OVERVIEW
have been commissioned, but it is relatively expensive. Projects such as Kathu Solar Park (100MW ), a concentrated solar power project, and the Roggeveld Wind Farm (147MW) are indicative of the large scale of most of the energy generation that is being rolled out. At Black Rock Mine solar power is being put to use on a smaller scale. To light the intersections leading to the mine, BEKA Schréder has installed solar-powered streetlights. All of Abengoa’s three plants in the Northern Cape use CSP which reflects the sun’s rays during the day into a molten salt storage system. The energy is then slowly released during the night. The 205m tower that collects the rays at the Khi Solar One site is one of the tallest structures in South Africa. Despite the emphasis on renewables in South Africa’s latest integrated resources plan (IRP), South Africa’s energy mix is still weighted towards coal. Two huge new power stations, Kusile and Medupi, are being built by Eskom and 1 000MW has been allocated to private producers to build coal-powered stations known as Thabametsi and Khanyisa. The IRP Credit: Perdekraal East Wind Farm has attracted criticism for enabling an expansion of the coal industry. Koeberg nuclear power station is due to Hulett. This company’s sugar be decommissioned soon after 2045. mills are producing between A new centre has been established at Wits Business School 12MW and 14MW of power. to teach the new skills that are needed for new kinds of energy. The company believes that the The Africa Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is supported by the national sugar industry could Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA). generate between 700MW Another body active in energy training is the Energy and Water and 900MW. The managing Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). director of South Africa’s other Regulations in the energy sector are being keenly watched. sugar major, Illovo Sugar SA, The 2019 decision that power projects generating less than 10MW was quoted in the Sunday do not have to get licences from national departments has given Times in March 2020, saying, hope to independent power producers and city governments “There are opportunities around across South Africa that a new era in energy policy has begun. how do we sell power into These smaller projects can go ahead (up to a total of 500MW) the grid, opportunities within outside of the country’s IRP but the next step – allowing the whole biofuel, bio-energy companies to sell any excess power they generate to the grid – sphere.” Mamongae Mahlare will be a real game-changer. also said that the key to the Mining companies such as Sibanye-Stillwater and Gold sugar industry’s future lay in Fields have made it clear that they want to marshall renewable diversifying into energy. energy resources to power their own operations, to the Many of the same conditions tune of 150MW and 40MW respectively, but clearance from exist for Sappi’s wood and fibre government is still needed. mills in Mpumalanga and An example of the potential that lies within companies is Tongaat
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