Countdown to the ISES Solar World Congress 2009
Register now for the 29th ISES Solar World Congress which takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 11 – 14 October 2009. It is the first time that the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) brings its biennial congress to South Africa. The theme of the Congress is: Renewable Energy: Shaping our Future.
The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA), which is co–hosting this congress at the Sandton International Convention Centre, is particularly pleased to be part of this event at a time when the global and regional focus of renewable energy resources is enjoying such a high priority.
With more than 370 abstracts submitted by scientists and solar energy experts from 55 countries, this congress promises to highlight major advances and opportunities in the field of renewable energy. South Africa takes the lead with no less than 65 submissions, with China, Germany, Brazil and Australia not far behind. 26 abstracts were submitted by speakers from ten African countries.
Abstracts will be presented in the following five main themes:
• Resource Assessment
• Solar Heating and Cooling
• Solar Electricity
• Solar Buildings
• Solar Energy and Society
This Congress will focus on global issues, but with a special interest in Africa and the development of future opportunities for the use of renewable energy on the continent. Africa enjoys 95% of the world’s best winter sunshine, as well as huge unexplored wind, hydro, biomass and other sustainable energy resources.
`The continent’s potential to be one of the biggest users of renewable-energy should not be underestimated. It’s time to awaken the sleeping renewable energy giant in the developing world where over 60% of the global energy growth has been predicted,’ said Jon Adams, congress chairperson and member of SESSA, co-host of the congress.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently approved a renewable energy feed-in tariff, or Refit, for wind, landfill gas, concentrating solar power and mini-hydro schemes in support of a stated policy objective of having 10 000GWh of renewable capacity in place by 2013. This development has created a strong incentive for investment in the provision of renewable energy by independent power producers in South Africa and on the continent.
ISES SWC2009 offers a well-timed platform for industry leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to identify business opportunities in this field.
Visit www.swc2009.co.za for more information and to register for the ISES Solar World Congress 2009.
