Renewable and alternative energy

It is vital for any enterprise, let alone agricultural ones, to have a steady, reliable and cost-effective source of energy. The power constraints in South Africa mean that surely we should be looking at all our options now! There is no way that Eskom alone can fund and deliver energy enough to meet the country’s generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure needs to 2030 (Creamer, 2019). A greater diversity of energy resources is in the best interests of national and international security.

Renewable energy resources have a security of supply, being continually replenished. Start-up costs are increasingly affordable, and as tariffs increase the lower the break-even point (the time the system takes to pay for itself) becomes (Lemmer & Schmidt, 2019). After this, energy is sourced from the sun, wind, water or other natural/organic matter, and done so without pollution (why we call renewable energy technologies “clean technologies”).

The renewable energy sector is currently four times more employment-intensive than SA coal and nuclear (SAWEA, 2019). It is the fastest growing energy sector in the world (Unwin, 2019). For South Africa, renewable energy could mean job creation, sustainable development, and a reduced burden on Eskom. It is also a sane, logical response to global warming.

See also the “Energy”, “Biofuels” and “Pumps & Generators” pages.

Batteries
Biogas
Biomass
Geothermal energy
Hydro energy
Solar
Waste to energy/landfill gas
Wind energy
International business environment
Local business environment
National strategy and government contact
Role players
Websites & publications

Batteries

Role players

Biogas

Visit http://biogasassociation.co.za.

What is biogas ?

A biogas digester (also known as a biogas plant), comprises a large tank in which biogas is produced through the decomposition/breakdown of organic matter (Such as food waste and plant matter) through a process called anaerobic digestion. It’s called a digester because organic material is eaten and digested by bacteria to produce biogas.

Biogas is a mixture of carbon dioxide and methane, that resembles liquid petroleum gas. Like natural gas, biogas is used as a fuel to produce electricity, to power farm equipment, for lighting applications, in gas cookers for cooking, and even as fuel for vehicles. Biogas is widely used across the world.

How does a biogas digester work?

A typical biogas digester has a container that holds organic matter and water, called slurry. A digester also has second container that holds the gas that has been produced after the organic matter is broken down. A series of pipes connect the slurry into the digester and from there connect to the container that will hold the gas output. There is also a transport system to take the biogas to where it will be used. The digester also has a mechanism for ejecting the residue.

Source: AGAMA BiogasPro

Role players

Further reference

Contact the ARC-Agricultural Engineering at 012 842 4017 or stoltze [at] arc.agric.za for the following publications:

• Biogas design and operation manual (also available in Afrikaans),
• Biogas from cattle manure (also available in Afrikaans),
• Biogas purification (also available in Afrikaans),
• Biogas equipment (also available in Afrikaans),

Find the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’  “Facilitation of large-scale uptake of alternative transport fuels in South Africa – the case for biogas” (the Biogas Report) at www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/bioagas_report.pdf

Some articles:

• Read “Biogas – the sustainable waste to fuel South Africa” at agribook.co.za/blog/biogas-the-sustainable-waste-to-fuel-south-africa/
• Chiyanzu, I. 2017, August. “Maximising profitability of biogas plants”. Stockfarm. Available at www.arc.agric.za/arc-iae/News%20Articles%20Library/Maximising%20profitability%20of%20biogas%20plants.pdf

Biomass

Biomass is a term generally referring to any plant or animal matter. Examples of biomass as a direct fuel source include wood, animal manure, sugar cane residue and agricultural wastes, particularly in rural areas.

Energy can also be produced by converting biomass to a gas. Plant oils are also produced from biomass. These oils can be extracted from sunflowers, soybeans, groundnuts, vegetables and other plants, and turned into fuel.

Biogas is dealt with under the previous heading. For notes on biofuels (ethanolo and biodiesel), please consult the separate “Biofuels” chapter.

Role players

Further reference

• Contact the ARC-Agricultural Engineering at 012 842 4017 or stoltze [at] arc.agric.za for the following publication: Low-cost woodgas producer (also available in Afrikaans)
• The presentation “Renewable energy in agriculture: Brief technology overview” (see “Websites & publications” heading) includes a look at biomass.
• Find the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) “Bioenergy” option  at www.irena.org/bioenergy.

