Wave Energy Making a Splash in South Africa

Waves producing energy is not as wide-spread as say solar, but as research into the technology grows, more are looking into this version of alternative energy. And just like Spain and Portugal, South Africa is beginning to look at its wave potential to produce energy.

Investec, in collaboration with British energy company Ocean Power, is reviewing the feasibility of wave power in South Africa. And while many believe wave power to be the best solution with little to no environmental impact, it is still too expensive for the typical South African customer.

"Wave power seems like the perfect idea," says Peet du Plooy of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). He believes wave power’s greatest benefit is that it is continuous, providing baseload, or 24/7, renewable electricity. It will mean that coastal cities can receive power without having to use the expensive transmission lines that are needed to send electricity cross-country, and which often cause a loss of electricity along the way.

According to Professor Wikus van Niekerk, director of the Center for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies at the University of Stellenbosch, another benefit to South Africa is using wave power diversifies the mix in renewable energy.

"In summer we have large amounts of wind," says Van Niekerk, "and in winter we have big waves. The two complement each other. We can’t power South Africa solely from wind or wave. We need to diversify."

Niekerk said it would probably take South Africa about five years to see any commercial wave power plants come online.

Norman Ndaba, director and sector leader of Ernst & Young’s Utilities sector, says that there are still large amounts of research to be done before wave power will come into play. "Solar, wind and hydro are more plausible right now," he said.