The Department of Community and Economic Development is recruiting for a special energy trade mission to South Africa in June that could create new business opportunities for Pennsylvania suppliers of power generation, transmission and distribution equipment.

South Africa's sustained economic expansion and increasing demand for power is causing serious, long-term energy shortages, including rolling power blackouts throughout the country. DCED's Office of International Business Development learned that South Africa's lone electric firm, Eskom, is planning to spend nearly $55 billion over the next five years to upgrade electrical generation, transmission, and distribution. In addition, many private firms and households are looking for their own solutions.

"The current energy situation in South Africa provides Pennsylvania firms with a timely opportunity to build market share in one of Africa's largest and fastest growing economies," said DCED Secretary Dennis Yablonsky. "As economic growth has outpaced the country's ability to supply all its energy needs, there's no better time for Pennsylvania companies to introduce their products and services into the market."

The trade mission is scheduled for June 23-27. Participants will receive a customized itinerary of meetings with prospective buyers, representatives and government officials in Johannesburg; Mpumalanga (South Africa's coal and electrical generation center); Kwa-Zulu Natal (a major port logistics center of Africa); and Durban, South Africa's second largest city.

Pennsylvania's trade representative in Johannesburg has identified specific interest in fossil, nuclear and specialty coal-power generation companies; electrical transmission and distribution equipment; alternative energies including biofuels; energy conservation equipment; natural gas generation; and supply technologies.

Participation is limited to 10 companies. The participation fee is $500 (participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs); opportunities for financial assistance from DCED to help offset the cost may be available to qualifying companies.

The application deadline is May 16.

For more information, contact Peter O'Neill at DCED's Center for Trade Development email to: peoneill@state.pa.us , or call 717-214-5453.

NewsClip: South African Trade Mission Presents Opportunities for PA (1998)

3/14/2008