Some articles:

• Phillips, L. 2017, October 13. “Biorefining: a value-adding opportunity for SA agriculture”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-business/agribusinesses/biorefining-value-adding-opportunity-sa-agriculture/
• Kriel, G. 2015, November 27. “Cut electricity costs with wood gasification”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-business/agribusinesses/cut-electricity-costs-with-wood-gasification/

Geothermal energy

This is energy contained in the heated rock and fluid that rises from the extremely hot core of the Earth and filters into cracks and pores in the Earth’s crust. It can exist as hot water, steam or hot dry rocks. In order to access it, wells are drilled into the Earth’s surface. South Africa does not have many geothermal resources, except in the area around Aliwal North and in the Cape Fold mountains.

Role players

Further reference

• Find the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) “Geothermal” option at www.irena.org/geothermal.

Hydro energy

Energy in water, in the form of motive energy or temperature differences, can be harnessed and used. Since water is about a thousand times heavier than air, even a slow-flowing stream of water can yield great amounts of energy.

Hydroelectricity, a renewable energy source obtained from moving water, supplies about 20% of the world’s electricity. With seven major rivers (Nile, Niger, Congo, Senegal, Orange, Limpopo and Zambezi) Africa, which holds about 10 percent of the world hydro-energy potential and, with very low energy per capita consumption level, has so far exploited a small part of its capability.

There is a high capital cost, and social and environmental impact to large dams. Because of this, renewable hydro developments today are increasingly focused on smaller-scale projects (less than 10MW). These smaller hydro-plants do not impact on riverine eco-systems, and using local technology and skills to develop small-scale hydro can also create local jobs.

Hydroelectricity can also be generated from the ocean (marine energy or marine power).

Role players

Further reference

• Contact the ARC-Agricultural Engineering at 012 842 4017 or stoltze [at] arc.agric.za for the following publication: Guide to hydro power.
• The presentation “Renewable energy in agriculture: Brief technology overview” (see “Websites & publications” heading) includes a look at hydro power.
• The Department of Higher Education, Science & Technology brochure “Small scale hydropower for rural electrification can be read at: www.dst.gov.za/images/Attachments/Small_Scale_Hydropower_for_Rural_Electrification.pdf
• Find the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) “Hydropower” and “ocean” options at www.irena.org/hydropower and www.irena.org/ocean
• The article “Using water to power agricultural energy efficiency” can be read at www.eskom.co.za/sites/idm/Documents/Usingwatertopoweragricultureenergyefficiency.pdf.
• Phillips L. 2020, July 31. “On-farm hydroelectric power boosts dairy’s bottom line”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/uncategorized/on-farm-hydroelectric-power-boosts-dairys-bottom-line/

Solar

One hour of sunlight packs enough energy to power the world for a day.

An area of 70km x 70 km could provide all of South Africa’s electricity requirements from concentrated solar power (CSP)

Solar resources are by far the most abundant and readily accessible in South Africa, as Africa is well endowed with sunshine the whole year round. We have twice as much sunlight than that in Europe where solar power units are compulsory in some countries such as Switzerland. In Europe you find solar power “farms” where farmers make more money from selling surplus solar power to the national grid than from traditional farming.

There are two distinct ways we can utilise solar power, either by using the heat of the sun (solar thermal) or by converting sunlight into electricity with photovoltaic panels. There is also “passive solar” – buildings are constructed in such a way that they absorb the heat of the sun (by facing north) thereby reducing heating costs.

Solar power for farms in remote regions is a viable option because they may not have direct access to grid-fed electricity.

Source: www.solardome.co.za

Role players

Further reference

• Contact the ARC-Agricultural Engineering at 012 842 4017 or stoltze [at] arc.agric.za for the following publications: (i) The construction of a domestic convection solar drier (plans/sketches), (also available in Afrikaans) (ii) Solar water heating system (plans/sketches) (also available in Afrikaans)
• The presentation “Renewable energy in agriculture: Brief technology overview” (see “Websites & publications” heading) includes a look at solar.
• Watch the case for solar energy generation on farms (Carte Blanche, 2019) at www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7AP6GsZtbg
• Find the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) “Solar” option at www.irena.org/solar.

