"Power through renewable energies is, and will be, a major tool for developing countries, particullarly for rural populations. The potential is enormous, I think it will be extraordinary if the model is replicated in other parts of Africa, it will have life changing effects," said Sir Bob Geldof at a press conference in South Africa yesterday (11th July). The press conference followed Geldof's visit to jatropha plantations set up by D1 Oils and the announcement that he was joining Helius Energy Africa (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of AIM listed Helius Energy Plc, as special adviser.

“I do not use the word life-changing lightly,” Geldof said, adding that jatrophas curcas was the first solution that he had seen in his 23 years of involvement with African causes that offered Africans jobs, cash crops and economic power.

Helius will initially focus on the UK and Southern Africa, where it plans to install and operate a range of energy plants supplied by international suppliers of renewable and environmentally sustainable power generation. The company is pursuing opportunities to develop its 50MWe biomass power plants and its modular GreenSwitch™ 5MWe plants in the South Africa.

Dr Mohammed Jahed of Helius Energy Africa, commented, “The commitment to a greener, cleaner energy solution is one that is being made globally by governments and business alike. This along with the existing climate offers an ideal opportunity for the introduction of ‘Green Electricity’ into the Southern African market.”

Helius is currently in discussions with Eskom, the South African power utility, proposing to become a significant independent power provider with special emphasis on renewables. Additionally, Helius has been approached to join the Power Commissions Working Party in Zambia and is in discussion with the Government of Zambia for the establishment of new power plants, and the upgrading of existing facilities. The company is also in discussion with the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for a power supply agreement.

Dr Jahed concluded, “We believe that with the involvement of Sir Bob Geldof we will raise the bar and ultimately awareness of the current energy crisis facing Africa and the solution offered by Helius to take advantage of the exciting opportunities to develop biomass as a sustainable source of renewable power.”