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In addi�on to technical lectures, the course was interac�ve

with problem solving group sessions simula�ng real

situa�ons and the par�cipants were encouraged to apply

lessons learned during the sessions. SANEDI/CRSES received

feedback from par�cipants that unanimously agreed that

they derived great benefit from a�ending the course, and

expressed great interest in any future SOLTRAIN courses.

The objec�ves of this training were well received, clearly

defined and topics covered were relevant and useful

to the respec�ve workplaces of most par�cipants. The

par�cipants found the trainer, Mr Brunner, knowledgeable

on topics covered and that their objec�ves of a�ending

were met. However, most par�cipants emphasised that

the �me allo�ed for prac�cal/simulated training was not

su翿cient for such a technical course. A survey was sent

to all par�cipants and below is a summary of key analy�cal

points from the survey:

1. What was liked about the trainin: gIt highlighted

the importance of an energy audit before

recommenda�ons and the requirement for

professionalism in the industry. The prac�cal

online training and the assignments done in

group sessions were relevant and useful. The

prac�cal examples assisted in making the course

interes�ng and interac�ve.

2. The aspects of the training that could be

improved: Training materials were distributed

prior to the course and su翿cient �me allocated

to the course to allow more examples. A focus on

the local market and towards specialised areas

such as agricultural applica�ons, process heat and

the possibility to include solar cooling were also

iden�fied.

Implementa�on of Solar Water Hea�ng (SWH) systems

could play a major role in reducing stress on the security

of electricity supply, at domes�c scale and also for hea�ng

and cooling at a commercial level e.g. in hospitals, hotels,

student hostels, as well as providing heat for industrial

processes. The SOLTRAIN project aims to tackle these

needs and create opportuni�es through addressing the

SWH sector across six partner countries in the Southern

African Development Community (SADC) viz. Botswana,

Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and

Zimbabwe. Partner countries of SOLTRAIN phase 3 are

pursuing policies that enhance security of supply, energy

conserva�on and that increase energy access. The project

has been running on three phases, SANEDI and the Centre

for Sustainable and Renewable Energy Studies (CRSES) are

the South African implementa�on partners for SOLTRAIN

phase 3.

CRSES acts as a central point of entry into Stellenbosch

University for the general field of renewable energy. The

centre has been hos�ng specialised training under the Solar

Thermal Demonstra�on and Training Ini�a�ve (SOLTRAIN)

and has been involved in the project for all three phases.

In November 2017, CRSES hosted a three-day specialised

course on Solar Heat for Industrial Applica�ons, supported

by the Solar Academy of the IEA Solar Hea�ng and Cooling

Task Group. Fi�y stakeholders from various sectors such

as Government, Private sector, Universi�es, Industry and

other SOLTRAIN partners par�cipated in the course. The

course was lectured by Christoph Brunner, head of the

Department of Industrial Processes and Energy Systems at

AEE INTEC, Austria.

2017 SOLTRAIN SPECIALISED COURSE

Soltrain course a�endees

Interac�on during the course with Dr Surridge

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3. Howparticipantshopetochangetheirpracticesas a result of the training: Some participants have already started to implement what they learnt at the course. This has diversified the solar thermal business through including process heat functions. Gaining more knowledge in energy auditing has allowed knowledge transfer amongst workplace colleagues. It was recommended to explore engaging/working on larger scale solar heating projects.

4. Additional topics from the IEA SHC task thatparticipantswouldliketodiscussinfuture:The

participants proposed topics such as:

a. Large scale systems from 1000 square meters

b. Designing of a solar energy power station

c. All practical uses and demonstrations of SHIP

d. Back-Fitting of EE technology in Industrial and household

e. Design techniques for higher-temperature applications

f. Financing options for larger solar or hybrid systems

g. Engineering risk identification and management

h. Solar cooling and more

Further comments shared were very positive and participants showed interest in having a similar course on a different topic. Many found it very informative and that they profited in terms of practical knowledge gained. Contributors further added that low-cost professional training is of great benefit to the industry. However, some course participants were not involved in technical/engineering work. Recommendations going forward included considering a smaller group of professionals for more intensive technical courses so that the course will be of maximum benefit to everyone. Overall, the course received very positive feedback from participants.

SANEDI/SOUTH AFRICAN AGENCY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT (SAASTA) COLLABORATION AWARENESS RAISING EVENT

To ensure the effective and efficient dissemination of information on SANEDI’s programmes, it has been necessary to forge collaborative partnerships with other government departments and State-owned entities for maximum exposure, given budgetary constraints.

SANEDI accepted an invite from Minister of the Department of Science & Technology, (Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane), to attend the SAASTA/DST Hydro-System Launch held on 13 April 2018 at Poelano High School in Ventersdorp - North West Province.

The Hydrogen South Africa Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform (HySA PADEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology. Its main objective is to create public awareness, visibility and acceptance amongst the public, industries, entrepreneurs and key decision makers in South Africa about the challenges, benefits and safety of using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the alternative energy industry. Given the relative newness of this technology, it is HySA PADEP’s intent to introduce this technology to the youth of South Africa to stimulate future careers in this field, showcase cutting-edge research and present new business opportunities that this technology offers to industries and entrepreneurs.

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane, who addressed the launch, said the HySA Programme had huge potential for local manufacturing and mineral beneficiation. The Minister said that the beneficiation of South Africa’s natural resources was one way in which the country would be able to expand its industrial base, creating jobs and reducing poverty and inequality.

The launch at Poelano High School included an exhibition showcasing amongst others, solar energy products. Learners from schools in the Ventersdorp area were able to learn about these alternative energy technologies and had the opportunity to interact with the scientists involved in their development. The learners had first-hand experience of the benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) and they learned about the technology. Most importantly they also received information about the value of studying Science. Minister Kubayi-Ngubane urged them to consider the many career opportunities offered by Science.

The Minister appealed to parents to protect the infrastructure that government had brought into the community for their children’s benefit. The Principal of Poelano High School, Gerald Mhlanga, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. “The most important thing for us is to make sure we maintain the project to benefit many generations to come,” he said.