September 2011
SA's secret renewables procurement programme
On Sunday, 31 July 2011, South Africa's much anticipated renewables procurement programme was officially launched with the issue of a formal invitation for proposals by the DoE. This was to be the final step in establishing a renewable energy build programme in SA, one that was originally envisaged as a REFIT programme. In other words, a programme where private investors and independent power producers (IPPs) were guaranteed a return on their investments based on published and pre-established renewable energy (RE) feed-in tariffs, ie, REFITS.
However, it seems as if the REBID process, as it is now being called, has resulted in a significant loss of trust in the procurement process, following the abandonment of the transparent and participative REFIT framework. The current process is prepared behind closed doors, without consultation and transparency, and is fundamentally lacking in any form of stakeholder and public participation.
Why can't this be done more transparently? With so much money at stake, surely the public, who are ultimately paying the bill, have the right to know how much each project will cost and who will benefit?
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Accurate dosing pumps for AMD A leading supplier of peristaltic, air-operated diaphragm and magnetic drive centrifugal pumps, Verder Pumps South Africa (VPSA), has a sound reputation for providing reliable, cost-effective, efficient and long-lasting pumping solutions. This article looks at the company's involvement in solving the country's acid mine drainage problem. In this issue MechTech's Special report covers a trip to Cape Town to the Clean Air Group (CAG) in Airport Industria. This company's focus is on developing, manufacturing and marketing extraction filtration systems for the improvement of indoor air quality and the environment. CAG has consulted with and installed effective dust filtration and extraction services for companies such as Richards Bay Minerals, Hillside Aluminium, Mondi Kraft, MTN, among others, and several printing works including Paarl Media and CTP.
In Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals, we start off with Weir Mineral's Warman WBH centrifugal slurry pump, and look at its unique features. This is followed by a chat with TAS Online, about the practical benefits of pump system assessments, and an article on Grundfos' solar-powered SQFlex range of pumping solutions for borehole applications. We report on Endress + Hauser's state-of-the-art calibration services, and publish a paper from ABB Sweden, on pump savings - soft starters, variable speed drives or both? The paper asks, which of these solutions is the most cost effective in reducing energy consumption and providing the most satisfactory payback time?
Please note that this magazine will made available to delegates at the International Pump Users Conference (IPUC), which is being held at the MTN Expo Centre, Johannesburg, from 13-14 September. Visit www.ipuc.co.za for more information.
Our Power, energy and energy management feature includes a paper presented at the Mining and Industrial Energy Optimisation (MIEO) seminar, highlighting a few vital tools and processes for effective energy management that are often overlooked.
The lead article in Modern transport and vehicle solutions, covers an interview with GE South African Technologies (GESAT), which, together with its BBBEE partner, the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC), is in the process of delivering on a major order for 100 x C30ACi class 43 diesel electric AC traction locos, to state-owned Transnet Freight Rail, for delivery between 2010 and 2013.
In Innovative engineering, Peter Middleton reports back on Denel Dynamic's show-and-tell day, which unveiled its perspectives on the future of conflict and the proposed solutions envisaged to meet our defence needs. MechTech's October features: • Power transmissions, bearings and bushes
• Computer-aided engineering
• Modern engineering materials and processing
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Innovative engineering In November, we'll be covering: • Proactive maintenance, lubrication and contamination management
• Materials handling and logistics
• Manufacturing technology and plant automation
• Heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning
• Innovative engineering
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