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| | Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar-radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day. The southern African region, and in fact the whole of Africa, has sunshine all year round. The annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W/m2 for South Africa, compared with about 150 W/m2 for parts of the USA, and about 100 W/m2 for Europe and the United Kingdom. This makes South Africa's local resource one of the highest in the world. <ref>http://www.energy.gov.za/files/esources/renewables/r_solar.html</ref> [[File:South Africa Solar Map.png|center|450px|alt=South Africa Solar Map.png|link=http://solargis.info/doc/_pics/freemaps/1000px/ghi/SolarGIS-Solar-map-South-Africa-en.png]]<br/>The South-west region has the most potential for solar in South Africa as can be seen from the above graph.<br/> | | Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar-radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day. The southern African region, and in fact the whole of Africa, has sunshine all year round. The annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W/m2 for South Africa, compared with about 150 W/m2 for parts of the USA, and about 100 W/m2 for Europe and the United Kingdom. This makes South Africa's local resource one of the highest in the world. <ref>http://www.energy.gov.za/files/esources/renewables/r_solar.html</ref> [[File:South Africa Solar Map.png|center|450px|alt=South Africa Solar Map.png|link=http://solargis.info/doc/_pics/freemaps/1000px/ghi/SolarGIS-Solar-map-South-Africa-en.png]]<br/>The South-west region has the most potential for solar in South Africa as can be seen from the above graph.<br/> |
| | | | |
| − | | + | <br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]] | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]] |
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| | {| style="width: 100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" | | {| style="width: 100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Waste cathegory<ref name="http://sawic.environment.gov.za/documents/1880.pdf">http://sawic.environment.gov.za/documents/1880.pdf</ref> | + | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Waste cathegory<ref name="http://sawic.environment.gov.za/documents/1880.pdf">http://sawic.environment.gov.za/documents/1880.pdf</ref> |
| − | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | In milion tonnes | + | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | In milion tonnes |
| − | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | In % | + | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | In % |
| − | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Recycled | + | | style="width: 432px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Recycled |
| | |- | | |- |
| | | style="width: 432px" | Total waste generated | | | style="width: 432px" | Total waste generated |
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| | {| style="width: 99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" | | {| style="width: 99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Wind Energy | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Wind Energy |
| | | style="width: 16.98%" | Bid Window 1 | | | style="width: 16.98%" | Bid Window 1 |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 20.86%" | Bid Window 2 | | | colspan="3" style="width: 20.86%" | Bid Window 2 |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 22.36%" | Bid Window 3 | | | colspan="3" style="width: 22.36%" | Bid Window 3 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Price fully indexed (Av. R/kWh base April 2011 | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Price fully indexed (Av. R/kWh base April 2011 |
| | | colspan="2" style="width: 18.56%" | R1, 243 | | | colspan="2" style="width: 18.56%" | R1, 243 |
| | | colspan="4" style="width: 25.64%" | R0.897 | | | colspan="4" style="width: 25.64%" | R0.897 |
| | | style="width: 16.02%" | R0.656 | | | style="width: 16.02%" | R0.656 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Price fully indexed (Av. R/kWh base April 2013 | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Price fully indexed (Av. R/kWh base April 2013 |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 20.08%" | R1, 284 | | | colspan="3" style="width: 20.08%" | R1, 284 |
| | | colspan="2" style="width: 23.68%" | R1,008 | | | colspan="2" style="width: 23.68%" | R1,008 |
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| | {| style="width: 99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" | | {| style="width: 99%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Wind Energy | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Wind Energy |
| | | style="width: 140px" | Bid Window 1 | | | style="width: 140px" | Bid Window 1 |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 143px" | Bid Window 2 | | | colspan="3" style="width: 143px" | Bid Window 2 |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 22.36%" | Bid Window 3 | | | colspan="3" style="width: 22.36%" | Bid Window 3 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Local content value | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Local content value |
| | | colspan="2" style="width: 18.56%" | R2391 –m | | | colspan="2" style="width: 18.56%" | R2391 –m |
| | | colspan="4" style="width: 25.64%" | R1638-m | | | colspan="4" style="width: 25.64%" | R1638-m |
