THERE are two arguments that are frequently made by those concerned about the contribution and cost of grid-connected solar and wind energy. These arguments have been repeated recently by Eskom group CE Brian Molefe and in an opinion piece in this newspaper by Matshela Koko, its group executive for generation (Eskom backs IPPs but sees the glitches, July 26).They argue that Eskom cannot depend on solar and wind energy, especially during evening peak power demand, and that cost comparisons with dispatchable power sources, such as coal and nuclear energy, need to include the costs of back-up. That’s fair enough. Solar and wind energy are variable and we need to include full-system costs.Solar and wind energy need to be supported by responsive power sources such as gas turbines, or pumped storage hydroelectricity, that can be ramped up and down quickly to complement the variability of renewable energy.These costs, obviously, need to be included in any comparisons.This analysis has been...
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