Media advisory

On Thursday, 3 November 2022, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will open its doors to the media, giving them the chance to tour the Photovoltaic (PV) Testing Facility and engage with renewable energy experts and researchers about the vital research being conducted to harness a robust South African economy.

As the country grapples with the effects of load shedding, the shift to renewable energy as an alternative is becoming a reality for industry, and the CSIR’s PV module quality and reliability lab is assisting local business to make a seamless transition into solar energy.

The CSIR’s PV testing facility hosts world-class equipment for localising accelerated reliability stress testing on PV panels. The laboratory also operates specialised characterisation equipment to measure the electrical performance and safety aspects of the PV panels. Accelerated stress testing provides insight into PV panel performance at present and into the future, providing valuable feedback to manufacturers and buyers to ensure that only the most reliable panels are deployed in South Africa. Reliable solar panels are critical in ensuring long-term return on investment.

The media tour is part of the 8th CSIR Biennial Conference taking place on 2 and 3 November 2022 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, under the theme “Harnessing research, development and innovation for a robust South African economy”.

The media will also visit the Biomanufacturing Industrial Development Centre to view the bioprocessing fermentation lab, bioprocessing pilot facility and agro-processing bench-scale facility. The BIDC provides support to small businesses in the biomanufacturing sector, enabling them to grow, increase their competitiveness and contribute to a robust bioeconomy in South Africa. The last tour will take place at the CSIR Nanomaterials Industrial Development Facility, which was built to connect bench-scale research with industry. Journalists will get the opportunity to see how chemical and polymer technologies and processes are optimised.

The delegation attending the CSIR Biennial Conference will also take part in the facility tours.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 3 November 2022
Time: 11:00 – 12:45
Venue: ICC, CSIR Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria

To register for tours, please see link: https://conference.csir.co.za/registration/

For more information, please contact: CSIR Media Relations Practitioner: Chumisa Ndlazi (CNdlazi@csir.co.za ) or Phetolo Phatsibi (PPhatsibi@csir.co.za)
 

-ENDS-
 

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communications

For more information, please contact:
David Mandaha: CSIR Media Relations Manager
Mobile: 072 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za 
 

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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