Perspectives on climate change and energy security in South Africa: a study of Eskom
Date
2024
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Abstract
Global changes in climatic conditions have both direct and indirect implications on various energy sources and systems, particularly in terms of energy generation vis-à-vis security for sustainable social-economic development. This study examined the relationship between climate change and energy security in South Africa, focusing on energy production, accessibility, and affordability as key determinants. The investigation also explored measures to minimise Eskom’s carbon footprint and opportunities for transitioning the energy sector to cleaner energy sources. A mixed research method, including structured questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews, observations, and existing records, was used for data collection. The data was mainly analysed by use of the Microsoft Excel package to generate statistical correlations and relationships to draw the key conclusions contained in this paper.
Eskom coal power plants’ ten-year (2010 to 2020) carbon footprint was found to be constantly above 200 million per year. The power utility’s ten-year CO2e trend was primarily influenced by production activities. This is because all Eskom’s coal power plants (except for Medupi) do not have CO2e abatement technology, and the available technologies in the market are too expensive. The study also found that Waterberg (LP) and Nkangala (MP) regions, where most coal power plants are located, have been receiving inconsistent and insufficient rainfall from 2010 to 2021; and projections are suggesting a further decline in precipitation distribution and incline in average temperatures in these regions. Despite all these glaring climate change implications, the current study found that water consumption (2020 to 2021 trend) at coal power plants remained high even in periods wherein energy availability factor had dropped, and therefore indicative of thermal inefficiency. The study also found that South Africa’s slow approach in building a climate change resilient and adaptive energy system was caused by a slow and ineffective implementation of IRP. Thus, South Africa must embark on a decisive transition programme to cleaner energy sources mix as a critical and urgent measure to decarbonize and enhance the energy sector’s resilience against climate change effects, and ensure energy availability, reliability and affordability.
The study concludes that Eskom coal power plants should focus their efforts on resolving maintenance problems, operational inefficiencies, and developing adaptation strategies to decarbonize and build resilience against climate change vulnerabilities such as irregular precipitation and high temperature, while ensuring energy security. The energy policy and IRP should be adaptive and continuously informed by regional research to determine the most suitable energy sources for specific regions to ensure an effective transition to cleaner energy systems.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023
Keywords
Climate change, Energy security, Eskom