SA’s wind and solar power busts major renewable energy myth

[Kevin Lancaster]

South Africa’s wind and solar power busts major renewable energy myth

South Africa’s wind and solar power generation patterns have busted one of the biggest renewable energy myths.

 

[mmacleod]

Study done by a solar and wind company... Article seems to somewhat misunderstand what a base load is.

 

[MrR]

Study done by a solar and wind company...

How objective can the article be?

 

[oober]

So the wind is always blowing then?

 

[MrGray]

So the wind is always blowing then?

In Cape Town, generally yes...

 

[Chris.Geerdts]

I am a major fan of renewables and welcome research. I also welcome the supportive findings of this report.

However it does appear from the wording that the research is simply theoretical modelling from available weather data. My reading is there's no inclusion of actual data from sites which are now up and running. I also wonder why the load curve from 2008 was chosen.

 

[falcon786]

The graphs don't align that well after 16 hours.....and by 22 hours its close to its lowest while demand has peaked?

 

[mmacleod]

I am a major fan of renewables and welcome research. I also welcome the supportive findings of this report.

However it does appear from the wording that the research is simply theoretical modelling from available weather data. My reading is there's no inclusion of actual data from sites which are now up and running. I also wonder why the load curve from 2008 was chosen.

It seems more like marketing than research to me, studies that are not independent should always be viewed with caution.

I'm both a major fan of renewables and nuclear

 

[Arthur]

It seems more like marketing than research to me, studies that are not independent should always be viewed with caution.

I'm both a major fan of renewables and nuclear

... and while we're using the term "renewables' metaphorically (S notwithstanding), some forms of nuclear power are 'renewable'. Like you, I'm a fan of both. I just wish my 12kW PV array worked on the cloudy days, like today.

 

[mmacleod]

I just wish my 12kW PV array worked on the cloudy days, like today.

That would be great. How much is it generating on a day like this out of interest?

 

[Arthur]

That would be great. How much is it generating on a day like this out of interest?

Where I am it's been heavily overcast all day. On a good summer's day I can get 60-70 kWh. Today is 2.8 kWh.

 

[bladebob]

If the GOV spend more money on this then themselves instead of screwing SA all the time we would not be in the crap we are in now.

 

[Dan C]

So the wind is always blowing then?

With the wind in EC, we can power the whole world

 

[system32]

If the GOV spend more money on this then themselves instead of screwing SA all the time we would not be in the crap we are in now.

+1
GOV/Eskom has managed to make a R30b Medupi into a R300b Medupi - making it the most expensive coal power station in the world.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2015/06/03/Medupi-to-cost-you-R300bn
http://www.terrafirma-academy.com/the-most-expensive-coal-power-station-in-the-world

At R300b wind / solar is cheaper than coal.

 

[X-Gamer]

What is up with MyBroadband?

This is EXACTLY the type of article that makes me think twice before opening a non-broadband related Mybroadband link...

 

[netcruiser]

This article's numbers are a complete myth.

South Africa doesn't have 30,000 MW wind and 12,000 MW solar installed, closer to 1,000 or 2,000 MW.

 

[Ockie]

This article's numbers are a complete myth.

South Africa doesn't have 30,000 MW wind and 12,000 MW solar installed, closer to 1,000 or 2,000 MW.

Perhaps they meant "potential"?

 

[netcruiser]

Perhaps they meant "potential"?

"The sites analysed represent a potential combined generation capacity of 42,000 megawatts – 30,000MW wind and 12,000MW solar."

Even if "the sites analysed" were running at 1000% of potential they wouldn't reach those numbers.

 

[Ockie]

"The sites analysed represent a potential combined generation capacity of 42,000 megawatts – 30,000MW wind and 12,000MW solar."

Even if "the sites analysed" were running at 1000% of potential they wouldn't reach those numbers.

No, what I mean is that if those sites were developed further, so more wind turbines and more solar panels etc were to be installed, then they could have a potential of 42,000 megawatts? I think potential means that that is what the sites could offer if they were developed fully .... and does not refer to the current installed capacity?

 

[Paul_S]

The graphs don't align that well after 16 hours.....and by 22 hours its close to its lowest while demand has peaked?

+1
Mainstream’s CEO Eddie O’Connor:
“Not only are wind and solar power cheaper than new fossil fuel generation here in South Africa, but when combined, they can make a significant contribution to baseload power at the time of day it is most needed,” he said.

You better go back to school my boy because peak demand is around 20:00 at night and your graphs clearly show that your renewable sources are producing very little baseload during that period.
Or are you blatantly lying in order to sell your product?