The rise of Renewable Energy implementation in South Africa

Abstract

As the seventh coal producer in the world, around 77% of South Africa’s electricity is generated from coal resulting in a high level of environmental degradation. South Africa’s per capita greenhouse emissions are the highest in Africa. Besides, centrally generated power is not able to reach the remote areas because of the lack of distribution infrastructure. South Africa has a large potential for both, solar and wind power generation, with smaller potential for biomass, landfill gas and hydropower. Our focus in this paper is the solar and wind energy implementation in South Africa. With an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, and 4.5 to 6.6 kWh/ m2 of radiation level, South Africa is among the top three in the world. The total wind power potential of South Africa is estimated to be 6,7000 GW, and is found to be competitive with the solar potential. The Government of South Africa, Department of Energy, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa have developed policies and projects for the procurement and implementation of renewable energy to supplement its fossil fuel based production for greater sustainability and diversification in energy sourcing. In turn the provincial and municipal leadership have produced their own strategies to instigate sustainable energy usage. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has allocated to over 92 Power Producers to injecting over 6,300MW of power into the power grid, mainly from solar and wind generation. The embracing of green energy has led to reduction in energy production costs, job creation, foreign investment and buy-in from local stakeholders. These projects are often located in rural areas, impacting local communities through job creation, development and improved quality of life. However, a number of impediments still need to be addressed as South Africa assimilates this new industry.