Mike Loewe
7 December 2011
South Africa and European Union nations yesterday announced a massive renewable energy partnership.
Green technology, skills and money are expected to flow into the green energy economy in South Africa.
The mechanism for the programme is the South African Renewables Initiative, or Sari.
It was due to be launched tonight by a herd of local and European ministers and bankers at a venue close to COP17 last night.
South Africa’s partners are Britain, Germany, Denmark, Norway and the European Investment Bank.
The declaration of intent is for South Africa to become a “producer and consumer of tomorrow’s technology”, says SA Trade and Industries Minister Rob Davies.
The beauty of the deal was that SA citizens or government would not be “burdened” with set-up costs.
Jobs and energy — nationally and regionally – would be be created.
It’s all in line with the UN’s Cancun climate-change goals.
UK secretary of state for energy and climate change Chris Huhne says Sari will catalyse “billions of pounds” for South Africa.
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