Some articles:

• Cape Talk. 2019, March 25. “Allow farmers to go off the Eskom grid and turn to solar power – Agri SA”. Available at www.capetalk.co.za/articles/342329/allow-farmers-to-go-off-the-eskom-grid-and-turn-to-solar-power-agri-sa
• Kruger, C. 2019, March 6. “Registreer binnekort jou sonkrag-boerdery” [Register your sun-powered farm soon]. Landbouweekblad. Available at www.netwerk24.com/landbou/Nuus/registreer-binnekort-jou-sonkragboerdery-20190306
• Kriel, G. 2017, July 4. “Solar panels lower cooling costs”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-business/agribusinesses/solar-panels-lower-cooling-costs/
• 2017, June 12. “Solar PV for Henneman Silo”. Available at www.senwes.co.za/en-za/news/article/View/solar-pv-for-hennenman-silo

Waste to energy/landfill gas

Also see the “Waste management” chapter.

Landfill gas is a complex mix of different gases created by the action of micro-organisms within a landfill. These gases can be collected and used to produce heat or electricity. Not only are landfill gas projects an important source of energy (what a creative form of waste management!), they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Role players

Wind energy

An example of wind energy with which everyone is familiar is the good old windmill (also in a separate chapter). But let’s move on…

South Africa, with its ample coastline, has the potential for major electricity generation from wind. Indeed, wind contributes 52% of South Africa’s renewable energy power, with more than 900 wind turbines spread over three provinces (SAWEA, 2019).

Source: https://sawea.org.za/stats-and-facts-sawea

Role players

Find the members directory at https://sawea.org.za/members/directory/

Further reference

• The Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) Large-Scale High-Resolution Wind Resource Map is available at www.wasaproject.info. It gives detailed information of the surface wind across South Africa to assist planners, wind farm developers and others to identify areas for wind exploration.
• Contact the ARC-Agricultural Engineering at 012 842 4017 or stoltze [at] arc.agric.za for the following publication: Wind energy.
• The presentation “Renewable energy in agriculture: Brief technology overview” (see “Websites & publications” heading) includes a look at energy from wind.
• The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s South African Good Practice Guidelines for Surveying Bats in Wind Farm Developments is available by calling 011 372 3600.
• Download “Birds and Wind: Energy Best-Practice Guidelines” at www.birdlife.org.za.
• Find the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) “Wind” option  at www.irena.org/wind
• Download the Let the Wind Blow book for children at www.letthewindblow.org

Some articles:

• SAWEA. 2020, July 30. “Sustainable farming for local co-op”. Available at https://sawea.org.za/sustainable-farming-for-local-co-op/
• Home Insulations. 2018, February 2. “Advantages of wind energy in South Africa”. Available at www.homeinsulations.co.za/renewable/wind-energy-south-africa

International business environment

The 7th of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is “affordable and clean energy”. See www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment.

Some role players

• International Renewable Energy Agency – www.irena.org Find the latest annual renewable energy statistics on the website
• The UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative – www.seforall.org.
• Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) – www.ren21.org (find the latest Renewables Global Status report)
• Folkecenter for Renewable Energy (Denmark) – www.folkecenter.net
• US Energy Information Administration on renewable and alternative fuels, www.eia.gov/renewable
• Centre for Alternative Technology (UK), www.cat.org.uk
• Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC), www.eurec.be/en
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (see www.wbcsd.org).
• World Wind Energy Association – www.wwindea.org
• The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA)’s smaller wind turbine sector, www.small-wind.org
• German Wind Energy Association – www.wind-energie.de
• The American Wind Energy Association, www.awea.org
• Danish Wind Industry Association – www.windpower.org
• The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, http://newclimateeconomy.net
• Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO) http://peak-oil.org
• Ubuntu Power brings power to off-grid communities, www.ubuntupower.org

Further reference

• Find “Shaping the future of energy” under “Initiatives” on the World Economic Forum website, www.weforum.org/system-initiatives/shaping-the-future-of-digital-economy-and-society
• RECHARGE, the “global source for renewable energy news” – www.rechargenews.com
• www.engerati.com – “global voices transforming energy”
• Find “Energy alternatives” at https://attra.ncat.org, website of the ATTRA programme (National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service)
• www.esi-africa.com is the “Online power journal of Africa”
• Find the notes on the Pure Energy Systems Wikipedia at http://peswiki.com
• Find the renewable energy reports by Visiongain, an independent information provider, at www.visiongain.com.

