Warning to automotive industry on
introduction of Carbon Tax
Associate
Director at Deloitte, Izak Swart, says the proposed carbon tax to be levied by
Government could become as great a debacle as e-tolling.
Speaking at
an Energy Seminar hosted by the Automotive Industry Development Centre, Swart
warned the automotive sector to monitor the policy which could have “a profound
impact on business”.
In terms of
the proposed policy, companies will pay an additional tax based on carbon
emissions produced.
The levy
would come into effect in 2013/14 and increase by 10% a year until 2020.
Eskom
Engineering Consultant Gary Deysel said R200 million had been set aside for
energy saving projects at Eastern Cape companies alone to target a reduction in
power of 40MW.
http://www.getnews.co.za/story?id=1715
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Government decision to "bail out"
Eskom unacceptable - Greenpeace
Public
Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba announced yesterday that the government it
will effectively be bailing out the utility, after he announced that Eskom’s
funding plan until 2017 had been finalized.
Greenpeace
has reacted with concern and alarm to the announcement.
The Minister
confirmed that government has approved an increase of Eskom’s domestic
borrowing programme by R35 billion to fund the construction of the massive
coal-fired power stations Medupi and Kusile.
Climate
campaigner for Greenpeace Africa, Melita Steele, says the South African
government will use more taxpayers’ money as Eskom continues to get away with
the escalating costs of building new coal-fired power stations.
Steele
called on the government to channel the money towards renewable energy, and the
creation of green jobs instead...
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South African Company Launches Fuel Cell
Train
Anglo
American Platinum, which has its headquarters in Johannesburg, has launched its
first fuel cell-powered train prototype.
Anglo
American CEO Cynthia Carroll described the event as "a leap forward for
fuel cells.
She says the
platinum-based hydrogen fuel cells, used to power the locomotive, offer one of
the most exciting opportunities for South Africa in the green economy.
Five fuel
cell trains will be tested for underground use at one of Angloplat’s mines,
with the hopes to integrate the systems into the company’s mining operations.
http://ae-africa.com/read_article.php?NID=3893
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