28 September 2012: The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) has reported on a workshop, titled “The Energy Efficiency Policies and Technologies in South Africa,” which discussed energy efficiency policies in and technologies available to South Africa, and cooperation between South Africa and Japan in this respect.

The workshop, held on 6 September, brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders from South Africa and Japan. On policies, presentations discussed: energy efficiency regulations in South Africa; energy efficiency technology development and the role of the South African Technology Innovation Agency; energy efficiency standards; implementation and enforcement of energy efficiency practices and technical specifications for renewable energy technologies and buildings; smart grid development policy in South Africa; and energy efficiency programs and demand-side management.

On technologies, participants saw presentations on, inter alia: solar energy technology; Japanese clean technologies for the South African cement industry; clean energy and electronics producers; energy efficiency technologies in smart cities; energy efficiency in residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment applications; and smart grids. On cooperation, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) provided overviews of its activities in South Africa in the energy sector. [Presentations of the Energy Efficiency Policies and Technologies in South Africa Workshop]