UPDATE (22 May, 2008) - The presentations from the Summit can be obtained at this link.

 Limited medium term electricity supplies, steep increases in the cost of electricity, and the new tax on energy generated through non-renewable sources, place local government in a unique position to lead the implementation of innovative and sustainable renewable energy strategies. Local government leaders must not miss the opportunity that is presented by local renewable energy purchase agreements, generation partnerships, and initiatives to diversify household energy demand. These types of initiatives will allow municipalities to mitigate the impact of limited electricity supply on local economies and ensure sustainable growth and development. Renewable energy also has the potential for job creation and poverty alleviation.

On 13th  and 14th May 2008 the SA Cities Network (SACN) will convene a Summit on Renewable Energy at the Spier Conference Centre in Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands (http://www.spier.co.za/) to enable local government decision makers to consider and discuss the merits of a range of leading practices in promoting the shift to a renewable energy future. This Summit will be hosted in association with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), SA National Energy Research Institute (SANERI), Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA); and with the support of the Royal Danish Embassy, USAID and ABSA.

You and your colleagues are hereby invited to attend this Summit on Renewable Energy. Please send confirmation of your attendance by completing the registration form available at here as soon as possible. You are also able to view the draft programme for the event on this website. Please note that places are limited due to the capacity of the venue, so participation will be confirmed on a first-come-first-served basis.