Sustainable Energy Society Southern Africa - ISES Solar World Congress Ends on a High Note

The year 2009 was unprecedented in the history of renewable energy, despite the headwinds posed by the global financial crisis, lower oil prices, and slow progress with climate policy.

Indeed, as other economic sectors declined around the world, existing renewable capacity continued to grow at rates close to those in previous years, including grid-connected solar PV (53 %), wind power (32 %), solar hot water/heating (21 %), geothermal power (4 %), and hydropower (3 %). Annual production of ethanol and biodiesel increased 10 % and 9 %, respectively, despite layoffs and ethanol plant closures in the United States and Brazil. Download the report here.

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ISES Solar World Congress Ends on a High Note

Written by Dr John Ledger, SESSA Chairman

Thursday, 15 October 2009 07:49

The 29th World Congress of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) ended on Wednesday 14 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, concluding four days of high level presentations on the state of the world’s renewable energy resources and options.

Hosted and organised by SESSA, the Congress attracted 473 registered delegates from 78 countries. The scientific programme and poster sessions covered almost every aspect of renewable energy science, technology and application. International experts rubbed shoulders and exchanged ideas with African and other developing country delegates.

The SESSA Renewable Energy Expo saw 210 exhibitors display their wares on 67 stands. There was a strong showing of solar water heating and photovoltaic suppliers and vendors. Trade visitors and members of the public enjoyed the variety of exhibitors and the range of equipment on show.

Media coverage was excellent with print, radio and television reaching hundreds, thousands, perhaps millions, with the message that renewable energy must be part of our plans if we are to meet the challenges and demands of our future energy needs.

SESSA is proud to have hosted this important International Solar World Congress.

We salute the SWC2009 Chairman, Jon Adams, for his commitment, stamina, and dedication in driving this initiative on behalf of SESSA.

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