Some articles:

• World Economic Forum. 2019, March 25. “The countries most ready for the global energy transition”. Eye Witness News. Available at https://ewn.co.za/2019/03/26/the-countries-most-ready-for-the-global-energy-transition
• Unwin, J. 2019, February 15. “Renewables are fastest growing energy source: BP report”. Power Technology. Available at www.power-technology.com/news/renewables-fastest-growing-energy-bp/
• Chow, L. 2018, January 15. “All Renewables Will Be Cost Competitive With Fossil Fuels by 2020”. EcoWatch. Available at www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy-costs-2525682123.html
• McCarthy, J. 2017, October 25. “Solar Windows Could Meet Nearly All of America’s Electricity Demand”. EcoWatch. Available at www.ecowatch.com/harvesting-invisible-light-solar-power-2501393463.htm

Local business environment

By March 2019, 3 776 MW of electricity generation capacity from 62 IPP projects had been connected to the national grid.

In just 8 years (including a 3-year period where no new procurement was undertaken), government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) attracted R209.4 billion in committed private sector investment (SAWEA, 2019).

Local communities benefited from over R1 billion spent by IPPs on education such as upskilling of teachers, extra teachers and classrooms, and 600 bursaries to students from disadvantaged communities, the provision of health facilities and medical staff, social welfare such as feeding schemes, support to old age homes and early childhood development and support to and establishment of more than a 1 000 small enterprises.

The South African renewable energy sector created 38 701 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) person-years of employment for youth, woman and citizens from the surrounding communities. The sector is currently four times more employment-intensive than SA coal and nuclear.

Source: https://sawea.org.za/stats-and-facts-sawea/

The motivation to become less reliant on the national energy grid are several:

• Improved regulatory support for alternative sources
• Increased electricity tariffs
• Awareness and acceptance of renewable energy technologies
• Decreasing costs of the hardware and installation
• South Africa’s ready supply of renewable resources for energy production
• An increasingly unreliable supply of power from the national utility.

South Africa has reached the tipping point in moving from dependence on fossil-based energy to renewable energy, and this trend will escalate further in the near future.

Source: Justin Schmidt in ABSA's Agricultural Outlook Autumn Edition 2019.

National strategy and government contact

Find the government/parastatal role players under the next heading.

Renewable energy generation is seen as a possible catalyst for increased economic benefits and industrial development by achieving various objectives in South Africa:

• job creation
• improved export competitiveness
• assisting South Africa to reach its carbon mitigation commitments
• safeguard exports from possible carbon tariffs and taxes and
• build energy security

Renewable energy plays a vital role in assisting South Africa to reach its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the potential of creating employment opportunities and generating green investment.

Small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs) or installations generating less than 1MW do not require a generation licence. SSEGs or farmers producing electricity via a renewable source must register with NERSA and Eskom. A business installing an SSEG can write off 100% of its investment in the first year.

Source: Wessel Lemmer and Justin Schmidt in Farmer’s Weekly, 29 March 2019,p. 34-35.

Renewable Energy Sector Engagement Forum (Resef) is a platform of communication and engagement between the renewable energy sector, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Minister Gwede Mantashe around identified renewable energy issues, in the national interest.

The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) contains proposed allocations to renewable energy. It envisages the introduction of at least 6 000 MW of additional solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2030, before taking into account distributed solar PV installations. It also assumes the introduction of 14 400 MW of new onshore wind capacity by that date, as well as 5 000 MW of storage. Find the IRP 2019 at www.energy.gov.za.

Read about government’s Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs) and Transmission Corridors at https://egis.environment.gov.za/redz.

Role Players

Associations and NGOs

The South African Renewable Energy Council is an association of associations. See http://sarec.org.za.

