THE huge wind turbines deployed in SA’s windy regions are gracious masterpieces of engineering and aesthetics. We cannot ignore the pace at which technology development, specifically connectedness and large data use, will disrupt the utility-based electricity supply model globally.Of the knowledge available globally, 98% has been created in the 21st century. Mohr’s law suggests that development is increasing exponentially and the cost of technology is decreasing immensely.SA should thus make the correct choices in planning the electricity supply industry or face the challenges of having massive capital write-downs in the not too distant future.The Energy Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has done some great work to model the supply of electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind resources in SA.Their work is based on huge amounts of data over six years, taking the country’s world-class wind and solar resource into account.They conclude that 60%...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.