Renewable Energy in South Africa

Renewable Energy in South Africa

Renewable Energy in South Africa

South Africa, the most industrialized country in Africa, is highly dependent on conventional fuels which make it one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world. Coal provides around 75% of the fossil fuel demand and accounts for 90% of power generation in the country. A smooth transition to a low-carbon society requires diversification of energy resources to other energy forms, especially renewable energy. The country is endowed with abundant sunshine, good wind regimes and attractive biomass feedstocks which could provide sufficient means to replenish energy supplies and counter environmental degradation.

According to the Government's White Paper on Renewable Energy Policy (2003), renewable energy projects are aimed to deliver the equivalent of 10,000 GWh by 2013, from wind, solar, biomass and hydro resources. Some of the larger projects that are under development include the Darling wind farm and the Bethlehem hydro scheme. Other projects such as landfill to gas and existing hydro-electric power stations are already making a contribution. South Africa, like other developing countries, faces the dual challenge of pursuing economic growth and environmental protection, and sustainable energy systems offer the possibility of resolving this problem.

South Africa, like other emerging economies countries, faces the dual challenge of pursuing economic growth and protecting the environment. South Africa has set up the institutional infrastructure for renewable energy projects which are beginning to pay dividends in the form of big investments from foreign as well as local investors and development of commercial solar, wind and biomass energy projects. The South African government's recent adoption and implementation of the Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariffs undermines the state's support for regulatory drivers to bolster cleantech sector.

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