• Solar Thermal Association of Southern Africa http://stasa.energy/
• South African Association for Energy Economics (SAAEE) www.saaee.org.za
• South African Independent Power Producers Association (SAIPPA) is the trade organisation for independent power producers. Call 083 235 2964 or write to ies [at] gmail.com.
• South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers http://saiae.co.za
• South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) www.sapvia.co.za
• South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) https://sawea.org.za
• Southern Africa Alternative Energy Association www.saaea.org
• Southern African Biogas Industry Association (SABIA) www.biogasassociation.co.za
• Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) www.sessa.org.za
• The Green Connection http://thegreenconnection.org.za
• WWF SA wwf.org.za

Engineering and consulting

• ARC–Agricultural Engineering (ARC-AE) Renewable Energy & Agro-processing (Reap) group Tel: 012 842 4017 www.arc.agric.za Adds value to waste generated by various agricultural activities
• Aurora Power Solutions (APS) Tel: 021 421 9764 www.apsolutions.co.za Project development and financing
• Cape Advanced Engineering Tel: 021 577 3413 www.cae.co.za Design and installation of renewable gas energy plants
• EDF Renewables https://edf-re.co.za Offices in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Develop, finance, build, own and operate commercial renewable energy generation facilities
• Enel Green Power Tel: 010 344 0200 www.enelgreenpower.com/country-south-africa Wind and solar projects
• Energy Partners https://energypartners.co.za
• Energyneering Tel: 0861 555 184 www.energyneering.co.za Solar and hydro solutions.
• ENERTRAG South Africa 021 207 2185 www.enertrag.co.za
• Fountain Green Energy Tel: 031 764 7914 www.fge.co.za Waste to energy projects. Offices in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kathu.
• Fusion Energy Tel: 072 286 7519 www.fusionenergy.co.za Design and invest in all forms of clean energy opportunities
• Genesis Eco-Energy Tel: 083 460 3898 www.genesis-eco.co.za Bulk renewable energy projects
• GeoGroup Tel: 011 966 7760 www.geogroup.co.za Solar and wind power engineering services
• Interwaste Environmental Solutions Tel: 011 323 7300 www.interwaste.co.za Waste stream consulting
• Koos Bouwer Consulting (KBC) http://kbcindustrial.co.za Energy and renewable energy consultant
• Mainstream Renewable Power www.mainstreamrp.com A global energy development company
• Motla Consulting Engineers www.motla.co.za Undertaking solar-power projects for Senwes (to power its headquarters in Klerksdorp and its silo at Hennenman).
• Murray & Roberts (M&R) www.murrob.com
• Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) Tel: 021 702 3622 www.sustainable.org.za Research, capacity building, policy engagement and information dissemination

Government/parastal

• Independent Power Producers Office www.ipp-projects.co.za
• Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) www.energy.gov.za Find notes on (alternative) energy sources, programmes and projects on the website.
• Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) www.thedti.gov.za The Green economy and sustainable energy feature in the dti’s focus (e.g. see the 2018/19-2020/21 Industrial Policy Action Plan [IPAP]).
• Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation www.dhs.gov.za
• National Planning Commission (NPC) www.nationalplanningcommission.org.za
• Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) www.environment.gov.za/projectsprogrammes/biomassenergy The Working for Energy programme includes the following areas: Biomass to energy (biogas, wood gas, firewood, etc.); Waste to energy; Solar; Micro Wind; Micro hydro; and Algae.
• The Development of Bank of South Africa (DBSA) manages the DEA’s Green Fund. See www.sagreenfund.org.za/wordpress/
• Eskom Renewables Business is one of the utility’s units. Find the “Renewable energy” option at www.eskom.co.za.
• National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) Tel: 012 401 4600 www.nersa.org.za

