*Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)
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Browsing *Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) by SDG "SDG-7: Affordable and clean energy"
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Item The change in lived experiences of Mpame Village households using solar photovoltaic electricity(2021) Tokosi, OlaElectricity and the ability to access it enables heating and lighting for domestic use, and for mechanical, electrochemical and electronic requirements. The purpose of this study was primarily to assess and understand the changes in lived experiences of Mpame village residents after solar photo-voltaic (PV) electricity installations in 2014. The study problem sought was to identify and understand the inability of residents to access electricity from the national grid after twenty-five years of democratic government in South Africa. The constitution guarantees electricity access as a human right for all citizens and all who live within its borders. The government had in 1994, as part of its political campaign promises, suggested ‘Free’ electricity as a dividend of democracy if voted into power. Electricity access using solar photo-voltaic (PV) installations was achieved in 2014, that incidentally was an election year. By October 2019 when this study was undertaken, Mpame village literally had returned to darkness, as a result of non-replacement of the batteries at their end-of-life stage. The secondary purpose of this study was to ascertain who takes responsibility for the project’s sustainability. Battery replacement is essential and pivotal to the success of this strategy and, also ensures the sustainability of electricity access as a human right. A qualitative research methodology approach was used. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with household heads or representatives who have resided in Mpame village at least two years before and two years after the installations were completed and commissioned. The findings indicate that the residents have a positive perception of government’s effort at enabling electricity access and the upholding of their human rights. The implication of the state of non-functionality is that the village is now in darkness, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the strategy to support sustainable livelihoods strategy. The true intentions of government is under question, creating suspicion and worry about service delivery, an increased fear of vulnerability, a decreased sense of safety and security and a concern of losing out on development opportunities. Considering that there is a strong correlation between electricity access and development, no modern activity like industrialization, daily life, transportation, communication, cooking, heating the home and benefits from cultural activities can occur in Mpame. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that government should assume responsibility to replace the solar batteries at their end-of-life stage or else get grid electricity installed in Mpame village for the residents to enjoy their constitutional human rightsItem Colloidal synthesis and characterization of molybdenum and tungsten-based phosphide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction(2022) Nkabinde, Siyabonga Sipho; Moloto , NosiphoThe production of hydrogen gas via hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media has become an important area of research in light of the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly sources of energy. However, its large-scale production is currently being hindered by the lack of inexpensive and highly efficient non-noble electrocatalysts. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have transpired as favourable catalysts that can be prepared from cheap and readily available sources. Up to now, TMPs have been commonly prepared using solid-state and solid-gas reactions, which rely on the use of high temperatures and hence generate inhomogeneity in the prepared materials. Inhomogeneous materials are unattractive as catalysts because the correlation between a catalyst and its structural features cannot be systematically studied. For this reason, colloidal synthesis has emerged as a powerful method in the synthesis of TMPs as it allows for control over the resulting physical features (i.e. size, morphology, crystal phase, crystallinity etc.). The ability to tailor these physical properties provides room for improving the catalytic activity. By using the colloidal synthesis method, we have successfully prepared molybdenum and tungsten-based phosphide nanoparticles and studied the effect of their physical features on HER activity. In chapter 3, we report a facile colloidal synthesis method to produce an amorphous phase of molybdenum phosphide (MoP) by using trioctylphosphine (TOP) as a phosphorus source, molybdenum pentachloride (MoCl5) as a metal source and 1-octadecene (1-ODE) as a solvent/reducing agent. The use of the forementioned precursors promoted the formation of very small, shape controlled and well dispersed amorphous molybdenum phosphide (MoP) nanoparticles. Annealing (800 °C) of the amorphous MoP nanoparticles resulted in the formation of a crystalline MoP phase with a slightly bigger size but retained its dispersity and morphology upon exposure to high temperature. The amorphous and crystalline MoP phases were compared as HER electrocatalysts. HER results indicated that the amorphous MoP phase exhibited enhanced catalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reaction compared to the crystalline MoP phase. The high activity displayed by the amorphous MoP was attributed to the small sizes and the high density of unsaturated active sites characteristic of nanoparticles lacking long range crystalline order.Item Does South Africa’s energy regulatory framework promote renewable energy?