Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    The role of natural gas in the current energy transition: A South African Focus
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Hough, Lize; Chitima, Kurai
    Africa’s growing urban populations and industrialisation mean rapid growth in energy demand. Natural gas is facing a potential turning point in Africa. There have been major discoveries in recent years in East Africa, Egypt, West Africa, and South Africa. Natural gas has the potential to mitigate Africa’s energy challenges and stimulate economic growth with increased use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role that natural gas plays as an energy accelerator in the current energy transition of South Africa. South Africa has an energy crisis with increased stages of possible load shedding, and commitments to reduce CO2 emissions. South Africa’s electricity mainly depends on coal-based energy through its primary electricity supplier Eskom. For South Africa to adapt to a more diverse energy mix and to enlarge the role of natural gas has not been studied, infrastructure forms a large part of the strategy to grow and transform. However, the natural gas infrastructure of South Africa is underdeveloped and limited but its neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Namibia, have discovered large natural gas reserves that could be accessed to supply South Africa with natural gas. This qualitative research study used semi-structured online interviews of 17 participants with industry-specific experience and knowledge. A thematic analysis affirmed that natural gas could serve as a bridge between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy solutions. However, the current underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure imposes limitations. The underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure is mainly due to three causes, limited government support, access to funding and investment, and the supply of natural gas
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    An integrated power generation plan considering carbon emission constraint
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Koopman, Sabrina; Ye, Yuxiang
    In the context of South Africa's energy crisis, this research report examines the optimization of South Africa's power generation system, considering coal, onshore wind, and solar PV technologies within a carbon emissions constraint. The primary objective is to minimise costs while addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in a country heavily reliant on coal-fired power. The methodology comprises two main components: system modelling of solar and wind generation, and a mathematical framework featuring cost minimization as the objective function with a power balance constraint and a carbon emissions constraint as the two key constraints. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of potential energy mixes that balance economic and environmental concerns. The study's findings indicate that a more sustainable and balanced energy mix is achievable in South Africa through significant expansion of renewable energy capacities. While this transition requires substantial short-term investment and infrastructure development, it offers long-term benefits including reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy system resilience. The optimization results suggest that further integration of renewable energy technologies is possible, albeit at a higher cost. The research highlights the increasing cost-effectiveness of renewable energy and emphasises the importance of capitalising on this trend in emerging markets like South Africa. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that South Africa can significantly reduce its carbon emissions within the next five years by improving its energy mix through increased integration of renewable energy generation technologies. These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in shaping South Africa's future energy landscape and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.