New methods, technology key in driving net zero goal

The South African road infrastructure and construction industry can learn from international markets and apply several key lessons on its journey to achieving the goal of net zero, ensuring a balance between emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, says consulting engineers WSP in Africa highways, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and rail director Marshall Muthen.
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Technologies play powerful role in climate change efforts

Technology is a critical accelerator in the efforts to implement climate change actions, and according to South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) energy efficiency and data & knowledge management GM Barry Bredenkamp, there is a major shift in the design of energy-consuming products, as developers are taking the potential impacts of climate change into consideration.
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Going ‘off the grid’ can have consequences

The recent announcement by the President to lift the limit on the self-generation of power from 1 MW to 100 MW, is a gamechanger for industries such as mining, farming, retail, healthcare and manufacturing. Off the back of this announcement, some companies such as private hospital groups have already secured deals to install solar photovoltaic (PV) generating systems to save costs and relieve pressure on the national grid. 
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Positive outcome from government’s amendment to embedded generation

Renewable energy producer Genesis Eco Energy states that the promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) amendment, gazetted August 20, 2021, surprised many. “Business had been calling for an increase from the 1 MW limitation for years but the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy would only consider a move to 10 MW. Industry leaders wanted a 50 MW limit increase, so the giant leap to 100 MW was highly welcomed throughout the private sector and by renewable energy independent power producers (IPPs),” says Genesis Eco Energy project development executive Glynis Coetzee.
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Development pipeline increased to 9 GW

With renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power (RP) already responsible for developing wind and solar assets contributing 850 MW of power to South Africa’s grid, the company is currently involved in developing new projects that will contribute up to 9 GW of power to the grid. “Currently, we are in the developmental stages of about 9 GW in wind and solar energy projects across almost all provinces, all of which are in various stages of development,” says Mainstream RP Africa GM Hein Reyneke.
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Company provides renewable energy solutions

Last year, South African engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company Lesedi Nuclear Services (LNS) established a 100% held subsidiary called Lesedi Renewables Africa (RA) to offer tailormade renewable solutions to clients. Lesedi RA is technology agnostic and offers appropriate technologies, hybrid solutions incorporating a range of solar technology options, coupled with storage that meets clients’ individual requirements. These solutions are available under the embedded generation programme in South Africa.
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Energy saving proves uncertain

Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty when it comes to the security of South Africa’s electricity supply and associated utility costs.  
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