(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Netshithuthuni, Meshack Fhatuwani; Field, Tracy LynnThe South African economy heavily relies on fossil fuels such as coal as its major energy source. However, for more than fifteen years, South Africa has been faced with loadshedding and interrupted power cut, that results in persistent energy demand management. The cause is ascribed to inter alia, coal-fired power plants that are ageing, corruption, and lack of promotion of more renewables. The high dependence on coal-fired energy results in high significant environmental effects to the environment and human well-being. The environmental impacts include water and air pollution, climate change impacts due to GHG emissions. These emissions contribute to global warming, and diseases such as asthma, cancer, heart, and lung ailments. At the same time, South Africa has abundant renewable energy sources that can potentially reduce loadshedding, environmental effects or its energy deficit. The study accepts that renewable energy is sustainable, clean, and environmentally friendly in comparison to coal, although energy derived from renewables such as wind, solar, hydrogen cells and renewable- powered batteries also produce GHG emissions during manufacturing processes. The purpose of this study is to analyse and investigate the existing legal framework for promoting renewable energy sources as an alternative to non-renewable energy sources. In addition, this report seeks to determine whether the current regulatory framework sufficiently promotes and supports the integration of more renewables. It concludes that the current regulatory regime does not sufficiently promote and support the integration of renewable energy sources.Item Drivers of households’ willingness to generate their electricity post amendment of Electricity Regulation Act in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Hlungwani, Hlamalani CordleyPurpose: Prior to amendment of Electricity Regulation Act in South Africa, which increased the threshold for embedded generation without licencing 1 Megawatt (MW) to 100 MW, one of the factors that was considered to prevent consumers to generate their own electricity was the licencing requirements challenges. The research investigated other drivers that affect the households’ willingness to generate their own electricity in South Africa, given the recent amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act which has relaxed those licencing requirements. Research design, methodology and approach: The researcher sent questionnaires to various electricity households’ consumers, for which 120 respondents were used as a sample to the study, employing a quantitative methodology. Findings: The study has found that there is a positive relationship between electricity customers willingness to generate own electricity and their environmental concern. The more electricity customers are concerned about the environment the more they will be willing to generate their own electricity. The study also discovered the existence of positive relationship between electricity customers willingness to generate own electricity and the perception of self-effectiveness. The more electricity customers perceive that they are capable of generating their own electricity the more they will be willing to generate their own electricity. Value: The research can be used to assist in understanding the factors that might be preventing households from generating their own electricity despite the removal of the licencing barriers post amended of the Act. It can also be used to identify areas of focus when providing awareness to residential customers on the importance of electricity generationItem The impact of independent power producers entering the South African electricity supply industry(2020) Mokhethi, Keketso ElijahFor over a decade, South Africa has been experiencing electricity supply challenges which were mainly due to generation or distribution failures, as well as operational inefficiencies at Eskom; and this raised concerns about the power utility’s ability to guarantee security and quality of supply. In order to address these challenges, several attempts were made in the past to introduce competition in the electricity supply industry, without any material success. The latest attempt has been to accelerate the introduction of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme. This study investigated the impact of IPPs gaining access to the South African electricity supply industry which has been dominated by Eskom for a long time; and if the current market conditions are conducive for a competitive electricity market in the country. The study also identified some of the market barriers experienced by different IPPs. A qualitative methodology, premised on an interpretive paradigm, was employed for the collection of data. The study specifically focused on the South African context as a developing country. The sample included experienced individuals who are either currently working or have previously worked in the industry, thereby enhancing the richness of interviews conducted. The study found that the cost of electricity using renewable technologies such as wind and solar PV (generated by IPPs) has reduced significantly and is therefore cheaper than current prices paid by customers which is mainly based on power generated by Eskom using coal, which contributes significantly to the levels of pollution in the