| | | style="width: 16.02%" | R5627-m | | | style="width: 16.02%" | R5627-m |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Local content | + | | style="width: 39.78%; white-space: nowrap" | Local content |
| | | colspan="3" style="width: 137px" | 21.7% | | | colspan="3" style="width: 137px" | 21.7% |
| | | colspan="2" style="width: 236px" | 36.7% | | | colspan="2" style="width: 236px" | 36.7% |
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| | | | |
| | There is, currently, no large-scale geothermal production in South Africa, since coal is abundant and relatively cheap, supplying the largest part of the country’s energy requirements. However, the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, or REN21, ‘Renewables 2010 Global Status Report’ states that, as the geothermal market continues to broaden, a significant acceleration in installations is expected, with advanced technologies enabling the development of geothermal power projects in new countries.<ref>http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africas-geothermal-prospects-2010-10-15</ref> [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | There is, currently, no large-scale geothermal production in South Africa, since coal is abundant and relatively cheap, supplying the largest part of the country’s energy requirements. However, the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, or REN21, ‘Renewables 2010 Global Status Report’ states that, as the geothermal market continues to broaden, a significant acceleration in installations is expected, with advanced technologies enabling the development of geothermal power projects in new countries.<ref>http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africas-geothermal-prospects-2010-10-15</ref> [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
| | + | |
| | + | <br/> |
| | + | |
| | + | = Key Problems of the Energy Sector = |
| | + | |
| | + | According to Power Africa, the following are the biggest challenges that meet South Africa's energy sector<ref name="Power Africa. (2018). South Africa Factsheet. Retrieved from: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/South_Africa_-_November_2018_Country_Fact_Sheet.pdf">Power Africa. (2018). South Africa Factsheet. Retrieved from: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/South_Africa_-_November_2018_Country_Fact_Sheet.pdf</ref>: |
| | + | |
| | + | *Macroeconomic forces<br/> |
| | + | *Outdated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)<br/> |
| | + | *Local content requirements<br/> |
| | + | |
| | + | <br/> |
| | | | |
| | = Policy Framework, Laws and Regulations = | | = Policy Framework, Laws and Regulations = |
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| | **[http://www.cef.org.za/ CEF]; [http://www.eskom.co.za Eskom] | | **[http://www.cef.org.za/ CEF]; [http://www.eskom.co.za Eskom] |
| | **[http://www.economic.gov.za/ Economic Development Department (EDD)]<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> | | **[http://www.economic.gov.za/ Economic Development Department (EDD)]<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> |
| − | <li>[http://www.economic.gov.za/communications/publications/green-economy-accord economic.gov. - publications]</li>
| |
| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| − | <li>[http://www.nersa.org.za/ NERSA]</li>
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.treasury.gov.za/ National Treasury (NT)]</li>
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.npconline.co.za/ National Planning Commission (NPC)]</li>
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.sanedi.org.za/ South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)]<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.wasaproject.info/ Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) SANEDI]</li>
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.record.org.za RECORD]<br/></li>
| |
| − | <li>[http://www.sanedi.org.za/esco-cogen-facilitator/ ESCo/Cogen Facilitator]<br/></li>
| |
| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| − | </li>
| |
| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| | + | |
| | + | </ul> </ul> |
| | + | |
| | + | *[http://www.economic.gov.za/communications/publications/green-economy-accord economic.gov. - publications] |
| | + | |
| | + | *[http://www.nersa.org.za/ NERSA]</li> |
| | + | *[http://www.treasury.gov.za/ National Treasury (NT)]</li> |
| | + | *[http://www.npconline.co.za/ National Planning Commission (NPC)]</li> |
| | + | *[http://www.sanedi.org.za/ South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)]<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> |
| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| − | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | </ul> |
| − | <br/> | + | |
| | + | *[http://www.wasaproject.info/ Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) SANEDI] |
| | + | *[http://www.record.org.za RECORD]<br/> |
| | + | *[http://www.sanedi.org.za/esco-cogen-facilitator/ ESCo/Cogen Facilitator]<br/> |
| | + | |
