Renewable Energy

1. INTRODUCTION

With the increase in industrial growth in South Africa there is a growing need for an alternative source of energy which is capable of handling the large demand for electricity. Our current systems are inadequate to handle the demand for electricity and thus we have load shedding. Load shedding is costing South Africa millions every month and a clear solution to this is renewable energy.

This report gives an overview of six different types of renewable energy, and it provides a more detailed description with advantages and disadvantages of one of these types. The point of this report is to see which renewable energy is best suited for South Africa, various factors must be considered when choosing a renewable energy type for

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Renewable energy is any energy which has been obtained from a source that is inexhaustible and which is naturally occurring such as solar energy and wind energy. There are many different types of renewable energy with each harnessing a natural source, not all types are equal in their power producing capabilities and each type must be assessed in order to decide which is best suited for South Africa.

South Africa has many hot and windy areas, it also has many rivers and dams which can be harnessed to produce energy, South Africa is not a rich country therefore the type of renewable energy must be cost effective and must make sense for the future. The next section will consider renewable energy in a South African

TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Due to load shedding during the last five years South Africa has started to invest in renewable energy and several contracts have been given to private renewable energy companies, the problem these companies face is choosing the best type of renewable energy. All types must be considered but each must be looked at in its implementation in South Africa and which is able to produce energy in South Africa’s climate and environment. 2.2.1. Solar Energy

Solar energy is another renewable energy that is used in South Africa, it is the most popular form of renewable energy due to its diversity, Solar energy can be used in various ways from households and company’s to street lights, robots and greenhouses and even satellites. Solar energy is an inexhaustible source that is pollution and noise free.

There are two main types of solar energy the first being Solar photovoltaic (PV) this involves the conversion of light (photons) into electricity (voltage) and the second is Concentrating solar power (CSP) this is when the sun 's energy is converted into heat by using mirrors. The heat creates steam, which drives a turbine that generates electrical power. 2.2.2. Hydroelectric