Parallax has direct project implementation experience from a range of clean energy development applications;
PAST ENGAGEMENTS
SWITCH ON PROJECT
This project commenced in April 2002 with the aim to demonstrate how non-grid energy sources can be used sustainably in rural communities, thereby offering a significant contribution to climate change mitigation.
PACE
“Promoting Access to Carbon Equity” (PACE): in 2004, Parallax was funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to work with EcoSecurities, the world’s leading broker of carbon credits, to establish a national PACE Centre for small scale CDM projects in Southern Africa.
INTERGRATED ENERGY CENTERS
From Jan 2005, Parallax was appointed by the United National Development Programme to work with the South African Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) to develop a business plan for the national roll-out of Integrated Energy Centres
EFFICIENT HOUSING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Climate change and energy efficiency in housing:from 2005-6, Parallax was requested by the Project Preparation Trust of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa (PPT) to manage the implementation of a "climate change and energy" housing intervention.
HYBRID MINI-GRIDS
In 2008, Parallax was consulted by the Project Preparation Trust (PPT) in order to provide experience related to the installation and operation of mini-grids in South Africa.
APPLES
The APPLES Project, in which Parallax led the activity in rural areas, was financially supported by the European Commission as well as the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in South Africa.
OTHER PROJECTS
From Jan 2009 – Mar 2016, the MD of Parallax was seconded to the United Nations Environment Programme to head the Energy Finance Unit and manage programmes for clean energy development, with a particular focus on Africa and Asia.
FACET
This multi-year programme was initiated in September 2010. It’s main goal was to help overcome the financial barriers to implementing clean energy technologies .
INVESTING IN A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE
This booklet summarises UNEP's approach to Clean Energy Finance from 2009-2013 and includes a brief description of key projects related to end-user finance, carbon finance, innovative finance and international finance networks.
UNEP – PIDEO
Promoting Investment in Decentralised Energy Options programme:this programme started in 2015 and was designed and managed for UNEP by Parallax’s MD
FACILITATING PUBLIC PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
This series of Round Tables was conducted in March 2013 in European financial centres by UNEP in association with the European Energy Centre, Geocapita and the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre.
POLICY RISK INSURANCE MECHANISM
This initiative was aimed at raising awareness of one of the key constraints to sufficient investment in clean energy technologies in developing countries.
FS – UNEP
Clean energy is a sector that is often unfamiliar to local banks and so is associated with high perceived risks and inappropriate financial structures.
Prior to the formation of Parallax in 2001, the Parallax directors were involved in a range of other projects that have developed experience now used in Parallax operations. Such projects included:
- Rural Energization in South Africa (2001)
- In 2001, shortly before establishing Parallax, the Directors conducted an investigation into the commercial viability of introducing new energy alternatives, including LPG and solar energy, into rural areas in KwaZulu Natal which are not part of the national electricity grid. They worked with Electricite de France (EDF) in the concession area granted to it as part of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) non-grid electrification programme.
- Client: PN Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
- Financing for Rural Development in Africa (2001)
- In 2001, the Directors undertook an investigation of international funds available for supporting energy/environment/ development activities in Southern Africa. Included assessment of conditions for public and private sector financing, with consideration of education, healthcare, environment, gender, infrastructure and regional integration.
- Client: PN Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
- Potential for Rural Energization Using EU Technologies (1998)
- In 1998, Dean was Project Manager for the investigation into energy needs in Southern Africa and the identification of proven EU energy technologies with potential to adapt to local conditions. Working with local governments and private sector equipment suppliers to determine the prospects for matching local needs and capacity to the effective operation, maintenance and support of relevant systems.
- Client: European Commission, Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Southern Africa Renewable Energy Information Network (SAREIN) (1999)
- In 1999, Dean was Project Leader for the operation of the network to disseminate details of renewable energy utilization and potential in Southern Africa. Original network members in Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Operation included regular visits, management support and newsletter preparation/circulation.
- Client: DG XVII, European Commission
- Developing a blueprint for distribution of electricity in low income & rural areas (2001)
- In 2001, Cindy was responsible for creating and developing a blueprint for a business, which distributes electricity in low income & rural areas, so that the system may be replicated in other areas in such a manner, that empowerment & small business development opportunities are maximized.
- Client: PN Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
- Strengthening Energy Sector Co-operation between the EU and Southern Africa (1999)
- In 1999, Dean managed an investigation into all areas of potential co-operation between the European Union and SADC countries. Included visits to all key stakeholders in 13 of the 14 SADC countries (DRC excluded). High-level discussions with Government, utilities and principle private sector operators.Provided recommendations to the EU for future activity, including regulatory needs and the prospects for LP Gas utilization.
- Client: DG XVII, European Commission
- Enhancement of Industrial Energy Efficiency in South Africa (1998)
- Dean was Project Manager in 1998 for the survey of existing energy efficiency practice in South Africa and the prospects for improvement. Consultation with many large, energy intensive South African companies including Eskom, Sasol, Iskor, Sappi, and production of recommendations for appropriate action.
- Client: European Commission, Eskom
- Developing solutions for the mini-bus taxi industry (1998)
- Cindy project managed the implementation of a specialized service station concept in Johannesburg for the minibus taxi market segment. Worked with the Department of Transport and its initiative to formalize the SA taxi industry, and with the DME initiatives concerning increasing the use of diesel.Negotiated with local and national taxi associations.
- Client: Shell SA (Pty) Ltd