CSIR on the new renewable energy landscape in SA

South Africa's renewable energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with a focus on exploring new sources of cleaner energy to meet the country's growing energy needs. Lawrence Pratt, Principal Researcher at CSIR Energy Centre Group, shared insights on the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its role in South Africa's energy transition. PV energy has emerged as a key player in the renewable energy sector, with significant growth potential in South Africa. Despite having only one and a half gigawatts of installed PV capacity out of a 45 gigawatt grid capacity, there is optimism for a substantial ramp-up in the coming years. The latest bid rounds are set to add another one and a half gigawatts of PV, bringing the total to three gigawatts, still less than 10% of the total installed capacity. However, the capacity factors of PV suggest even smaller contributions to energy generation, indicating a long journey ahead to achieve significant PV penetration. One promising avenue for PV energy lies in residential consumption. Pratt highlighted the potential for households to adopt PV systems with small-scale storage, emphasizing the benefits of generating and storing electricity for peak demand periods. By adding battery storage to residential PV systems, households can not only reduce their reliance on the national grid but also contribute excess energy back to the grid during peak demand hours. With ample sunlight and available rooftop space in South Africa, the widespread adoption of residential PV systems could alleviate pressure on the national grid and enhance energy security. Despite the clear benefits of residential PV systems, the upfront costs remain a barrier for many consumers. Pratt estimated the cost of installation at around 20,000 rand per kilowatt, making it a significant investment for households. However, the payback period for these systems is generally less than 10 years, offering a long-term solution to offset electricity costs. The challenge remains in providing access to financing options for households to make the initial investment in PV systems. From a government perspective, there is a growing interest in integrating PV energy into state-owned entities and public infrastructure. CSIR has already made significant strides in this area, with two megawatts of PV installed on their rooftops, generating a substantial portion of their electricity needs and reducing costs. Collaborations with organizations like UNICEF and municipalities further demonstrate the potential for PV integration in public infrastructure. The outlook for PV on state-owned entities is promising, with opportunities to reduce carbon footprints and operational costs. Looking ahead, the full-scale implementation of PV energy across South Africa could have transformative effects on the country's energy landscape. Studies have shown that covering just 30% of residential rooftops in certain regions could supply all the energy needed for that sector. The key challenge lies in optimizing energy storage and distribution to meet peak demand periods effectively. Achieving this will be critical in unlocking the tremendous potential of solar energy and maximizing its contributions to the national energy grid. As South Africa continues to navigate its energy transition towards cleaner and more sustainable sources, the role of PV energy is set to become increasingly prominent. With the right policies and investments in place, the country has the opportunity to harness its abundant solar resources and pave the way for a greener and more resilient energy future.