On Friday 21 October 2011, after the Selection Panel had met to review applications for the 2012 Scholarship award, Gaby Coppez the first DBREV Scholar handed over a copy of her thesis to Board member Helene van der Merwe.

The torch is about to be passed on.

In memory of Doug Banks, "a man of passion for Africa, its people, rural electrification and renewable energy".

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Applications are now open for undergraduates to apply to become a DBREV scholar.  Gaby is wrapping up her thesis, hoping to hand in by the end of August 2011 and graduate with an MSc at the end of 2011.  It is time to find the next scholar to take up the baton.

We're hoping to see the same high level of applicants we saw in 2009 which will allow us to award a scholarship to a deserving individual by December 2011 to start their studies early in 2012.

See the "Apply Now!" page on the website for...
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Although one is tempted to wonder where the first half of 2010 has gone, mid-winter has passed and the days are slowly getting longer.  The Soccer World Cup 2010 is almost done and dusted and we've surprised the world media and the visiting tourists with the great experience they've had and made our critics eat their words.

July 4th was 2 years since Doug passed away.  Helene and the family are slowly adjusting to a different rhythm of life without a husband and father.

And the first DBREV scho...
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Oison Tummon was a close contender for the DBREV scholarship.  He approached me recently asking for assistance in securing some work experience until August 2010.  I suggested he draft an "ad" to be placed here.  If you think you can assist him, please contact him directly - his details you will find below.
rgds,
Dave
 

To all in the Renewable Energies Sector

I have recently found my passion and vocation in life;  I am desperately keen to develop sustainable energy in South Africa.  I am passionat...

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I'll post details of publications that publish details of the award as I become aware of them.

REEEP posted details on their blog.
Energize e-News included an article in their latest newsletter (14 December 2009).

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The selection panel did not have any easy time of it, despite having developed a scoring system which included not only academic track record but alignment to DBREV goals, appreciation of the technical and social aspects of RE, and level of commitment, among other factors.

The points separating the final candidates were not that disparate, but in the end Gaby Coppez's involvement in community work and affinity for teaching clinched it.  The Board of Trustees would like to extend warm congrat...
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The Mail and Guardian have a short report indicating some progress with TFST's Paarl plant.

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Alix Clark spotted this article on Engineering News.

If we get many more 40% yoy price hikes from Eskom and the price of PV, inverters and battery banks start coming down, I'm going to start looking seriously at the option of moving off the grid!  ~R300k remains a bit steep for the Average Joe.

Great to see some work being done in this area.

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