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The demand for energy is increasing. We need to look at alternative energy options before it is too lateReducing carbon emissions has become an international imperative. The critical issue for developing nations, however, is managing the demands of economic growth while remaining faithful to these agreements regarding climate change.
In this context, South Africa is in an energy crisis. Eskom, current supplier of 95% of South Africa’s electricity, relies on coal for 90% of its energy mix. In fact, the country is currently the 12th biggest producer of carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the world.
South Africans have also come to rely on cheap electricity, leading to the country being one of the most energy-intensive countries in the world.
Lastly, the demand for energy is outstripping supply. This problem will only intensify as the economy recovers and demand increases.
The immediate concern is whether we have sufficient energy capacity as South Africa hosts thousands of visitors to the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. In the short term, Eskom has made repeated assurances that it will manage during this period. This is a result of focused planning and an agreement with neighbouring countries to contribute to the grid if and when necessary.
Eskom’s spokesperson Fani Zulu, however, admits that supply will be under pressure for another five years. In fact, Erica Johnson, head of customer relations at Eskom, has warned that from 2011 onward, capacity will not meet demand.
New power stations are being built to generate just less than 12 500 megawatts, but they are coal-based and will only be ready in 2013 – and ultimately, the required capacity is 40 000MW by 2025.
The South African government’s response to this crisis is to enable increased capacity, including opening the door for independent power producers, encourage energy efficiency and set targets for renewable energy sources.
Energy Minister Dipuo Peters announced late in 2009 the creation of the Independent System Operator. This body will have the authority to purchase power from independent power producers with the goal of 1.020MW of power coming from the private sector by 2011. Her plan includes the goal of 1.145MW coming from renewable energy projects in the private sector by 2012.
There is much that can be done to increase energy efficiency, by both households and industry, thereby reducing costs and preventing pollution. Business and manufacturing can be more energy efficient by retrofitting their equipment, reducing operational time or improving electrical network efficiency.
It is believed that solar heating in industrial, commercial and residential buildings would reduce demand equivalent to three medium power stations. Thermally efficient housing, including low-cost houses, also would reduce the need for power significantly. Even small changes such as standardising appliances and using low-energy cooking devices would make a difference.
Despite South Africa adopting an Energy Efficiency Strategy in March 2005, which aims at reducing demand by 12% by 2015, its recommendations remain voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that change is slow and sporadic.
The other problem, as stated by the Department of Energy’s director for Energy Efficiency and Environment Elsa du Toit, is the lack of energy consumption measuring and monitoring, although it is hoped that a recently introduced tax incentive would encourage this more.
Regarding the use of renewable energy, a White Paper sets the target of 10 000GWh by 2013 to be produced mainly from biomass, wind, solar and small-scale hydro as well as nuclear sources.
A recent technical study undertaken by Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa estimates that wind energy could generate up to 5% of the country’s electricity demand within five years. These viable wind farms would reduce CO2 emissions by over 68 million tonnes each year and create jobs, particularly in rural areas.
Eskom is investing in a 100MW wind facility in the Western Cape, purported to be in operation this year. It appears that investment is available and the government is amenable, so with the right regulatory environment, wind power could account for 25% of the country’s electricity demand by 2025.
Wave energy has potential, and various projects have been mooted over the years, but nothing significant has emerged as yet.
South Africa already takes advantage of some nuclear power, with Koeberg in the Western Cape providing about 4% of Eskom’s energy mix. It plans to increase its use of nuclear power significantly with an idea that up to half of its renewable energy resources will be nuclear.
The main barrier to implementing more projects that provide renewable energy is the cost of production in comparison to the low cost of coal, particularly given the demand for economic growth. Other issues are lack of knowledge and education, as well as an inadequate institutional and legislative framework.
However, it is hoped that the commercial advantage of these projects in the creation of jobs and income, as well as their positive impact on the environment, will persuade the public and private sector to invest more thoroughly in their development.
Leigh Harrison
