Page 44 - Energize June 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Electricity for All initiative captured the
imagination of the South African nation.
The campaign went on to become the
biggest electrification project in the world
at the time, earning international acclaim
for its vision and success.
Today, South Africa and Eskom are
faced with different challenges, which,
with the necessary commitment and
determination, are equally solvable.
The starting point should be a simple,
clear national intent: namely to end load
shedding fast. But the plan has to be more
than only words – it must contain specific
actions to be delivered upon.

What must be done
So, to end load shedding fast, over
and above any of the current public
procurements, electricity customers,
metro municipalities and Eskom and
must secure an additional 10 000 MW of Figure 3: Eskom EAF for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to date (Eskom and EE Business
new wind and solar PV power generation Intelligence)
capacity, and 5000 MW of battery
storage capacity, within two years from I believe this should be the undivided mission of government, Eskom, municipal metros,
being given the green light. domestic, commercial, industrial, mining and agricultural customers of electricity, the Energy
Detailed modelling shows conclusively Council of South Africa, the Minerals Council of South Africa, the Energy Intensive User
that if executed properly and on time, Group, and heavy weight electricity customers such as Sasol, South32, Arcelor Mittal, Anglo
this will stop load shedding in its tracks, American and others.
and provide a measure of generation
capacity reserve that will serve South To make this happen
Africa in good stead. With the necessary No naysayers or problem raisers should be tolerated – only problem solvers and solution
will and commitment by government, providers. Real engineers, with the support of the public and private sectors, should stand
Eskom, municipal metros and customers of up for duty. I believe that engineers like nothing better than to be given a challenge and task
electricity – big, medium and small – the that the naysayers and “do-littles” say is impossible – just to prove them wrong.
rest is detail that can, must and will be Together, we must end load shedding fast. It can be done!
achieved. I am not saying it will be easy,
but it is most definitely achievable. Send your comments to rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

Photo by Ehteshamul Haque Adit on Unsplash

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