country. However, customers are not benefiting from the reduced costs since IPPs sell their power directly to Eskom which on-sells to customers using tariffs that continue to escalate at above-inflation rates. Furthermore, the introduction of IPPs did not result in improved operational efficiencies. The study also found that market entry barriers were low with a few minor challenges. Another finding of the study is that the current electricity market structure is not conducive for competition to prevail and therefore a restructure of the South African electricity market should be considered. The study was original and makes contributions to the theory of public choice and the theory of economic regulationItem Influence of Organisational Capability and Knowledge Sharing on Performance at Eskom Distribution(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mampuru, Thabo Mothobi; Kekwaletswe, Yar M.This research report is about how organisational capability and knowledge sharing influence performance in a South African power utility organisation, namely Eskom Distribution division. Organisational capability in this report means the ability and capacity to do maintenance on the existing infrastructure, network, and equipment to have a sustainable and consistent electricity distribution. Electrical system maintenance has gained attention from both researchers and practitioners over the past few years due to, among other things, constant load shedding that affects the social and economic aspects of South Africa. To this point improving electrical system reliability and reducing maintenance costs are top priorities of a power utility, notably Eskom Distribution (ED). Knowledge sharing is the transferring of the know-what and the know-how of doing maintenance, from one person to the next; that is, the research problem is that transferring of experience, skills, and information among employees is still a key issue at the Power Utility. The purpose of the study was, thus, to explore and describe organisational capabilities and knowledge-sharing enablers and challenges, using Resource- based theory (RBT) and Social-exchange theory (SET) as theoretical lenses. Improved performance is inferred to be when there is less downtime, less failure of equipment due to good maintenance and restoration time of electrical supply, achieved without compromising the safety of personnel and equipment. The study was conducted following an interpretive research philosophy and a case study was employed as a research strategy to get an in-depth understanding of ways that could be used to improve organisational performance. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with managers, engineers, technicians, and artisans as study participants. In the present study, one way to improve performance is the understanding of resources and behaviour, especially how maintenance strategies are formulated and how knowledge sharing could happen among employees to subsequently enhance and effect performance. The study found that managers play a key role in designing organisational capability and that they should affect knowledge sharing through various internal processes. The outcome and the contribution of iii the study is a conceptualised framework that may help improve performance through an enhanced knowledge sharing and organisational capability, in the context of the Power Utility, Eskom distribution divisionItem Perceived barriers to the adoption of low-carbon energy in the South African Energy-Intensive Industry(2021) Muditambi, LydiaCarbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas associated with the combustion of fossil fuels. Energy-intensive industry is linked to high carbon emissions due to high energy consumption compared to other types of industry, hence the need for low-carbon energy options. With local and international pressure to reduce carbon emissions, this study seeks to explore the available options to facilitate low-carbon energy and to identify the barriers associated withtheir adoption within the South African energy-intensive industry. Most previous studies on this topicwere conducted for industrialized countries, and this study focus on understanding the barriers that affect South Africa and possibly other developing countries. Quantitative approach was employed using online survey and descriptive statistics to gather and analyse information on low-carbon energy options available and employed within the South African energy-intensive industry and to understand the barriers to their adoption. The study found that regulatory, economic, facility structural design, and culture and behavioural barriers exist in the South African energy-intensive industry. The barriers identified provides the basis for planning and resource allocation for the energy-intensive industryItem Renewable energy disclosure in South African listed companies’ corporate reports: An impression management analysis(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Schaller, Jessica; Varachia, Zakiyyah; Cerbone, DannielleThe emphasis on renewable energy is especially relevant in a South African context. The poor electricity stability has resulted in many businesses incorporating renewable energy into their business model and subsequent disclosures. The disclosures provided by companies are intended to address stakeholders’ information needs regarding the sustainability of a company. The disclosure may, however, contain elements of impression management to reduce agency costs. The report investigates the informativeness of renewable energy disclosures, questioning whether companies adopt impression management strategies by manipulating the disclosures