Geophysical and industrial requirements of large scale rollout of concentrating solar power (CSP) in South Africa

• Main Author: Morse, Warren
• Other Authors: Winkler, Harald
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12107

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-159). === This study investigates the requirements and implications if South Africa were to evolve its electricity supply structure to a large emphasis on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). It does this by assessing the local geographical conditions and what are the land, water and radiation requirements of CSP followed by an investigation into the transmission grid requirements. Recommendations are drawn up of possible grid expansion options followed by a comparison of current national expansion plans. Energy storage was pinpointed as being a key to the large scale uptake of CSP where intermittent, solar energy’s capacity factor can be significantly up scaled to suit the national load profile. Storage options were evaluated, assessed and compared after which recommendations were made for immediate and future installations. The other key issue for the national uptake of CSP is sustainable development and the need to cultivate and grow a local design, manufacturing, construction and operations industry centred around CSP. This dissertation looks at the potential employment creation of CSP, along with materials estimates, manufacturing requirements and the skills needed to facilitate the industry.