As South Africa heads towards elections, there is no quick fix solution to the electricity crisis in the country. What exactly are the political parties promising voters?
- Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
The South African government says a renewable energy future is more expensive than other options. But one expert says the costing is wrong.
There are several risks in choosing the nuclear path – the biggest being financial.
The recovery of South Africa’s power generating sector is still far from being realised.
Any remedies to the South African power crisis initiated now – or under development – are not going to have a significant impact this year.
South Africa faces the possibility of record electricity shortages and catastrophic scenarios such as a complete grid collapse.
Installing enough solar panels and battery storage to see a household through a week without sunshine isn’t yet financially possible.
When it comes to dependency on coal power plants, South Africa is in a class of its own: 85% of its electricity is produced in coal power plants.
Delays in upgrading South Africa’s existing nuclear power station case doubt on the ability of the country to build new nuclear plants.
Five essential reads on why South Africa is failing to keep the lights on.
Considering South Africa’s climatic advantage, the fraction of electricity generated from renewable energy technologies is low.
Russia is a big player in the global nuclear power construction business. Why this era could soon be over.
South Africa’s biggest successes in the last year in relation to energy have been in regulatory matters.
South Africa needs a detailed and thoroughly researched set of scenarios mapped out to inform a new electricity plan.
Southern African countries have been slow in embracing solar energy but this is changing.
Renewable energy sources won’t make a decisive impact to alleviate South Africa’s power shortage for at least five years.
South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity reflects a global trend away from nuclear energy. But the government’s actions suggest otherwise.
South Africa envisages the gradual closure of older coal plants, mostly located in Mpumalanga. Can these coal fields be turned into renewable energy hubs?
When South Africa finally emerges from COVID-19 inadequate electricity supply will be once again rear its head.
Unpacking what South Africa’s new energy plan says about nuclear energy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pronouncements on the power utility Eskom, during the State of the Nation Address may lead to significant changes in country’s energy policy.
South Africa’s sunshine and coastlines are ideal for renewable energy generation but the country’s struggling to take advantage of this.
The state capture inquiry will look at why former president Jacob Zuma pursued a dodgy nuclear deal.
South Africa’s new energy plan is set to be announced.
Are there cheaper alternatives to nuclear power to alleviate energy shortages in Africa?
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