Electricity technologies
In South Africa, our most abundant source of energy is coal. Most of our coal is low quality with a low heat value and a high ash content.
Eskom relies on coal fired power stations to produce approximately 90% of its electricity. Eskom uses over 90 million tons of coal per annum. Coal mining in South Africa is relatively cheap compared to the rest of the world. These low costs have had an important effect on the nation's prosperity and potential for development.
Browse electricity technologies
Understanding Electricity
In South Africa, our most abundant source of energy is coal. Most of our coal is low quality with a low heat value and a high ash content.
In South Africa, our most abundant source of energy is coal. Most of our coal is low quality with a low heat value and a high ash content.
Biomass Power
Biomass is plant material either raw or processed and includes agricultural residues, wood waste, paper trash, municipal solid waste (MSW),
Biomass is plant material either raw or processed and includes agricultural residues, wood waste, paper trash, municipal solid waste (MSW),
Coal Power
Internationally, coal is currently the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for approximately 36% of the world's electricity production.
Internationally, coal is currently the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for approximately 36% of the world's electricity production.
Conventional Hydro Power
In a hydroelectric scheme, water is stored in a dam and passed through a turbine and generator set before being released back into the river downstream
In a hydroelectric scheme, water is stored in a dam and passed through a turbine and generator set before being released back into the river downstream
Nuclear Power
Nuclear energy is used to produce electricity all over the world. Simply put, nuclear power generation is the harnessing of the energy created by a nuclear reaction.
Nuclear energy is used to produce electricity all over the world. Simply put, nuclear power generation is the harnessing of the energy created by a nuclear reaction.
Pumped Storage
In a pumped storage scheme, the power station is located between an upper and lower dam. In generating mode, water runs from the upper dam through the station's turbines and into the lower dam where it is stored.
In a pumped storage scheme, the power station is located between an upper and lower dam. In generating mode, water runs from the upper dam through the station's turbines and into the lower dam where it is stored.
Wave Power
Waves are a free and sustainable energy resource created as wind blows over the ocean surface. The greater the distances involved, the higher and longer the waves will be
Waves are a free and sustainable energy resource created as wind blows over the ocean surface. The greater the distances involved, the higher and longer the waves will be
Wind Power
For centuries, the energy created by wind has been caught and used for milling, pumping and other things.
For centuries, the energy created by wind has been caught and used for milling, pumping and other things.