Input suppliers

• Africa Biomass Company Tel: 023 342 1212 www.abc.co.za
• AGAMA BiogasPro Tel: 011 462 0541 www.agamabiogas.co.za
• All Power Tel: 041 451 3936 www.allpower.co.za
• All Solar Renewable Energy Solutions Tel: 044 631 0083 www.allsolar.co.za
• Aqua Earth Tel: 011 791 3490 www.aquaearth.co.za
• Averge Technologies Tel: 012 450 0940 http://averge.co.za/solahart
• Battery Centre www.batterycentre.co.za
• Biogas SA Tel: 072 445 4739 www.biogassa.co.za
• Black Dot Energy Tel: 012 546 2953 www.blackdotenergy.co.za
• Botala Energy Solutions http://botala.co.za biogas plants
• Bundu Power www.bundupower.co.za Offices in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Nelspruit
• Combustion Technology Tel: 021 715 3171/011 827 7722 www.combustiontechnology.co.za
• Current Automation www.rectifier.co.za
• Earth Power www.earthpower.co.za Offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town
• ElectroMechanica Tel: 011 249 5000 www.em.co.za
• Energy & Densification Systems Tel: 011 784 2331 www.eds.za.com
• Enviroserv Tel: 011 456 5660 www.enviroserv.co.za
• Eveready Tel: 041 401 2500 www.eveready.co.za
• First National Battery Tel: 011 741 3600 www.battery.co.za
• HomeBiogas www.homebiogas.com
• JLinx Tel: 021 862 1066 www.jlinx.co.za
• Juwi www.juwi.co.za
• Kestrel Wind Turbines Tel: 041 401 2500 www.kestrelwind.co.za
• Kwikelec Tel: 041 365 7394 www.kwikelec.co.za
• Maiden Electronics Tel: 011 468 1619 www.maidenelectronics.co.za
• Marketplace Energy Tel: 021 403 6324 http://mp-energy.co.za Algae Bio-Refineries, solar, biomass
• Maxyield Tel: 082 419 3337 www.maxyield.co.za
• Momentous Energy Tel: 011 100 0960 https://momentousenergy.com
• New Horizon Energy Tel: 082 302 8425
• New Southern Energy Tel: 011 805 0582 www.newsouthernenergy.com
• Nuon RAPS Utility www.nura-energy.co.za Service agents in rural areas
• Olivia Energy Solutions Tel: 051 412 6341 www.oliviaenergy.co.za
• Sabat Batteries www.sabat.co.za
• SBS Solar Tel: 011 425 3447 www.sbssolar.co.za
• Scanwood Solutions Tel: 012 803 0036 www.scanwood.co.za
• Solar Energy http://solarenergy.co.za Offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town
• Solar World Africa Tel: 021 421 8001 www.solarworld.co.za
• Solardome SA Tel: 021 886 6321 www.solardome.co.za
• Solien Tel: 044 877 1733 www.solien.co.za
• Sonfin Tel: 072 102 6979 http://sonfin.co.za Helps farmers establish independent sources of power
• Southern Energy www.south-energy.com Offices in Fourways, the DRC and Zimbabwe
• SP Energy Tel: 083 544 2484 www.solarpanelenergy.co.zahome
• Specialized Solar Systems Tel: 044 878 1126 www.specializedsolarsystems.co.za
• Sub-Sahara Power Distributors Tel: 011 493 0773 www.sspd.co.za
• Sun Electricity Tel: 012 335 6600
• SUNFARMING Tel: 018 294 4007 http://sunfarming.co.za
• Sunfuel Cleantech Group www.biodieselone.co.za
• Suntank Solar Tel: 0860 111 786 www.suntank.com
• TASOL Tel: 010 300 7913 www.tasolsolar.co.za
• Telecom Techniques Tel: 041 365 5073 www.teltec.co.za
• Tenesol Manufacturing Tel: 021 797 7171
• The Sun Pays Tel: 012 734 0915 www.thesunpays.co.za
• Vortex Hydro Systems Tel: 044 012 5007 https://vortexhydro.co.za
• Willard Batteries https://willard.co.za
• Winglette Tel 071 397 9042 http://winglette.co.za
• WOMOBA Innovative Sustainability Tel: 031 262 0656 www.womoba.co.za
• ZM Pumps Tel: 011 240 6900 www.zmsa.co.za/en

Training and research

• ARC–Agricultural Engineering (ARC-AE) Renewable Energy & Agro-processing (Reap) Tel: 012 842 4017 www.arc.agric.za
• Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Tel: 012 841 2911 Tendani Tsedu (Wind energy) mtsedu [at] csir.co.za; Dr William Stafford (Bioenergy interventions) wstafford [at] @csir.co.za; www.csir.co.za
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Centre for Energy Research Tel: 041 504 2259 https://energy.mandela.ac.za
• Outeniqua Research Farm Tel: 044 803 3700 www.elsenburg.com Research in biogas
• South African National Energy Development Institute Tel: 011 038 4300 www.sanedi.org.za Renewable energy is one of the sub-programmes
• Stellenbosch University Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies Tel: 021 808 4069 www.crses.sun.ac.za Renewable and sustainable energy studies
• University of Johannesburg (UJ) Process, Energy and Environmental Technology Station (UJ-PEETS) Tel: 011 559 6430 www.uj.ac.za/faculties/febe/peets
• University of KwaZulu-Natal Bioresources Engineering Tel: 033 260 5490 BioEng [at] ukzn.ac.za and http://bioeng.ukzn.ac.za
• University of the Western Cape SA Herbal Science and Medicine Institute Tel: 021 959 2911 www.uwc.ac.za Dr Klaasen is actively involved in developing biofuels from indigenous “Kraalbos” and alternative small-scale energy from Kraal manure.

