Invitation to two important energy events (free-of-charge)

DIRECTIONS: See below or click here for a map

This lecture was presented by SANEA in Cape Town in late 2009, and consultant Gavin Lloyd of Lloyd & Hill Inc. had this to say about it:

"This was probably one of the finest presentations I have had the privilege to hear, and a lot of others attending expressed similar comments."

SYNOPSIS

The World Energy Council (WEC) has identified the transport sector as an area where there is still much to be done in terms of efficient and effective use of energy. One opportunity is in the use of alternative energy sources for motor vehicles, the most notable of these being electricity. The concept of electric vehicles is not new, but the innovation that is making this mode of transport viable on a large scale is certainly worth exploring. In particular, we have our own South African innovation (Joule from Optimal Energy), and this lecture presents an opportunity to hear firsthand what is being done to make electric vehicles viable in the South African context.

BRIEF CV OF PRESENTER

Kobus Meiring graduated at the University of Stellenbosch as a mechanical engineer, before joining Denel Aviation in 1988 where he began R & D work in aerodynamics and composites. In 1990, Kobus joined the Rooivalk helicopter and ACE turbo-prop programmes where he eventually managed the on-board systems development for both of these projects, before becoming manager of the Rooivalk Development Department. Kobus was appointed Rooivalk Programme Manager in 1997 and the first production aircraft was handed over to the SAAF 16 squadron in Bloemfontein in 1999, where these helicopters have been in operation ever since. Kobus then moved to Cape Town where he was appointed project manager of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) project. Upon completion of the SALT project, he co-founded Optimal Energy in 2005 with Mike Lomberg, Jian Swiegers and Gerhard Swart.

Kobus is a visionary in the field of electric vehicles, and he has positioned Optimal Energy to be a significant player in this space. The company is a 21st century mass market automotive company building advanced fully electric cars for sale around the world. It is is unique among global automotive manufacturers since it is the only mass market producer of cars all of which are designed from the ground up to be electric. Optimal Energy is a new kind of car company - its fresh approach has led to it creating a new kind of car, a new way of buying a car and a new kind of customer experience in owning a car.

RSVP AND FURTHER INFORMATION

For catering purposes, please click here to register online as soon as possible. For further information, please contact the IET SA Network Secretariate, Tel 011 789-1384; Fax 011 789-1385; Email: Thenjiwe Roda thenjiwe@vdw.co.za; Website: www.iet.org.za

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

From the M1 highway to Johannesburg, take the Empire Road off-ramp and head west along Empire Road, which becomes Stanley Road. Shortly after the intersection with Barry Hertzog Avenue, turn right into either Lewis Road or Marie Road, and then first left into Napier Road, which leads into the main entrance gate of the Johannesburg Country Club, Auckland Park, where there is ample secure parking. Click here for a map.