With the world feeling the energy squeeze and all paths leading to renewable alternatives, “energy-preneurs” are seeking exciting and newer alternative energy styles in South Africa to support the local and international grids. Although sunlight takes the spotlight with solar energy being largely distributed around South Africa, there are a few alternative methods to consider and to keep one’s eyes on.
Alternative energy styles available to South Africa
With specific focus on “alternative energy styles”, here are a few other methods of generating electricity and newer out of the box options when trying finding new ways to power the local South African Grid.
- Bio Energy
Bio Energy is generated by burning any form of biomass such as crop waste, urban wood waste and forest residue. Biomass waste materials are widely available in the farming and agricultural industry – which is considered to be one of South Africa’s biggest industry sectors.
Bio Energy has grown in popularity and is expected to be on an upwards trajectory. Once burned, the energy can be converted into a fuel known as “Biofuel”. Biofuel is able to power fuel heavy engines such as that of jets, aeroplanes and motor vehicles. Through the use of biofuel, a substantial reduction in carbon intensity can be realised.
More importantly, biofuel is also compatible with power plants allowing a sustainable avenue of electricity generation. Furthermore, to complement the sustainable side of this production even more one cannot overlook another vital need of South Africa’s electrical grid reliability. In an imperative sense, companies and communities must turn to support local biomass initiatives and blooming electrical plants to invest in their efforts and play a part to render them entirely functional. With some of the infrastructure already in place in South African coastal provinces, the market is boasting an incredible, unmatched and ripe for the taking opportunity.:
- Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is a common energy method used around the globe wherein water currents are harnessed, and the energy generated is stored. There are new methods on the horizon which need to be recognised. One of the newest players in the game is underwater wave subs which are installed in deep oceans and channels whereby the pulling and pushing movement of the ocean redistributes the energy accordingly. This newer take on hydroelectricity partnered with floating turbines and tidal turbines, allows South Africa to tap into the potential of our deep waters. Particular focus must be paid to the cold pressures which flow in on the Atlantic Ocean which not only controls the storms and wind flow of the country but creates rough windy conditions when flowing into the warmer and more tropical water of the Indian Ocean. This creates an energy generation paradise.
- Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is another great alternative energy source in South Africa. This source takes advantage of the warmth found under the surface of the earth. With the production of this heat being constant, it plays again to the reliability South Africans yearn for when it comes to energy production. This major attraction to the method partnered with the large variety of heat uses renders this not only an untapped market in South Africa for energy producers but also appeals to rural communities to gain access to hot water through natural means. With the right tools, training and infrastructure being installed to exploit this natural heat source, a thorough design of hot water popes could be imagined.
South Africa has always been a resource-rich country that is eager to succeed. By placing a focus on how to conserve what we have and use what is readily available to us entrepreneurs both local and international have the chance to turn around the degradation of fossil fuel energy and start up something new. The above mentioned alternative energy sources are self-sustaining, and offer solutions which companies, farmers, coastal regions, consumers, households and nature reservists would be proud to associate themselves with.
Source:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/projectsprogrammes/biomassenergy
https://justenergy.com/blog/7-types-renewable-energy-future-of-energy/
