Why do we need a smart grid in South Africa?

The ever changing and rising energy demands of the 21st century necessitates modernization in our electric grids. This is especially true in South Africa. A smart grid is an intelligent digitised energy network that delivers energy in an optimal way, from source to consumption.

Is the SG a good alternative to a standardized power grid?

The SG is considerably more environmentally friendly than its alternative standardized power grid, providing a new solution to enable increased penetration of renewable energy generation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Are renewables the solution to South Africa's energy needs?

The political will is there, and there’s a realisation that renewables are the solution to South Africa’s energy needs. The latest renewable plants produce electricity at a cost lower than would be the case from new coal or nuclear power stations, which has been the preferred choice for a long time. Let’s talk about the grid itself now.

What is Green Empowerment's SGS for small grids project?

Green Empowerment’s SGs for Small Grids project aims to bring intelligent, open-source technology to engineers and technicians in remote communities. They work with regional partners to build renewable energy micro-grids with remote indigenous communities in South Asia (Green Empowerment, 2024).

What are the challenges faced by South Africa's power network?

There are two challenges. The first is the issue of who controls the power network. Eskom owns most of the generation and transmission assets. In 1998, South Africa was the first sub-Saharan African country to come up with the idea of privatisation; however, this has proved controversial.