From the earliest days of the Brakpan and Vereeniging power stations, and through the years of growth and expansion of electricity supply to the current fleet of Eskom power stations, coal has formed the mainstay of primary energy for electricity generation, accounting for some 85% of electricity used in South Africa today. The techno-economic paradigm of coal-fired power … [Read more...]
New coal power will cost SA billions
A study by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Energy Research Centre (ERC) has revealed that newly built coal power plants will add billions to South Africa’s power bill over the course of their lifetime, and force cheaper and cleaner renewable-energy alternatives out of the system for years to come. The report, An assessment of new coal plants in South Africa’s electricity … [Read more...]
South Africa to release new-look renewables bid window in November
Energy Minister Jeff Radebe announced on Friday that South Africa would launch a fifth Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) bid window in November with the aim of procuring a further 1 800 MW of renewable energy from independent power producers (IPPs). Addressing energy stakeholders in Johannesburg on Friday Radebe said the auction … [Read more...]
New renewable energy round may rake in R50bn in investment
The renewable energy industry on Friday got a shot in the arm when Energy Minister Jeff Radebe announced a new bid round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement programme. A few months ago, the future of the programme looked uncertain amid Eskom’s concerns about the cost of renewable energy and current electricity overcapacity. Eskom is the designated … [Read more...]
New coal plants not the way forward for drought-prone SA
Support for new coal-fired power plants like the proposed Thabametsi coal-fired power plant in Lephalale, Limpopo is fast drying up in a region where the Water and Sanitation Department rated water security as “high risk” because supply only just meets demand at present. Coal-fired power stations are responsible for half of South Africa’s carbon emissions, and in addition to … [Read more...]
Thoughts on the optimal electricity-generation mix for SA
I have been asked recently if I have changed my views on nuclear, coal and renewable energy. The answer is: Yes, my views have indeed changed. The world has changed, and change is always with us, but at an ever increasing pace. It would therefore be surprising if my views did not change too. Nuclear power in South Africa was constructed in the 1980s, and has served South … [Read more...]
Long-awaited renewable energy deals a milestone for SA sustainability
The power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed by State-owned power utility Eskom earlier this month ended three years of waiting and uncertainty and it is a significant step towards a truly sustainable energy vision for South Africa and Africa as a whole, says solar energy equipment supplier Juwi. “The signing [of PPAs for] 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer … [Read more...]
Are solar panels worth it?
A few years ago, we thought that not having electricity in our homes for some parts of the day would become a regular occurrence as then Eskom CEO Tshediso Matona said load shedding was “here to stay”. Fast-forward to this year when we may not be suffering from load shedding at the moment, but the increase in electricity tariffs threaten many households that are already … [Read more...]
Battle against climate-destroying new coal plants escalates
In the past week, the Life After Coal Campaign (which comprises: the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), Earthlife Africa, and groundWork) has instituted fresh court proceedings against the Minister of Environmental Affairs in relation to the proposed Thabametsi independent power producer (IPP) coal-fired power station. The Campaign has also made further written and oral … [Read more...]
Mega coal plants versus people of South Africa: The battle for clean water
South Africa is currently facing up to the reality of a mega water crisis over three provinces. The water crisis has been declared a national disaster, which means that the national government recognises that the impacts of the water crisis go well beyond just the three provinces that have been named. An additional R6bn has been set aside in the budget for responses to the … [Read more...]
Union blocks signing of government deals with IPPs
Government and Eskom will not be able to sign contracts with 27 independent power producers (IPPs) on Tuesday as planned, after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Transform RSA were granted an urgent court interdict. The Energy minister was forced to give an undertaking in court that he would not sign the agreements, until the matter has been … [Read more...]
What would electric cars mean for our economy?
A macroeconomic study into the impact of a possible transition in the South African transport market from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) has been launched. Initially proposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the study is backed by the South African National Energy Development Institute, the United Nations Industrial … [Read more...]
Nersa grants Eskom a 5.23% electricity tariff increase
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) on Friday approved a revenue application of R190.348bn for Eskom for the 2018/2019 financial year‚ which will result in an average percentage price increase of 5.23%. Eskom had applied for a total allowable revenue of R219.514bn‚ which would have translated to a 19.9% average percentage increase. Nersa chairman Jacob … [Read more...]
