Energy

Theme: Energy
‘Go Green’

Wessa’s vision: … to help all sectors of society to reduce electricity demand, engage with issues relating to energy generation and become part of the solution to what has become a national challenge.

“Not only will atomic power be released, but some day we will harness the rise and fall of the tides and imprison the rays of the sun.”
— American inventor, scientist and businessman Thomas Edison, 1847 – 1931

When nation-wide power cuts and blackouts reached a peak in 2008, the South African government was forced to admit that the growing energy crisis was “a national emergency”. Not only did the shortage have a negative effect on emergency services, farming activities, businesses, domestic consumers and citizen morale, it directly threatened the country’s economic growth prospects, bringing the power-hungry mining and industrial sectors to a halt and scaring off potential foreign investment.

Some measures have since been taken to reduce and manage national consumption but South Africa continues to

Did you know? Solar water heaters could potentially save energy equal to that produced by one coal-fired power station. South Africa 's CO2 emissions place it in the upper 25% of the highest per capita CO2-emitting countries in the world. Mining and industry account for almost 50% of energy consumed in SA, transport for 28% and residential use for 17%. (Source: SAEO, 2006)

face an enormous challenge in meeting current and future demand for energy. How this demand is met is still the subject of intense debate – a debate which tries to balance the urgent need for economic growth and mass electrification with growing global pressure around environmental sustainability and the impact of climate change.

Currently, South Africa’s energy production is based primarily on fossil fuels. Coal, of which South Africa has comparatively rich reserves, provides some 93% of South Africa’s electricity production but places the country among the world’s highest producers of Co2 per capita. Coal-energy also produces sulphur and nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, heavy metals, radioactive elements, and ash, all of which have a potentially negative impact on the health of the Earth and its people.

Although South Africa has rich renewable energy resources, less than 1% of our total energy is derived from renewable energy such as hydropower, wind or solar.

To turn this situation around will take many years. In the meantime, WESSA believes that in the context of increasing demand for power, all viable energy alternatives must be pursued. While energy production from fossil fuels can become less polluting owing to technological innovations, WESSA believes that as a country, we need to actively support the development of renewable energy forms as the most viable long-term solution to the energy crisis.

By building relationships with responsible authorities, providing support in shaping new legislation and commenting on amendments, ensuring compliance with existing laws, involving the public in energy issues and building human capacity for environmental action, WESSA is making a difference.

Broad objectives: To promote renewable energy by: raising awareness of the potential of renewable energy, especially wind and solar energy, to contribute to South Africa 's mix of energy sources; campaigning for legislation requiring new buildings and other developments include renewable energy technologies in their design and construction; seeking ways to incentivise the use of renewable energies. To lower energy demand by: promoting activities, lifestyles and processes that reduce energy needs; supporting energy-efficient designs and technologies, especially in the residential, transport and industrial sectors; lobbying for appropriate legislation, incentives, energy efficiency labelling and education programmes. Other activities … Contribute to the formulation of appropriate legislation and amendments; Lobby for pollution reduction technologies at power stations and oil refineries; Encourage energy-related research, innovations in designs Encourage changes in pricing policies to create new incentives for reducing demand, improving efficiency, reducing pollution and developing alternative energy sources; Promote sustainable lifestyles; Raise understanding around energy-related matters and empower consumers to make intelligent choices; Be a watchdog over energy policy, pollution and government actions.

 

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