A concentrating solar power value proposition for South Africa
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town
Abstract
Concentrating solar power (CSP) offers the potential
for a high degree of localization and an alternative
strategy to meet electricity demand for South
Africa in a future of uncertain conventional
resources. The integrated resource plan (IRP)
makes strides to introduce renewables to the electricity
generation system by 2030, but we argue that
the proposed energy mix is too reliant on resources
that are not only unsustainable but also at risk in the
short to medium term. Coal and other conventional
resources may be more limited than originally
anticipated, which if true, requires action to be
taken soon. CSP is currently the only sustainable
and dispatchable energy technology that could
domestically supply a significant portion of South
Africa’s electricity needs. A balanced mix of PV,
wind and CSP can provide the energy supply needed
in South Africa, but steps are required soon to
take advantage of the localization potential and
excellent sustainable energy resources.
Description
CITATION: Gauche, P., Von Backstrom, T. W. & Brent, A. C. 2013. A concentrating solar power value proposition for South Africa. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 24(1):67–76, doi:10.17159/2413-3051/2014/v24i1a3122.
The original publication is available at https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/jesa/index
The original publication is available at https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/jesa/index
Keywords
Solar energy -- South Africa
Citation
Gauche, P., Von Backstrom, T. W. & Brent, A. C. 2013. A concentrating solar power value proposition for South Africa. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 24(1):67–76, doi:10.17159/2413-3051/2014/v24i1a3122.