Renewable Energy in South Africa

“Is Renewable energy an economically viable option for South Africa?”

“Renewable Energy is a source of energy that is not exhausted when used.”

“Economical means giving good value in relation to the resources used or money spent.”

“Viable means capable of working successfully; feasible.”

(Soanes, Hawker & Elliot et al., 2005)

So in other words, is renewable energy an affordable and successful option for South Africa.

Per year South Africa uses 1.3 % of the world’s total energy. South Africa’s main energy comes from coal, but one quarter of the coal we mine is exported to other countries. In 2009 71.1% of the total energy sources in South Africa were coal and hydroelectric energy had 0,1%. The one major reason hydroelectric energy in South Africa is so low is because this country is a water scarce one, which means that the hydroelectric power stations don’t have enough water to produce electricity efficiently. Eskom produces 95% of the electricity in South Africa and about half the electricity in Africa. Most of the electricity that is produced is from coal, but not all of it, other sources include gas, wind, hydroelectric and nuclear energy.

Renewable energy in South Africa would have effects on our economy because coal demand is shrinking so soon coal mines will close down, new technology may have to be bought or built if the wind and sun energy sources will start to be used, wind farms and solar panel fields will be small whereas coal power stations take up a lot of space.

Wind and solar power are small contributing factors to South Africa’s energy supply, but over the next few years they may become big major energy contributors because we have vast open areas of solar panels and the coastal areas can get really w...

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...ica. Verster, R. pp. 119-122

Dilley, L.; Earle, J.; Keats, G.; Nxele, A.A. & Ravenscroft, G. (2012) Conventional energy sources and their impact on the environment. Focus Geography Grade 11. 4th edition. Cape Town, South Africa. Maskew Miller Longman. p. 263

Dilley, L.; Earle, J.; Keats, G.; Nxele, A.A. & Ravenscroft, G. (2012) Non-conventional energy sources. Focus Geography Grade 11. 4th edition. Cape Town, South Africa. Maskew Miller Longman. pp. 274-277, p. 280

Banks, D. & Schaffler, J. (2006) The potential contribution of renewable energy in South Africa. 2nd edition. [e-book] RAPS Consulting & Nano Energy,prepared for SECCP, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. Available from: http://projects.gibb.co.za/Portals/3/projects/201002%20Nuclear%201/Appendix%20D%20Public%20Participation/App%20D8/potential%20of%20RE%20in%20SA%20Feb06.pdf

[Accessed 7 April 2014]