Australia and the World Past and Present

All countries around the globe are grappling with climate change and its impact on energy generation. There is currently a large focus on reducing carbon emissions.

But different countries have different resources available to them and the impact of responding to a changing energy environment has uneven impacts depending on the country in question.

Southern Africa is grappling with its own transition and here we look at the various models for energy generation across the region.

South Africa

South Africa has the most advanced energy sector in the region.

It is the largest producer of electricity as well as the largest consumer.

The country is heavily dependent on coal which accounts for over 70% of production and reserves are located primarily in Mpumalanga Province.

South Africa is the only country in Africa with a commercial nuclear power station – Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town. It provides around 5% of the country’s energy capacity.

South Africa is expanding the number of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) installations.

Wind energy is concentrated along the coastal regions of the Western and Eastern Cape.

Angola

Angola has large oil reserves, but most of its oil is exported for use in other countries.

Hydro power provides around 60% of Angola’s energy. The country is blessed to have many large rivers than can create hydro power. Much of this potential remains untapped and there is room for expansion.

Electricity is unevenly distributed around Angola. Access to electricity is not universal. In rural areas biomass (including wood and charcoal) is widely utilised.

Solar and wind power industries are in their infancy and Angola also needs to expand the energy grid to areas that are not currently serviced by electricity.

Namibia

Namibia has embraced renewable energy and the Namibian government is very keen to develop solar power generation.

Key projects include the Omburu Solar PV Plant and the Lüderitz Wind Farm.

Namibia generates significant hydro power from the Ruacana Power Station, located on the Kunene River. This station contributes over 60% of Namibia’s power. But output is seasonal and affected by the level of rainfall in Angola.

Namibia imports a substantial portion of its electricity from South Africa and Zambia.

Botswana

Energy production within Botswana is dominated by coal. This fossil fuel provides some 80% of the country’s energy.

The Morupule-B Power Station is Botswana’s primary power plant.

Botswana does import some electricity from South Africa

Mini-grids are starting to appear in regional areas.

Botswana has high solar irradiance so solar power generation is a possibility.

A key challenge will be the modernisation of the energy grid.

Zimbabwe

Hydro power is the main contributor to the country’s energy production. Kariba Dam provides more than 50% of Zimbabwe’s electricity.

Coal is also an important source for energy generation at the present time.

Breakdowns are frequent and production inefficiency is a significant problem. Zimbabwe has aging energy infrastructure and biomass continues to be widely used in rural areas.

Solar energy is growing in the regional areas, often through donor-supported programs. Mini-grids are popping up.

Energy consistency remains a problem.

Zambia

Energy production in Zambia is dominated by hydro power, which supplies more than 80% of the country’s energy. Kariba North Bank and Kafue Gorge Power Station are key generators.

Zambia has minor coal reserves.

By and large the country hasn’t developed its oil and gas sectors and relies on imports.

Due to its reliance on hydro power, Zambia is vulnerable to drought. Drought and climate variability will have an impact on energy generation in the future.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s energy mix is diverse with hydro power, natural gas and renewables.

The country exports much of its electricity to South Africa and other neighbouring countries.

Mozambique exports most of its natural gas and has significant coal reserves in Tete province.

Hydro power remains the most import source of production.

As in many surrounding countries, the use of biomass is common in areas outside of the main cities and towns.

Energy generation in Southern Africa is dominated by hydro power and fossil fuels such as coal. Increasing the amount of solar generation in countries like Namibia and Botswana makes sense due to their high solar irradiance. Energy distribution networks require renewal. They will need to be replaced and expanded over time and this will continue to place a strain on government budgets.