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5 Jun 2012

The Portfolio Committee on Energy will on Thursday, 7 June host a panel discussion on renewable energy procurement for independent power producers.

This is the public meeting which the committee will be holding. The first one was held in November last year under the theme of job creation in local manufacturing within the renewable energy sector. The dialogue examined, among other things, whether local manufacturing is appropriately factored in the current procurement process of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers by the Department of Energy.

Presentations were received from the local manufacturing industry, academics and relevant departments looking at renewable energy. The last meeting the Committee held was January this year in eThekwini, the discussions scrutinised the management of strategic fuel stock options in South Africa.

Stakeholders in the sector highlighted numerous concerns that exist within the industry. During the discussions, some companies voiced their frustrations that the industry operated in a highly regulated arena.

Chairperson for the Committee, Mr Sisa Njikelana says these meetings create a platform for a public discourse in the energy industry by facilitating structured discussions on various topics related to energy issues.

Mr Njikelana says the committee has resolved to create a platform where stakeholders will highlight their concerns and achievements on topics that have been identified and agreed to, using Parliaments processes which include public participation.

The discussions are aimed at producing quality analysis of key energy issues, keeping policy makers and legislators regularly informed about the developments in this sector, engaging civil society and business communities in search for solutions to challenges in the industry and eventually setting a platform to empower the key audience in the energy sector.

Details are as follows:
Date: 7 June 2012, Thursday
Time: 17h00 – 20h00
Venue: E249, 2^nd Floor, New Wing

Media wishing to attend the meeting should forward their details to Yoliswa Landu at ylandu@parliament.gov.za Non PGA members should bring their ID documents.

For enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, contact:
Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8203
Cell: 073 738 0182
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za

Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
5 Jun 2012

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