Finance and marketing support

• Some of the consultants and input providers (see above) can help you source funding for sustainable energy initiatives.
• Several international groups have helped with South African renewable energy projects e.g. African Development Bank (AfDB), www.afdb.org, Agence Française de Développement, www.afd.fr, and Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA), http://um.dk/en/danida-en.
• The commercial banks have units that fund renewable energy projects.
• The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is involved with projects like Renewable Energy Market and won the African Renewable Energy Programme Award for its efforts in February 2019. See www.dbsa.org/EN/DBSA-in-the-News/NEWS/Pages/DBSA-SCOOPS-GLOBAL-AWARD-FOR-RENEWABLE-ENERGY-FINANCING.aspx
• Fedgroup www.fedgroup.co.za Invests in blueberry, honey and urban solar farms
• The GreenCape Initiative has help desks which facilitate communication between the different role players and so helps sector development in the Western Cape. Call 021 811 0250 or visit www.green-cape.co.za.
• The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has been involved in funding efforts to build a green economy. Find more at www.idc.co.za.
• Lejwe Le Putswa Development Agency (LDA) Tel: 057 353 3094 www.lejwelda.org.za
• Energy is one of the focus areas for the National Business Initiative. Call them at 011 544 6000 or visit www.nbi.org.za.
• Provincial investment agencies like Wesgro have renewable energy finance. Find their details on the “Providers of financial services” page.
• SEDA Atlantis Renewable Business Incubator (SAREBI) Tel: 021 415 1600 www.sarebi.co.za Appropriate business development interventions for energy entrepreneurs
• South African – German Chamber of Commerce www.germanchamber.co.za Sustainable energy is a focus area. See http://suedafrika.ahk.de/en/industries/sustainable-energies/.

Some other role players

• BioTherm Energy Tel: 011 367 4600 https://biothermenergy.com An independent power producer with wind and solar projects
• Darling Wind Farm Tel: 022 492 3095 http://darlingwindfarm.com
• Kouga Wind Farm http://kougawindfarm.co.za
• McGregor Alternative Technology Centre (MAT) www.mat.org.za
• MetroWind Van Staden’s Wind Farm Tel: 041 505 8099 www.metrowind.co.za
• POWERX www.powerx.energy An electricity trading company operating independently from ESKOM or Municipalities.
• Renewable Energy Holdings (REH) Group Tel: 021 671 1457 www.rehgroup.co.za
• Trade Plus Aid (TPA) www.tradeplusaid.co.za The TPA agricultural biogas project aims to implement domestic biogas projects throughout the impoverished rural areas of South Africa.

Websites and publications

Refer to websites and publications listed earlier on this page.

• Find the energy blog (focus on renewables) at http://www.energy.org.za.
• The latest energy report from WWF – the Renewable Energy Facts and Futures report – offers a concise and accessible low down on renewable energy in South Africa. Find it at org.za/our_research/publications/?21841/Renewable-Energy-Facts-and-Futures
• Find the articles in the Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, https://journals.assaf.org.za/jesa
• The UN Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s World Livestock: Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals includes a study of livestock and clean energy (biogas and energy generation). See http://www.fao.org/3/CA1201EN/ca1201en.pdf
• Find the DLA Piper report (2019, June) Renewable Energy in Africa at https://cd1.dlapiper.com/en/southafrica/insights/publications/2019/06/renewable-energy-in-africa/
• Terblanche, U. 2015, September 17. “Renewable energy in agriculture: Brief technology overview”. AgriSETA Annual Seminar. Available at agriseta.co.za/downloads/CRSES_AgriSETA_presentation.pdf.

