The big news of this week is, of course, the inauguration of President Barack Obama and all the hope that brings for people concerned about the state of the planet. Renewable energy is getting a boost here in SA, too, with news of multimillion-rand investments in two solar water heating companies.

President-elect Barack Obama’s increased emphasis on renewable energy could help to finally unleash the United States vast potential for solar energy, but economic difficulties may prove a barrier to some of the more expensive renewable initiatives, says information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc.