Wits Business School (ETDs)

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    Turning Points for Green Hydrogen in Energy Storage: Insights from Techno-Economic Analysis and Transition Theory
    (2024) Manyere, Allen
    Solar and wind energy offer the opportunity to decarbonise energy generation. How- ever, these energy sources are intermittent, leading to a mismatch between energy availability and demand and creating the need for energy storage. Green hydrogen could be the solution to this imperative; however, it is presently only available in small quantities and is expensive relative to conventional energy technologies based on coal and gas. The difference in cost raises the important question of what needs to be im- plemented or developed so that green hydrogen can become a viable technological solution for accommodating renewable energy intermittency. This research considered the question using a sequential mixed methods approach. In the first quantitative phase, standard techno-economic analysis was used to calcu- late the levelised cost of storage (LCOS) and the necessary turning points at which green hydrogen could be widely deployed as a storage solution. The LCOS is esti- mated to be $0.228/kWh which is still fairly higher than the literature value of $0.13/kWh for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and $0.11/kWh for pumped hydro storage. Lazard's 2024 analysis gives the LCOS for green hydrogen to be around the range $0.20 to $0.40 per kWh. In the second qualitative phase, the results of this analysis were calibrated against the perspectives of industry personnel with at least 5 years’ experience in the sector. The respondents noted the high differential between the LCOS for green hydrogen and alternative energy storage technologies such as Li-ion batteries. Their view was that significant intervention would be required at least initially with support mostly from the government in cost reduction and attract investors. Approaches such as support for the establishment of energy infrastructure, tax incentives and penalties for carbon emissions were mentioned
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    Leveraging the energy transition for greater black entrepreneurial participation in the liquid fuels sector in South Africa
    (2023) Tlou, Dineo Benedicta
    Background: The Liquid Fuels Industry in South Africa is a key contributor to the economy and development agenda of the country. The industry has been dominated by large multinational and privately-owned companies that control and own some of the factors of production. Purpose: This study aims to examine how the energy transition can be leveraged for greater Black entrepreneurial participation in the liquid fuels sector in South Africa. Design, methodology and approach: A qualitative study was conducted, and primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 14 Black entrepreneurs engaged in the liquid fuels sector; primarily sourced through the National Energy Wholesalers Association of South Africa (NAEWASA) and the South Africa Petroleum Industry Association of South Africa (SAPIA) as well as 4 active and former Black business executives in the liquid fuels industry. A combined total of 18 interviews was conducted. The method of analysis employed was thematic analysis to allow for further probing of participants. Findings: The results indicate that Black entrepreneurs in the liquid fuels sector were aware of the energy transition, related activities as well as potential opportunities. They were, however, of the view that it was premature for South Africa considering the structural challenges. Business executives expressed a similar understanding of the energy transition but were aligned in that it needed to be paced for each country. Additionally, entrepreneurs experienced barriers to participation that impede their ability to be active participants in the sector. The results also indicate that the sector has skills requirements to enable entrepreneurial participation in the energy transition.