The newly launched South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) will help the government address South Africa's energy needs, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said at the launch of the organisation in Johannesburg last week.
Sanedi will help government in ensuring that the African continent moves away from being the "darkest continent at night", Peters said. "Sanedi is responsible for energy research. We must be well-positioned to enable the energy sector to respond to future energy needs and challenges."
It was established through the merger of the South African National Energy Research Institute (Saneri) and National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA).
Sanedi chief executive officer, Kevin Nassiep, said the establishment of Sanedi would promote the green economy and job creation in the country.
"We also need to develop solutions for sustainable development in the future. South Africa needs to be a pioneer of innovation," Nassiep said.
Research done by the entity will be used to inform government policy and its strategic energy plan. Its primary focus will be to address the country's rising energy demands in areas such as energy efficiency, green transport and advanced fossil fuels.
Sanedi's strategic plan will include smarter grids to provide better services to South Africans. It will also help the country move towards a low-carbon economy, as the country is among the world's highest carbon gas emitters.
Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/news/energy-230712.htm#ixzz21nvhkFIb
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