Over 100 South African industrial companies and entrepreneurs have told Eskom that they were interested in generating additional power, the firm has said.

Eskom extended the deadline for cogeneration bids from February to the end of May and following the positive response it could receive a maximum of 3,000 MW of power.

The firm said that cogeneration was a new concept and many different aspects needed to be involved including "national legislation".

South African suppliers capable of in putting a minimum of one megawatt of electricity continuously were asked to contact Eskom if they could have facilities in place by 2012.

Industries capable of offering between five MW and 100 MW were also asked in a separate phase.

"We have begun preparing tender documents for these potential generators and will be releasing them by the end of March 2008 for interest, until the end of November 2008," a statement from the energy supplier read.

Meanwhile, the energy crisis may serve as a wake-up call for South Africa to adopt energy efficiency and generate energy from renewable forms.

Eskom has already cut supply to platinum mines and is slowing giving more back as it aims to reduce consumption by 3,000MW.

"The 3 000 MW saving is realistic, but we can do more," said Barry Bredenkamp, Operations Manager of the National Energy Efficiency Agency.

While the mining industry, which uses six per cent of South Africa's total energy, has made cut backs, energy efficiency measures in the residential sector, which uses 17 per cent, could have a big impact.

Renewable energy generation could also be an option as price increases from Eskom would make renewable energy more competitive.

Eskom was forced to raise the prices of its energy in order to generate funds to help solve the energy crisis.

Prices have grown by 53 per cent this year in an attempt to ensure that platinum mines are not shut again.

Source:

Over 100 firms responded to Eskom’s request for cogen projects, 26/03/08
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=129863

Energy efficiency and renewables may be power crisis' silver lining, 26/03/08
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=129862

Eskom finances could deteriorate without tariff hike, 25/03/08
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=129757

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