| | + | </li> </ul> </ul> [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | == Links: Local Financing Institutions<br/> == | | == Links: Local Financing Institutions<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ Industrial Development Corporation (IDC):][http://idc.co.za/ idc.co]<br/> | | *[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ Industrial Development Corporation (IDC):][http://idc.co.za/ idc.co]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA):][http://www.dbsa.org/Pages/default.aspx dbsa.org]<br/> | + | **[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA):][http://www.dbsa.org/Pages/default.aspx dbsa.org]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ The African Development Bank (AfDB):][http://www.afdb.org/en/ afdb.org]<br/> | + | **[http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/southernafrica/ The African Development Bank (AfDB):][http://www.afdb.org/en/ afdb.org]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/><br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/><br/> |
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| | == Links: Provincial Government<br/> == | | == Links: Provincial Government<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.greenenergy-ec.co.za/ Eastern Cape]<br/> | | *[http://www.greenenergy-ec.co.za/ Eastern Cape]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.westerncape.gov.za/110green/ Western Cape]<br/> | + | **[http://www.westerncape.gov.za/110green/ Western Cape]<br/> |
| − | *[http://wesgro.co.za/investor/sectors/renewable-energy WESGRO]<br/> | + | **[http://wesgro.co.za/investor/sectors/renewable-energy WESGRO]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.kznenergy.org.za/ KZN Sustainable Energy Forum]<br/> | + | **[http://www.kznenergy.org.za/ KZN Sustainable Energy Forum]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.did.gpg.gov.za Gauteng Province Infrastructure Development]<br/> | + | **[http://www.did.gpg.gov.za Gauteng Province Infrastructure Development]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
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| | == Links: Local Government<br/> == | | == Links: Local Government<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.ameu.co.za/ Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU)]<br/> | | *[http://www.ameu.co.za/ Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU)]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.cityenergy.org.za/ City Energy Support Unit]<br/> | + | **[http://www.cityenergy.org.za/ City Energy Support Unit]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.salga.org.za/ South African Local Government Association (SALGA)]<br/> | + | **[http://www.salga.org.za/ South African Local Government Association (SALGA)]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
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| | == Links: NGOs<br/> == | | == Links: NGOs<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.earthlife.org.za/ Earthlife Africa]<br/> | | *[http://www.earthlife.org.za/ Earthlife Africa]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/ Greenpeace]<br/> | + | **[http://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/ Greenpeace]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.saaea.org/ Southern African AlternativeEnergy Association]<br/> | + | **[http://www.saaea.org/ Southern African AlternativeEnergy Association]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.egi-sa.org.za/ Electricity Governance Initiative]<br/> | + | **[http://www.egi-sa.org.za/ Electricity Governance Initiative]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.treasurethekaroo.co.za/news/press-statements treasurethekaroo]<br/> | + | **[http://www.treasurethekaroo.co.za/news/press-statements treasurethekaroo]<br/> |
| − | *[http://koebergalert.org/ Koeberg Alert Alliance]<br/> | + | **[http://koebergalert.org/ Koeberg Alert Alliance]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/climate_change/ WWF South Africa - Climate Change]<br/> | + | **[http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/climate_change/ WWF South Africa - Climate Change]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.sustainable.org.za/ Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA)]<br/> | + | **[http://www.sustainable.org.za/ Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA)]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.gbcsa.org.za/ Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)]<br/> | + | **[http://www.gbcsa.org.za/ Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.sanea.org.za/ SANEA]<br/> | + | **[http://www.sanea.org.za/ SANEA]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
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| | == Links: Research & University<br/> == | | == Links: Research & University<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.erc.uct.ac.za/ Energy Research Centre]<br/> | | *[http://www.erc.uct.ac.za/ Energy Research Centre]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/shortcourses/saretec South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), Cape Peninsula University of Technology]<br/> | + | **[http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/shortcourses/saretec South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), Cape Peninsula University of Technology]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.crses.sun.ac.za/ Centre for Renewable & Sustainable Energy Studies]<br/> | + | **[http://www.crses.sun.ac.za/ Centre for Renewable & Sustainable Energy Studies]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.csir.co.za/ CSIR]<br/> | + | **[http://www.csir.co.za/ CSIR]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Newsroom/News/Pages/UJlaunchesSustainableenergyTechnologyandResearch(SeTAR)Centre201003231.aspx Johannesburg University Sustainable energy Technology and Research (SeTAR) Centre] | + | **[http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Newsroom/News/Pages/UJlaunchesSustainableenergyTechnologyandResearch(SeTAR)Centre201003231.aspx Johannesburg University Sustainable energy Technology and Research (SeTAR) Centre] |
