Modernization of the South African power grid

Abstract

Although the demand for energy appears to increase perpetually, the methods by which energy is generated are changing. The sole dependance on utilities and municipalities for power is over and customers can generate and utilize their own power. Furthermore, they can store excess power and mechanisms are in place to sell excess power to the grid. Electricity still is the most efficient and widely used form of energy globally. Due to global warming and climate change, the methods of generation are moving away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable and thus renewable options. Many cities have thus taken it upon themselves to align to global targets of reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Coupled with the decreasing cost of renewable energy, the relaxation of regulations, and the current generation constraints, cities are considering generation from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The power grid is evolving at the generation, transmission, and at the utility level. This is a trend amongst large cities globally and is now being seen within South Africa. Insights into the potential for renewables within SA, the current planning and forecasting methodologies are analyzed. The introduction of renewables into the grid has necessitated the grid to evolve, which is a trend that will continue given the current disruption within the energy sector.