What are the applications of solar energy in South Africa?

Further utilization of the solar energy resource in the country. Presently, the major applications of solar energy in South Africa are in solar photovoltaics, solar CSP and solar water heating. However, there are other possible applications of solar radiation which are relatively underutilized but can be beneficial to South Africa.

What is the largest energy source in South Africa?

Coal is the largest energy fuel source in South Africa with over 85% of the generated electricity in the country coming from coal . While coal has successfully helped generate electricity, it has also placed South Africa among the top 10 greenhouse gas emitters in the world , .

What is the solar energy potential in South Africa?

A South African solar map (Fig. 5) shows the solar energy resource potential in the country. According to the Global Solar Atlas developed by the World Bank Group in association with Solargis, the total solar energy potential in South Africa is enormous, albeit the irradiation differs across different regions.

What is South Africa's just energy transition (jet)?

In 2021, South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) was officially launched during COP26. The International Partner Group (IPG), consisting of the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, made a landmark commitment of US$ 8.5 billion.

Can biomass energy be used in South Africa?

One of the earliest attempts to utilize the biomass energy potential in South Africa was the Howick wood pellet plant in KwaZulu-Natal which was inaugurated in 2006 and supplied wood pellets to Europe . The plant planned to construct a 5 MW biomass electricity station to cater to its energy demands while selling the surplus to ESKOM.

Why is wind energy important in South Africa?

Wind energy The wind has always been an energy source in South Africa for many decades where early settlers who are majorly farmers used windmills to pump water for agricultural purposes, this act was largely responsible for the productivity afforded to the farmers .