| − | *[http://research.ukzn.ac.za/ResearchFocusAreas/EnergyandTechnologyforSustainableDevelopment.aspx UKZN]<br/> | + | **[http://research.ukzn.ac.za/ResearchFocusAreas/EnergyandTechnologyforSustainableDevelopment.aspx UKZN]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.tut.ac.za Technical University of Tshwane (TUT)/ M&V Unit]<br/> | + | **[http://www.tut.ac.za Technical University of Tshwane (TUT)/ M&V Unit]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.wits.ac.za University of Witswatersrand (WITS)], Johannesburg<br/> | + | **[http://www.wits.ac.za University of Witswatersrand (WITS)], Johannesburg<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
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| | == Links: Regional<br/> == | | == Links: Regional<br/> == |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[http://www.sapp.co.zw/ SAPP]<br/> | | *[http://www.sapp.co.zw/ SAPP]<br/> |
| − | *[http://ie.au.int/ Infrastructure and Energy African Union]<br/> | + | **[http://ie.au.int/ Infrastructure and Energy African Union]<br/> |
| − | *[http://www.sadc.int/themes/infrastructure/en/ SADC Energy]: [http://www.euei-pdf.org/regional-studies/centre-for-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-sacreee Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE)]<br/> | + | **[http://www.sadc.int/themes/infrastructure/en/ SADC Energy]: [http://www.euei-pdf.org/regional-studies/centre-for-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-sacreee Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE)]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
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| | = Further Information = | | = Further Information = |
| | | | |
| | + | * |
| | *[[Fuel Price Data South Africa|Fuel Price Data South Africa]]<br/> | | *[[Fuel Price Data South Africa|Fuel Price Data South Africa]]<br/> |
| − | *[[South Africa: Best Practice Case Studies|South Africa: Best Practice Case Studies]] | + | **[[South Africa: Best Practice Case Studies|South Africa: Best Practice Case Studies]] |
| | + | **USAID Power Africa: [https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/South_Africa_-_November_2018_Country_Fact_Sheet.pdf South Africa Factsheet] |
| | | | |
| | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]] | | [[South Africa Energy Situation#toc|►Go to Top]] |
South Africa has significant potential to save money through energy efficiency and to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The country generates 93 percent of its electricity from coal, as a result of which it is one of the 15 largest emitters of CO2 worldwide. At the same time, increasing economic growth and a lack of investment in power plants are causing shortages in the electricity supply. After the energy crisis in 2008 the South African Government started to introduce renewable energies on a large scale and further enhanced the promotion of energy efficiency in all sectors to meet the demand of energy while reducing CO2 emissions and creating jobs. As a consequence, significant investment in renewable and energy efficiency is needed. Increasing the diversity of South Africa’s electricity generation mix is important – not only for enhancing the crucially important security of supply of the country – but also to support job creation and mitigate climate change. The country is in the most fortunate position to have excellent solar and wind resources available. Investments in renewable technologies such as photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power plants and wind turbines have increased significantly since 2012. However, there is still a long way to go towards meeting the country’s renewable energy targets. This holds true for the large-scale renewable power plants, but also for the significant potential of solar roof-top photovoltaic and biogas technology which currently is largely untapped. In the years to come South Africa needs to build about 40,000 megawatt of new generation capacity to meet demand requirements. According to the National Development Plan 17,800 megawatt should be provided by renewable energies. To achieve this, the government plans to install 8,400 megawatt of wind energy, 8,400 megawatt of solar photovoltaic energy and 1,000 megawatt of concentrated solar power by 2030. Recognised as best practice in the world, South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), initially aimed to provide more than 7,800 megawatt of capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by 2016. Thanks to REIPPPP, South Africa’s renewable energy sector experienced an explosive growth in the past few years with investments of more than 10 billion USD so far. The REIPPPP also committed to contribute to social economic development. Nevertheless there are still several barriers for a growing renewable energy market in South Africa – for example the integration of renewable energies into the transmission grid, the local government acceptance towards embedded generation of solar roof-top photovoltaic installations and a significant need for technical skills.
The South African energy supply is dominated by coal.
