Optimizing the energy, societal and environmental relationships in the medium and long term

摘要

South Africa is a collage of diversity and contrast. Economically and culturally there is a distinct mix of the developed and developing world. As part of the nation-building process, it is essential to develop tools for effective growth. Among the challenges is the implementation of economic self-perpetuating environmentally sustainable energy systems. This paper discusses the development of sustainable energy systems in a South African context, summarizes the present national situation, and potential sustainable technical scenarios. Emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental costing in order to optimize the energy system.