Global Warming
The atmosphere is like an insulator keeping in greenhouse gasses such as
CO2, methane, etc.
The sun is our primary energy source
Greenhouse gasses trap heat and leads to global warming / climate change.

Climate change
Greenhouse gases are increasing.
Average global temperatures are rising.
Climate changes are happening.

An inconvenient truth

Ancient Sunlight

Fossil Fuels
SA relies heavily on crude oil imported from the Middle East.
• Crude oil is shipped to
Saldanha Bay, north of CT
• Pumped 120km to the refinery in Milnerton
• Refined into liquid fuels like petrol, diesel, paraffin and gas
• Distributed to fuel suppliers

Power plant to plug
• Most of the electricity in SA is generated near the coal fields of Mpumalanga.
• Transmission occurs through huge power lines along Eskom ’ s national grid.

Other fuel types
Paraffin Wood LPG

Carbon Footprint
• Burning coal releases harmful
gases into the atmosphere.
• SO2 + water = acid rain.
• CO2 = highest contributing global warming greenhouse gas.
• Methane and other gasses are however much stronger
• Most of SAs energy comes from
burning coal, a fossil fuel

Carbon Footprint
We produce on average 8 tons of CO
2 per person each year in
South Africa
• Coal based electricity
• “ Cheap ” electricity
• Inefficient systems
Do you know your carbon footprint?
For on-line carbon calculators visit www.trees.co.za
or www.bp.com
8 4 1

Renewable Energy

Renewable or not?
• Fossil fuels cannot be reproduced or regenerated on a scale that can sustain consumption patterns indefinitely and mostly exist in a fixed amount, such as coal, petroleum and natural gas
• Renewable energy is energy that comes from renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels

Potential energy sources
Solar /
Sun
86 000 TW
Wind
870 TW
Geothermal
32 TW
Hydro
7,2 TW
Global human energy consumption
15 TW

Solar Power
• The average home in
SA receives 600kWh of sunshine per day
• The average home uses 774kWh of electricity per month

Solar Water Heating
Solar water heaters
• Electric hot water geysers use 60% of the energy in a home
• The sun heats water directly and does not create electricity
• Solar water heaters are costly, but save huge amounts over time

Solar Power (PV)
Solar power generation
• Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into electricity
• This electricity can be stored in batteries and used when required
• It is however still relatively expensive

Alternative Energy
Consider alternative cooking options

Alternative Options
Induction stove top

Alternative Options
Heat Pump
• Not renewable, but very efficient for heating and cooling water or air
• Air-to-water
• Air-to-air
• Eskom is currently giving rebates
• Cheaper than a
SWH

Wind Turbines
• Wind farms produce clean sustainable electricity, but it is an expensive option
• No pollution
• No natural resources depleted

Renewable Energy
• Biofuels can be produced from wheat, corn, potato, sugar cane, etc
• Spent oil or algae can also be used and has no impact on food security
• Be aware of concerns around food security

Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power
Is nuclear power an option?
• Koeberg is the only nuclear power station in Africa
• Power is relatively clean – minimal CO
2 emissions
• Output is high – one uranium pebble (size of cricket ball) produces as much electricity as (a truck load)
7,6 tons of coal
• SA is rich in uranium, the core of nuclear fuel, although most of the uranium needed is imported

Nuclear Power
• Uranium is a non-renewable resource
• Radioactive waste is highly dangerous
• It must be buried far underground as it remains active for 1000s of years.

Remember to tell your grandchildren's children to tell their grandchildren's children, to tell their grandchildren's children, to tell their grandchildren's, grandchildren's,
• Uranium is a non-renewable resource
•
Nuclear Power children how to deal with the nuclear waste...
• It must be buried far underground as it remains active for 1000s of years.

Transport in our City
Over 50% of all energy used in Cape
Town is spent on transportation - cars, buses, trains and taxis.

Transport in our City
How can we reduce our fuel consumption?
•Lift clubs / car share
• Use public transport
• Drive our cars efficiently
• Buy smaller & efficient cars
• Consider a hybrid vehicle
• Cycle or walk

Eco Driving
• Service your vehicle regularly
• Check your tyre pressure monthly
• Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle
• Close your windows at higher speeds
• Use air conditioning sparingly
• Reduce idling
• Avoid speeding and drive smoothly
• When accelerating, change gears as early as possible

Bus Rapid Transport (BRT)
The City aims to provide better public transport services

Energy Efficiency
The energy efficient house p58

Energy efficient homes

Electricity Safety
• Check that all electrical wiring is correct and safe
• Check for gas leaks
• Make sure your home is well ventilated
BLue is Left
BRown is Right

Energy saving tips

Energy saving tips

Energy saving tips

The challenge:
What are you going to do differently?