Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa - iutox

International Field Workshop on“Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development inAfrica”Mauritius18-21 June 2007FIRST CIRCULARThe ICSU Regional Office for Africa and the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute(MSIRI)/University of Mauritius, in collaboration with the AU, UNECA, NASAC/AAS/TWAS andUNESCO, are organizing an international field workshop on the utilization of renewable energy inAfrica. This 4-day event includes a 2-day technical session (oral and poster presentations) and a2-day field excursion to sugar plantations and electricity plants in Mauritius.Africa is endowed with enormous untapped and under-utilized energy resources of all varieties,including the classical energy sources - coal, gas, oil, nuclear; and the renewable resources –biofuels, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind and ocean energy. Energy is at the core of socioeconomicdevelopment and environmental protection for each nation and every community. Ithas been estimated that about 75% of the sub-Saharan population has no access to electricity,especially in the rural areas where over 70% of the population of this region lives. This lack ofaccess to electricity has impeded development on the continent and it is clear that the realizationof the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) depends on reliable and affordable energy supplies.Therefore, the Regional Office of the International Council for Science and its partners areorganizing a field workshop devoted to the assessment and subsequent utilization of renewableenergy as a supplement to and/or alternative source of energy in Africa. Mauritius was chosen asthe venue for the field workshop as it produces an impressive 20% of its total electricity frombagasse.Major topics for discussion:1. The science and technology of renewable energy2. Evaluation of Africa’s renewable energy sources3. National/regional policies and legal frameworks on renewable energy4. Development of human capacity in the energy sector in Africa5. Power generation from renewable energy sources: Investment opportunitiesThe workshop will include presentations by distinguished invited speakers, oral and posterpresentations of selected papers, an exhibition, and field excursion.Field excursionsThe 2-day technical session will be followed by field studies of sugar cane plantations and powergenerating plants of Mauritius.Who should participate?a. Researchers, scientists and technologists in the renewable energy sectorStrengthening international science for the benefit of society

. Policy makers and other experts in the energysectorc. Private and public sectors dealing with renewableenergy sectord. NGO’s and CBO’s dealing with energye. Funding agenciesf. Investors in the energy sectorg. Consumers of renewable energyh. Other interested stakeholdersExhibition on the Energy SectorAn exhibition will be held during the conference where organizations and companies can display products andassociated material. Interested individuals, organizations or companies should contact the organizers for moreinformation.VenueThe technical sessions will be held at the MSIRI. The venue has a capacity of 200 seats.Registration fees: US$ 250Includes conference materials, tea/coffee breaks, lunch for the 4-day duration of the technical session (2-day oral &poster presentations; and 2-day visits to the sugar plantations and power plants)You are kindly requested to express your interest by completing the attached form, and returning it to theSecretariat of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa. Participants are invited to submit 3-4 page extended abstracts(oral and poster presentations) relating to the topics for discussion. A second circular, with a tentativeprogramme and logistics details, will be mailed to those who respond to this call before 16 February 2007.Further information on mode of payment and accommodation arrangements will be communicated in the secondcircular.Organizing CommitteeChairperson:Dr. Jean Claude Autrey, Director, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research InstituteVice Chairperson: Dr. Romeela Mohee, Faculty of Engineering, University of MauritiusSecretary:Dr Janine Chantson, ICSU Regional Office for AfricaDeputy Secretary: Dr. Serge Kong Wing Chang, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research InstituteTreasurer:Mr. Satish Deena, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research InstituteMembers:Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, University of MauritiusDr. Khalil Elahee, University of MauritiusMr. Raymond Rivalland, CEO SUDS, MauritiusProf Joseph Massaquoi, UNESCO Regional Office for AfricaProf Ogunlade Davidson, University of Sierra LeoneProf Stephen Agong, NASAC/TWAS Regional Office for AfricaProf Sospeter Muhongo, ICSU Regional Office for AfricaDr. Jacques Moulot, UN-Economic Commission for AfricaDr Khalil Timamy, the African UnionDr. Evans Kituyi, University of Nairobi, KenyaDr. Erhard Seiler, Southern African Biofuels AssociationAll correspondence should be sent to: ICSU Regional Office for AfricaFax: +27(0)12-481-4273Email: j.chantson@icsu-africa.org / secretariat@icsu-africa.orgInternational Workshop on “Renewable Energy for SustainableDevelopment in Africa”18-21 June 2007, MauritiusFIRST CALL – REGISTRATION FORMStrengthening international science for the benefit of society

Delegate details:Full Name:………………………………………………………..Job Title: ……………………………………….Telephone:………………………………………Email:……………………………Organization details:Name of Organization………………………………………………………………………….Address:……………………………………………………………..................................………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Postal code:……………………………Country:…………………………….Fax:……………………………………Call for Contributions:I wish to make an oral presentation on a paper entitled:………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………I wish to participate in the poster session on a paper entitled:………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Deadline for returning this form: 16 February 2007Deadline for extended abstracts: 16 April 2007ICSU Regional Office for AfricaFax: +27(0)12-481-4273Email: j.chantson@icsu-africa.org / secretariat@icsu-africa.orgStrengthening international science for the benefit of society