provided in their reports. A content analysis was performed on the disclosures by 60 listed companies. Analysis was performed using descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis to assess the extent of impression management depending on the type of industry, market capitalisation and corporate report used. It was found that companies engage in impression management when disclosing the transition. The findings support that there were mainly similarities noted across industries and market capitalisation in terms of the techniques used, with some differences in terms of the impression management methods used. There were, however, significant differences noted in the overall level of impression management within different industries, market capitalisations and corporate reports. This evidence has relevant implications for both accounting scholars and practitioners since it questions the role of voluntary disclosures and the intended purpose of the disclosures in different reporting mediaItem Sources of brand equity in a government programme: a case of the renewable energy independent power producers programme (REIPPP) in South Africa(2020) Mojanaga, Nonesi DesireeAssessing the sources of brand equity in the government sector is an area of limited research. This research report applies the Brand Equity theoretical model developed by Aaker (1991a; 1991b) to determine the sources of brand equity in a public sector energy programme in South Africa. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) is a private-public partnership in the renewable energy sector, introduced in 2010. A brand is considered to be one of the most important intangible assets of any organisation, and therefore the determination of the sources of its value, or brand equity, is of great importance. A quantitative research approach was adopted to guide the study, using a structured survey questionnaire. Data was collected through an online survey from a sample of thirty-two respondents, most of whom have been extensively involved in the REIPPP and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results of the research study highlighted the most important factors affecting brand equity in the REIPPP, which are brand awareness and perceived benefit. The findings show that Aaker’s (1991a; 1991b) Brand Equity model has relevance and applicability in the public sector. The contribution of this report is to enhance academic understanding of brand equity in the public sector and to explore the implications for management practice whilst providing marketers in the public sector with the tools for public sector marketingItem Testing the adaptive efficiency of bitcoin(2022) Maredi, MaromoThis research aims to investigate an alternative view of market dynamics referred to as the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis which posits that an asset’s efficiency will change over time. As such, this research will test whether Bitcoin is time-varyingly efficient. This will be accomplished in three stages. Firstly, whether Bitcoin returns follow a random walk/martingale will be investigated. If they do, that means that they cannot be predicted, thereby providing evidence of the weak-form market efficiency. If they do not follow a random walk, however, the second phase of the investigation turns to whether they can be modelled. The first attempt models the current Bitcoin return as a function of its own lagged values, which is predicated the idea of all relevant information being reflected in historical returns. The inadequacy of this model in its description of the returns generating process, provides evidence that there is private information that historical returns do not reflect which impacts returns. To account for this, the returns generating process is thus modelled using both historical returns and exogenous lagged variables without need to specify the model’s functional form. If the model performs better in some periods than in others, it can be inferred thus that Bitcoin is timevaryingly efficient.Item The change in lived experiences of Mpame village households using solar photovoltaic electricity(2021) Tokosi, OlaElectricity and the ability to access it enables heating and lighting for domestic use, and for mechanical, electrochemical and electronic requirements. The purpose of this study was primarily to assess and understand the changes in lived experiences of Mpame village residents after solar photo-voltaic (PV) electricity installations in 2014. The study problem sought was to identify and understand the inability of residents to access electricity from the national grid after twenty-five years of democratic government in South Africa. The constitution guarantees electricity access as a human right for all citizens and all who live within its borders. The government had in 1994, as part of its political campaign promises, suggested ‘Free’ electricity as a dividend of democracy if voted into power. Electricity access using solar photo-voltaic (PV) installations was achieved in 2014, that incidentally was an election year. By October 2019 when this study was undertaken, Mpame village literally had returned to darkness, as a result of non-replacement of the batteries at their end-of-life stage. The secondary purpose of this study was to ascertain who takes responsibility for the project’s sustainability. Battery replacement is essential and pivotal to the success of this strategy and, also ensures the sustainability of electricity access as a human right. A qualitative research methodology approach was used. