Water as energy is as old as time itself — and also energy’s future
SA’s energy security is in crisis, but innovations in hydropower and other water-based power generation could shed some light on the problem
SA is, once again, walking the knife edge of an energy security crisis. We, again, appear to be two steps short of constant rolling blackouts in the most extreme scenarios of demand management. Diversification is key to a more comfortable energy future. And thinking outside of the (transformer) box is key. One of the earliest energy enterprises in human history is, of course, water. First, using the kinetic energy in running water to turn waterwheels, then moving on to more sophisticated engineering in the form of traditional hydropower from large dams and reservoirs. Water was always a central pillar in electricity production before being overtaken by the fossil-fuel revolution. The aspiration towards a lower carbon future and the massive advances in science and engineering made possible a new hydropower. Water has several energy-generating possibilities from traditional hydropower and wave-power generation to the harvesting of “raindrop energy” through capturing the energy generat...
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.