2013 – Issue 4
SA’s nuclear option and global trends
Worldwide use of nuclear energy is expected to grow at about 2.5% a year over the coming decades, with the developing world to contribute...
Interviews
Why grid connected PV can be optimal
The impact of utility scale photovoltaic facilities on grid stability can be favourable if done properly. ESI Africa spoke with vice president of product...
Generation
Where to for coal electricity in South Africa?
In the medium term the trajectory for steam coal usage in South Africa is upward with the giant Medupi and Kusile power stations due...
Resources
State control, free markets and electricity
Experiments in state control, such as South Africa’s attempt at a so-called developmental state, usually lead to inefficiency and limited progress.
In South Africa, one...
Features/Analysis
Global study on smart grids
By Antonio Ruffini, Editor, ESI Africa
International energy think tank Vaasa ETT has produced the Smart Grid 2013 Global Impact Report that analysed 200 projects,...
Features/Analysis
Understanding lithium-thionyl chloride batteries
As many engineers will know, the battery industry has not yet achieved the perfect battery or rather cell technology. In almost every choice there...
Energy Efficiency
Data centre energy efficiency
Data centres have become a core element in human activities; every major enterprise will have one and energy can account for up to 75%...
Generation
Diversifying Mauritania’s electricity sector
Mauritania has an installed capacity of almost 356 MW and rural electrification of less than 5%.
Africa hosts some large and sparsely populated countries whose...
Generation
Boost for Sierra Leone electricity capacity
Sierra Leone has an installed electricity generation capacity of 92 MW, but it has ambitions to increase this to 1,000 MW over the next...
Resources
The prospects for underground coal gasification
Underground coal gasification has been undergoing pilot trials for some 50 years, but no commercial operations exist – however the potential excites because it...