Some articles

• Creamer T. 2020, July 16. “A more ambitious renewables roll-out would have major benefits for South Africa, new study shows”. Engineering News. Available at www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/a-more-ambitious-renewables-roll-out-would-have-major-benefits-for-south-africa-new-study-shows-2020-07-16/rep_id:4136
• Creamer T. 2020, June 30. “Economic opportunity of South Africa’s energy transition akin to new ‘gold rush’”. Engineering News. Available at www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/economic-opportunity-of-south-africas-energy-transition-akin-to-new-gold-rush-2020-06-30
• Slater D. 2020, June 9. “Fair Cape launches yellow lid to mark renewable energy investment”. Engineering News. Available at www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/fair-cape-launches-yellow-lid-to-mark-renewable-energy-investment-2020-06-09/rep_id:4136
• Mathis W. & Hodges J. 2020, March 31. “Wind-power industry heads for record year”. Business Report. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/energy/wind-power-industry-heads-for-record-year-45818259
• Walwyn D.R. & Compton R. 2020, January 13. “Can South Africa act on its huge ‘green fuels’ potential?” IOL. Available at www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/can-south-africa-act-on-its-huge-green-fuels-potential-40529458
• Du Preez J. 2020, January 10. “Sonkrag aan Eskom: Hier is praktiese raad” [solar energy to Eskom: practical advice]. Landbouweekblad. Available at www.netwerk24.com/landbou/Nuus/sonkrag-aan-eskom-hier-is-praktiese-raad-20200110
• Vecchiatto P., Njini F. & Coehn M. 2019, October 18. “Solar, wind find favor in South Africa’s new energy blueprint”. Business Report. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/energy/solar-wind-find-favor-in-south-africas-new-energy-blueprint-35275107
• Spencer, J. 2019, July 2. “A methane-powered tractor by New Holland”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-technology/machinery-equipment/a-methane-powered-tractor-by-new-holland/
• ANA Reporter. 2019, April 23. “Businesses must seek finance to develop renewable energy”. Business Report. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/energy/businesses-must-seek-finance-to-develop-renewable-energy-21780462
• Reporter. 2019, April 11. “Millions of jobs up for grabs in renewable energy transition”. PR Wire. Available at https://pr.africannewsagency.com/general/Millions-of-jobs-up-for-grabs-in-renewable-energy-transition-10661183
• Lemmer, W. & Schmidt, J. 2019, March 29. “Solar energy takes centre stage in South Africa”. Farmer’s Weekly, pp. 34-35.
• 2019, February 24. “Renewable energy programme attracts R209.4 billion to SA economy”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/renewable-energy-programme-attracts-r2094-billion-sa-economy
• Bulbulia, T. 2019, February 22. “SAWEA says renewables sector has proven its capacity to contribute to South Africa’s development”. Engineering News. Available at engineeringnews.co.za/article/sawea-says-renewables-sector-has-proven-its-capacity-to-contribute-to-south-africas-development-2019-02-22/rep_id:4136
• Bischof-Niemz, T. 2019, February 12. “Opinion: Are there really more jobs in coal than in Renewables?” Engineering News. Available at engineeringnews.co.za/article/opinion-are-there-really-more-jobs-in-coal-than-in-renewables-2019-02-12/rep_id:4136
• Kruger, C. 2018, December 6. “Maak julself los van Eskom” [Free yourselves from Eskom]. Landbouweekblad. Available at netwerk24.com/landbou/Nuus/maak-julself-los-van-eskom-20181206
• Winkler, H. 2018, October 22. “Why SA can’t make a big shift to renewables – yet”. The Conversation. Available at https://theconversation.com/why-south-africa-cant-make-a-massive-shift-to-renewables-yet-104734 [a good look at the options]

International:

• Roston E. & Rathi A. 2020, June 18. “3 years and $3 trillion could shift the climate change narrative”. IOL. Available at www.iol.co.za/business-report/international/3-years-and-3-trillion-could-shift-the-climate-change-narrative-49555531
• Bulbulia T. 2019, June 13. “Renewable energy jobs reach 11m”. Engineering News. Available at www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/renewable-energy-jobs-reach-11m-2019-06-13/rep_id:4136
• Boffey, D. 2019, April 21. “Dutch engineers build world’s biggest sun-seeking solar farm”. The Guardian. Available at www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/21/dutch-engineers-build-worlds-biggest-sun-seeking-solar-farm