The state of research, development and innovation of electrical energy efficiency technologies in South Africa

Abstract

The availability of appropriate, reliable and affordable energy is central to the sustainability and further development of modern societies. The field of energy efficiency aims to promote efficiency in the conversion, distribution and usage of energy technologies and products and provides an attractive methodology for managing growth in energy consumption. The aim of energy efficiency is to reduce the energy intensity required to produce goods and services. South Africa is presently in a relatively unique position in terms of the energy intensity of its economy, with the per capita energy consumption as a function of per capita gross domestic product (GDP ) at about twice the international average and with electrical energy consumption approximately 40% higher than the international average. There is thus significant potential for energy efficiency improvements to act as a virtual and relatively low cost fuel source to support poverty alleviation and job creation at a reduced environmental cost. The focus of this report is on electrical energy efficiency, but it also provides some guidance on how an enhanced focus on tribology may contribute to energy efficiency. Since electricity production consists of a value chain (generation, transmission, distribution and end use), energy efficiency technologies and methods may be applied at each point, resulting in cumulative improvement in the efficiency of the energy system, with subsequently reduced losses and associated financial gains.