14 April 2008

THE SA Cities Network (SACN) will convene a two-day Summit on Renewable Energy at the Spier conference centre in Stellenbosch on May 13 and 14.

The summit is aimed at giving local government decision makers a platform to consider and discuss the merits of a range of leading practices in promoting the shift to a renewable energy future.

This year's summit will be hosted in association with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), SA 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.

"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," said Zintle Peter, chairperson of the SACN.

SACN believes that local government leaders should 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," the organisation said in a statement.

Interested parties should send confirmation of their attendance by completing the registration form available on this website www.recitysummit.org.za A draft programme for the event can also be viewed on that website.

Source: SACN