After Eskom’s emergency power announcement on February 20, Green Rhino Energy’s managing director Joachim Baumgaetner touted the addition of solar PV to the country’s grid. "PV power actually produces peak power, because it produces power during the day. Solar and coal can be a good combination. It can replace the base load during the day,” he said.
However, the executive also discussed dangers of oversaturing the system with too much solar energy. "Obviously, PV alone can actually create some instability and destabilize the grid if there is too much. I think in South Africa at the moment, they’re still not at that level," said Baumgaertner, whose Green Rhino firm is developing a 150-MW solar farm in Zimbabwe.
Yet relying too much on one source for power generation – no matter if it’s conventional or renewable – poses a threat to even the most advanced grids. The key is diversification. And South Africa is attempting to do just that with numerous wind, solar, and biofuel projects in the works.
Visit our Facebook pageor follow us on Twitterto receive even more news and updates from Alternative Energy Africa.