SA energy minister seals deal with Norway

Sonjica described the deaths of 23 illegal miners as regrettable

The minister of minerals and energy Buyelwa Sonjica has just concluded a four-day visit to Norway with a commitment on a firm partnership between the two countries. With discussions firmly rooted on energy cooperation, one of the main concerns for Sonjica was how to get all South Africans access to electricity without further damage to the environment.

Norway, with its vast reserves of natural resources, is developing expertise in greenhouse emissions issues, including technology that will capture carbon dioxide. There are still questions as to whether this could have negative implications in the future.

Although the government is considering this kind of technology, the minister says it should not be regarded as the only option in efforts to curb carbon emissions. The Norwegian minister of petroleum and energy is adamant that this technology is the way to go, especially since emissions capture exercises have proven a success in Oslo over the last decade.

A recent study conducted by the Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research has confirmed a speedy disappearance of ice and snow in the Alpine and Polar Regions - and this is a source of major concern.