Renewable Energy
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy produced from the earth's unlimited natural sources that can be used repeatedly because it is naturally replenished faster than it is consumed. Common sources of renewable energy is the sun, wind, water, underground heat and organic materials which is all around us in abundance and do not run out.
Why is renewable energy important?
Most of the the energy we use in South Africa, specifically electricity, comes from non-renewable sources called fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil. These fossil fuels are eventually going to run out and there will be none left for future generations. Also, when we burn these fossil fuels to provide energy we release these harmful gasses into the air - called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide - which massively contributes to global warming and climate change. Thus, renewable energy is important because it does not run out and it does not pollute the environment.
What are the main sources of renewable energy?
Solar
Solar energy means energy from the sun. Solar technologies deliver electricity, lighting, cooling and heating.
Wind
In offshore and onshore regions, wind energy produces electricity from moving air by using wine turbines on wind farms.
Water
From water is hydropower or hydroelectric energy which is energy from moving water in dams, reservoirs and rivers to generate electricity.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy means the natural heat from the interior of the Earth. Electricity is generated using heat deep underground
Biomass
Bioenergy is produced by burning biomass, which is organic materials (plant and animal matter), to produce heat and electricity.
Icons courtesy of: Flaticon
What is a Just Energy Transition?
OVERVIEW
The just energy transition (JET) focuses on the transition of South Africa's energy sector as the country navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy. Currently, 77%* of South Africa's greenhouse gas emissions are from energy (electricity, heat and transport) with 90%* of South Africa's electricity is generated from coal fired power stations. Thus, South Africa has to transition to an energy system that is sustainable, low-carbon, equitable, transparent, and incorporative of renewable energy and alternative sources. By this, the livelihoods and communities that are tied to high-energy emitting industries (e.g. coal) are not to be left behind in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Thus, a JET should be a system that is better for people and the planet through new and better jobs, social justice and poverty eradication.
Just
Energy
Transition
Icons courtesy of: Flaticon
How does renewable energy relate to the JET?
Renewable energy is relevant in the context of the just energy transition because:
it addresses carbon emission reductions, positively affecting society and the environment - Just
an increasing share of renewable energy is used to produce electricity - Energy
industries are gradually moving towards low-carbon technologies and transforming business models - Transition
