential" for South Africa. In an apparent reference to tapping into the hydroelectric potential of the Congo River basin, she said such development would require "extensive regional co-operation in the construction of hydro-electric plants, and bringing electricity across several neighbouring countries".
Hendricks warned if oil prices continued to increase, a slowdown in world economic growth could result.
"This would have an impact on our economy... has necessitated that we in South Africa look at the alternatives in order to secure our energy supply," she said.
iAfrica.com
Full article
Opening debate on her department's budget vote in the National Assembly, she said the production of such fuel had become a government priority as it sought to lessen its energy dependence on crude oil.
"The production of biofuels has been recognised as having significant potential for our country, not only because of the environmental benefits, but also to create a significant number of jobs in the agricultural sector and the second economy."
Private sector interested
It would also reduce the need to import oil.
Biofuels can be produced from a variety of agricultural crops, including sugar cane, maize and soya.
Hendricks said the private sector had responded very positively towards government's shift in policy towards biofuels.
"We are looking at significant investment in both the agricultural sector and in the manufacturing of these fuels."
She did not put a figure on this investment. On the diversification of South Africa's energy supply, Hendricks said nuclear energy offered a cleaner alternative to coal-fired power stations.
"For the Western Cape, which does not have coal in abundance, we must consider nuclear energy as a viable option."
However, there was a great deal to be dome before a new nuclear power station could be built in the region.
Hydropower development
"A decision on whether we want to consider this option will need to be made in the next few months in order to go through the proper consultative processes, and have a new nuclear power plant operational by 2015," she said.
On the development of hydropower, she said this showed the most "significant potential" for South Africa. In an apparent reference to tapping into the hydroelectric potential of the Congo River basin, she said such development would require "extensive regional co-operation in the construction of hydro-electric plants, and bringing electricity across several neighbouring countries".
Hendricks warned if oil prices continued to increase, a slowdown in world economic growth could result.
"This would have an impact on our economy... has necessitated that we in South Africa look at the alternatives in order to secure our energy supply," she said.
iAfrica.com
Full article
Friday, May 26, 2006
Studies about the global biomass, biofuels and bioenergy potential
Bioenergy production potential in 2050 for different scenario’s
http://www.iea.org/textbase/work/2005/Biofuels/Biofuels_Faaij_Presentation.pdf
GLOBAL BIOMASS ENERGY POTENTIAL. José Roberto Moreira
http://www.accstrategy.org/simiti/moreira.pdf
Global Biofuel Potential – Sugarcane Contribution.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/biotech_symposium/docs/abstspt_a06.doc
http://www.clingendael.nl/ciep/events/20051209/20051209_CIEP_Moreira.pdf
CIEP - Clingendael International Energy Programme
“IEA assessment of future transport fuels use and biofuels potential”
http://www.unfoundation.org/files/misc/biofuels_presentations/Fulton_biofuels.htm
“Global biofuels potential and costs” Andre Faaij
http://www.unfoundation.org/files/misc/biofuels_presentations/Faaij_Biofuels.htm
Biofuels for Transport: An International Perspective
http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-walter-forum1-2006.pdf
Germant Dev Agency.
Full article
ethanol :: biodiesel :: biofuels :: bioenergy :: biomass :: renewables :: energy :: sustainability :: Africa ::
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