Energy Options
Eskom/CoCT
A silly monopoly that is trying to make rules to protect themselves whilst their equipment is failing
Generators
A short-term solution with long-term consequences – where & tear and fuel
The cost of petrol increases often.
Wind Power
Whilst there is wind, you could have power. Wind chargers require a certain amount of wind to operate. If this wind is not present then no energy will be created. Wind generators will never be tolerated in urban environments.
Suitable areas for wind farms are often near the coast, where land is expensive. Environmental impact is still a learning in progress. As there are moving parts, wear & tear as well as the noise can be a factor. The maintenance cost of these wind chargers are very high.
Nuclear Energy
In South Africa we are currently experiencing an energy crisis. The shortage of electricity coupled with the increasing energy tariffs are all the more reason to move “off the grid”.
The consideration of the age of coal power stations and nuclear power stations should be an alarm. The current record from our government for maintenance and repair leaves much to be desired.
During the production of nuclear energy radioactive waste is produced. This waste is extremely dangerous to the environment and to humans. In addition, this waste can be used in the production of nuclear weapons.
There are high risks involved in producing nuclear energy. While every effort is made to minimize these risks, it is impossible to have a plant with 100% security and the growing number of nuclear power plants only increase the probability of a catastrophic disaster.
The time frame for developing and building new nuclear power plants is in the region of 20 to 30 years, it is therefore not a quick-fix to any energy shortages currently being experienced.
Solar Power
Harvesting energy from the sun
Earth receives approximately 3850 zettajoules (zJ) of solar energy per year from the sun. Converted this is 122 100 000 000 000 000 Watts.
In 2005, the worlds total energy consumption was approximately 0.0567zJ. This converted into watts gives us 1 798 000 000 000 Watts.
This means that earth receives enough energy from the sun to cover our need about 67000 times. That is a lot of unharnassed energy.
Solar panels require little maintenance and as there are no moving parts, they can last a lifetime. Solar panels do not emit any gasses which contribute to the greenhouse effect. They are silent, producing no noise at all.
Sunlight is free, so once you have installed your solar system, your fuel source – the sun – is free. More than ever now, we need the sun’s energy. With costs of other types of energy on the rise and the depletion of many types of fuels , our best option as a source of energy would be the sun.
Hydropower
Hydropower is wonderful when there is a natural flow of water. When you are pumping water up to utilise the downflow, this could be an expensive exercise. Similar to wind, there would be moving parts and wear & tear.
