At Next Renewable Generation, we have always approached energy from a renewable perspective; our services focus on energy efficiency consulting and energy generation through clean and green means such as Solar PV and Biomass. But taking a step back, the reason that we work in this sector is because we value environmental sustainability as a whole. With environmental sustainability as the focus in our endeavours, we are proud to welcome[…]
Next Renewable Generation (NrG) welcomes the action taken by the Department of Energy (DoE) to revise and update South Africa’s existing Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), addressing some of the uncertainties concerning the future of the country’s energy sector. However, we would like to draw attention to the following points which we believe require further consideration: Given the significantly lower growth in South Africa’s energy demand than what was forecasted in[…]
As a decentralised source of energy, microgrids have great value to offer rural communities and neighbourhoods, particularly in circumstances where connection to the national grid is unfeasible or undesired. These systems typically incorporate (clean) energy technologies such (rooftop) solar PV panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps and batteries for energy storage. Following data gathered from case studies in the Netherlands, it is projected that microgrid systems could supply up to 90%[…]
Many people don’t consider what happens to solar panels after construction, and how they are kept in good condition to ensure maximum energy output. Cleaning solar panels forms a key part of the operation and maintenance performed on such systems during their life time. The frequency of cleans depends on a variety of factors, such as seasonal weather patterns and conditions at the solar PV system’s site location. Here’s a[…]
This past week, NrG attended a seminar on the Electricity Utility of the Future hosted by EE Publishers and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) at Eskom’s Megawatt Park. One of the issues debated was the substantial levels of debt relating to Eskom’s generation assets, and how the debt could be managed in an effective manner going forward. Anton Eberhard, a leading energy expert and Professor at the[…]
There has been substantial investment in renewable energy technologies (RETs) over the past decade. This investment, coupled with an increase in the number of renewable energy projects developed, has contributed to the ongoing clean energy transition. Apart from the health and environmental benefits on offer, accelerating the process will contribute towards economic growth, creating new jobs and improving energy security through diversity of energy supply. Yet a lot of work[…]
Many of Africa’s citizens live in rural communities, located far away from the electricity grid. As a result, they frequently lack access to a regular power source. One means of addressing this issue is through the use of microgrid energy systems. Microgrids, when combined with batteries, can provide a cheap and reliable source of power. Considering that grid expansion is often not feasible for such areas, microgrids offer a cost-effective energy[…]
Following the completion of the long awaited signature on the latest round of projects under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, or REI4P, the country’s renewable energy (RE) industry can breathe a sigh of relief. The projected R56 billion investment and 2 300MW of generation capacity to be added to the grid over 5 years will help fuel progress towards the country’s clean energy transition. One question worth[…]
Pumped storage hydropower is one of the oldest types of energy storage technology available today. It has the potential to play a key role in the energy grids of the future by complementing the intermittent nature of renewable energy technologies (RETs). Yet current engagement on the topic of energy storage tends to omit it from the conversation. Read about how the pumped storage can regain its place in the energy[…]