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with household heads or representatives who have resided in Mpame village at least two years before and two years after the installations were completed and commissioned. The findings indicate that the residents have a positive perception of government’s effort at enabling electricity access and the upholding of their human rights. The implication of the state of non-functionality is that the village is now in darkness,with concerns raised about the sustainability of the strategy to support sustainable livelihoods strategy. The true intentions of government is under question, creating suspicion and worry about service delivery, an increased fear of vulnerability, a decreased sense of safety and security and a concern of losing out on development opportunities. Considering that there is a strong correlation between electricity access and development, no modern activity like industrialization, daily life, transportation, communication, cooking, heating the home and benefits from cultural activities can occur in Mpame. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that government should assume responsibility to replace the solar batteries at their end-of-life stage or else get grid electricity installed in Mpame village for the residents to enjoy their constitutional human rights.Item The Energy Crisis and Sustainable Electricity: An Analysis of SADC’s role in the promotion of Climate Justice in the Regions’ Electricity Industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Kamurai, Rumbidzai LindsayLong having depended on fossil fuels to sustain its socio-economic aims, in the face of rolling blackouts and the emerging renewable energy mix the SADC region is under pressure to implement sustainable practises to meet electricity demands and ensure energy security. All in the hopes of attaining regional climate justice. This report aims to access the regions renewable energy and low carbon emitting alternative options as supported by SADC policy in order to understand how far these policies and potential can address the regions prevalent energy crisis. In so doing ,it outlines what an energy crisis is in the SADC context in order to more thoroughly evaluate SADC policies and projects implemented to meet this crisis. Having accessed the successes and failures of these, it endeavours to suggest possible ways forward in the context of the regions renewable energy potential. This report speaks to the role political will and overt nationalism have played in the regions failed energy policies, how current regional implementation is moving at too slow a pace to match socio-economic development and is thereby worsening the electricity crisis, that diversification of the renewable energy mix has been neglected and the fact that climate change must play a greater role in developing energy policies than it is currently, if climate justice is to be seriously attained. The impact of climate change on the region and its energy options is too great a factor to ignore and is used to back the use of regional SPV over the short-sightedness of hydro.Item THE IN&BETWEEN: Weaving social interaction through mixed-use development in Robertsha(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Ashton, James; Jivan, SundeepCritically analysing the need for social interaction through communities. Robertsham is a location that contains a rich history dating back to 1948 when it was first established. The study focuses on the public park that splits the residential and industrial areas of Robertsham. The park was once a social interactive space for families within Robertsham and has now become a barren underutilised space. The design aims to include spaces that address an issue within each sector of Robertsham. A mixed-use development aided to serve the community as well as bring back the nature of the park with the main routes being social interaction, safety, and connection.Item The Political Economy of the Renewable Electrical Energy Sector Within the Context of South Africa’s Energy Transition(2023) Waxa, Zizipho Khayakazi; Ngubevana, LwaziThis research project explored the political economy of the renewable electrical energy sector within the context of South Africa’s energy transition, focusing on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The objective of this research project was to provide policy recommendations that would address the challenges within the renewable electrical energy sector and promote a just electrical energy transition. Key findings in this research indicate that the political economy of the renewable electrical energy sector is shaped by the socio political legacies of the Apartheid regime, namely, the Minerals-Energy Complex (MEC). With the MEC being underpinned by a set of relationships that prioritise coal-fired electricity- the renewable electrical energy sector is seemingly being suppressed to maintain the status quo thus limiting a just electrical energy transition. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the influential role of the MEC in the stalling of a just electrical energy transition. Additionally, the qualitative in-depth interviews revealed rich insights that shed light on the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors shaping the political economy of South Africa’s renewable electrical energy sector. The implications of these findings are twofold. Firstly, they contribute to the theoretical understanding of the political economy of South Africa’s renewable electrical energy sector by confirming and expanding upon existing knowledge in the field. Secondly, they have practical implications for policymakers seeking to improve policy effectiveness and usher in a just electrical energy transition by addressing the identified factors.