In South Africa there are 1086 large dams in operation: 846 embankments and 240 concrete dams. The total water storage of all dams is about 31,6 km3, which is about 65% of the mean annual runoff of South African rivers. Large hydro In 2012 electricity production from hydropower was 3147 GWh (1,4%) and in an average year it is 3000 GWh. The economically feasible capacity is 4700 GWh/year. Of the technically feasible potential about 90% has been developed so far (including pumped-storage). Almost all feasible large-scale hydro potential has now been tapped.[3] Pumped-storage There is also 1400 MW of pumped-storage capacity in operation, with 1332 MW under construction (Ingula) and completion scheduled for 2014/2015. Small Hydro Power At present 61 MW os SHP is in operation in four plants, producing 350 GWh/year. Further 50 MW could be developed at small schemes in the future. Two new small hydropower development will be constructed under the Renewable Energy Independent Procurement Power Producer Program: The Stortemelk in Dihabeng (Free State) with 4,3 MW will be constructed in an existing dam and the Neusberg in Kakamas (Northern Cape) with 10 MW. The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are endowed with the best potential for the development of small, i.e. less than 10MW hydropower plants. The advantages and attractiveness of these plants are that they can either be standalone or in a hybrid combination with other renewable energy sources. Advantage can be derived from the association with other uses of water (water supply, irrigation, flood control, etc.), which are critical to the future economic and socio-economic development of South Africa. Hydropower from neighbouring countries The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) allows and supports the free trading of electricity between Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries, providing South Africa with access to the vast hydropower potential in the countries to the north, notably the significant potential in the Zambezi River.
►Go to Top
Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar-radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day. The southern African region, and in fact the whole of Africa, has sunshine all year round. The annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W/m2 for South Africa, compared with about 150 W/m2 for parts of the USA, and about 100 W/m2 for Europe and the United Kingdom. This makes South Africa's local resource one of the highest in the world.
The South-west region has the most potential for solar in South Africa as can be seen from the above graph.
In 1990, only 35% of total South Africans had access to electricity. In 1999, the Government launched the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) to promote solar home systems (SHSs) to tackle energy access. By early 2000s, around 40,000–60,000 SHSs were installed but demand fell after the Electricity for all campaign (as off-grid communities were expecting the grid). The government also launched the National energy access polices but these policies did not prioriteize off-grid solutions. Therefore, although the market for solar products increased overall in Africa, the SHS sector in South Africa remains relatively small in 2018.In In 2017, only 150,000 SHSs were installed whereas the program's target was to install 300,000 SHSs.[5]
South Africa has tremendous biofuel potential when considering the capacity to grow total plant biomass (all lignocellulosic plant biomass. According to conservative estimates, South Africa produces about 18 million tonnes of agricultural and forestry residues every year. The South African biofuels target for 2008‐2013, according to Industrial Biofuels Strategy (2007), has been fixed at 2% penetration level in the national liquid fuel supply, which corresponds to 400 million litres per annum. When considering the use of 50‐70% of this plant biomass with second generation biochemical and thermochemical technologies, South Africa has the potential to substitute the bulk of its current liquid fossil fuel usage (currently 21.2 BL/annum) with renewable biofuels. However, the only real activity has been US$437 million investment by the South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in two biofuels projects that will collectively produce 190 million litres of bioethanol from sugarcane and sugarbeet.[7] ►Go to Top
Waste in the commercial and industrial waste category has been excluded from the total amount of general waste generated to avoid double counting in the baseline report (DEA, 2012). Waste management still largely relies on landfills at 80-90% of waste. In South Africa, landfill remains the cheapest waste disposal option, although the costs are increasing. The National Waste Management Strategy has set ambitious targets to establish 2600 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and 69000 new jobs from the waste sector by 2016. There are significant opportunities to increase recovery of waste, and divert waste from landfills. This would require innovation funding models for such projects, and present an opportunity to increase the contribution of the informal sectors and the private sectors.[9] Biogas Because of the changing regulatory framework, there is increasing use of biogas across South Africa and a number of digesters are either completed or planned. This is linked to government incentives for renewable energy production and increasing costs of waste management as well as stricter regulations. REI4P REIPPPP replaced the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff programme where prospective producers of sites with capacity over 5 MW must bid and the producer with the lowest feed in tariff wins. The bidding is done bi-annually. This provides a potential source of financial and operational support for biogas and landfill. A separate programme called The Small Projects IPP Procurement Programme had being developed for projects under 5 MW. The DoE issued Request for Information documents for small-scale renewable energy projects (15 June 2012).[10] Industry associations The Southern African Biogas Industry Association (SABIA) is a public, non-profit organization established for the sole object of promoting the sustainable growth of the biogas industry in Southern Africa with a potential to generate 2500 MW of power. The association was launched during Q1 of 2013 and is in the process of establishing itself. Currently, SABIA has 12 corporate members. In October 2013 SABIA organised the first Biogas National Conference.[11]
