Impact of Inadequate Reserve Margins on the South African Power System - 2007 to 2008 - (PPT)

摘要

South Africa has experienced the consequences of an inadequate reserve margin. The power system did not collapse but it was at the edge. Decisive action to prevent this collapse was taken. The emergency created a "burning platform" to accelerate energy efficiency consciousness and the importance of security of supply for economic development. The country has to focus on energy efficiency and demand side management over the next 5 years to create the necessary power system buffers in the short term. The emergency has initiated a national debate on what type of growth should occur in South Africa taking into account the commitment to climate change targets as announced by Government. The road to recovery has already resulted in good results in terms of improved plant performance, energy savings, organisational and societal resilience. However it is the beginning of a long road. South Africa has to add up to 40GW of additional generation capacity over the next 20 to 25 years to the existing asset base while meeting financial sustainability and climate change imperatives.