Norway wants to help solve SA's energy crisis

Cape Town - For the first time the Norwegian government had seven companies at the African Utility Week in Cape Town, to provide possible solutions to South Africa’s current electricity crisis.
 
“In years to come you will also see a much stronger presence of Norwegian companies in Africa. At the African Utility Week the Norwegian companies provided affordable and clean energy solutions," said Norwegian ambassador Trine Symoen.

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"We hope these companies can serve as an inspiration. South Africa is an important market and also a gateway to the fast growing markets in Africa.”

According to Siw Heggedal Longvastol, the director of Innovation Norway, the green sector is where the most promising opportunities can be found.

“We see possibilities in water and sludge management, small scale hydropower and solar power generation. Furthermore Norway has also developed a lot of expertise from the petroleum sector’s technology and expertise relating to the production and transportation of energy," said Longvastol.
 
“South Africa has some of the best conditions for solar power in the world. And our sectors of interest are oil and gas, water, hydro, solar, wind power generation and transmission.”

Andre Kruger, Innovation Norway’s senior market adviser, added that they also invest in maritime training.

“This includes the training of captains and crews of ships,” he said.

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