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Evaluating the Energy Potential of Solar PV Located on Mining Properties in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Waldo van der Merwe

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa)

  • Alan C. Brent

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
    Sustainable Energy Systems, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

Abstract

The lauded Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has achieved much in stimulating private sector investment in the renewable energy market in South Africa. Yet, 95% of electricity generated is still from a single source, the state-owned utility Eskom. This paper set out to explore the policy sphere governing electricity generation and identifying possible avenues that can contribute to a more vibrant solar energy market in the most solar abundant province of South Africa, the Northern Cape Province. Licensed mines were identified as low hanging fruit due to a large policy overlap and leeway within existing mining policy. A solar audit of these areas was performed, based on accepted multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, and found that a potential 369 TWh to 679 TWh per annum can be generated, exceeding South Africa’s current electricity usage.

Suggested Citation

  • Waldo van der Merwe & Alan C. Brent, 2020. "Evaluating the Energy Potential of Solar PV Located on Mining Properties in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:14:p:5857-:d:387410
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    Cited by:

    1. Solomon E. Uhunamure & Karabo Shale, 2021. "A SWOT Analysis Approach for a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Lennox Boateng & Paidamwoyo Mhangara, 2023. "A Comparative Assessment of Annual Solar Irradiance Trends between Mpumalanga and Northern Cape Province in South Africa Using PVGIS," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Strazzabosco, A. & Gruenhagen, J.H. & Cox, S., 2022. "A review of renewable energy practices in the Australian mining industry," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 135-143.

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