Research Topics in Renewable Energy for 2016
Dosent / Lecturer: (Title, Initials & Surname)
Prof AC Brent
Email:
acb@sun.ac.za
Tel:
021 808 9530
Fakulteit / Faculty:
Departement / Department:
Engineering / Economic and Management Sciences
Industrial Engineering / School of Public Leadership
Navorsingsarea / Area of Research:
Renewable Energy Policy
Algemene beskrywing van navorsingsveld: (nie meer as 2 paragrawe nie):
General description of research area (only 2 paragraphs):
The research area focuses on enabling the uptake of renewable and sustainable energy systems in the South
Africa, and African, contexts. It specifically considers institutional reform, with associate methods and practices,
to facilitate decision- and policy-making pertaining to alternative energy systems – in the transition to a lowcarbon, resilient economy; the green economy.
With respect to determining the most sustainable bio-energy value chains in the Southern African context, a
number of modelling efforts are required for the various bio-energy products; for fuels, heat, and electricity.
Lys van onderwerpe/List of topics: (Merk graad met X/Mark degree with X) M.Eng.
M.Eng.
Ph.D.
(Structured) (Research)
System dynamics modelling to understand the sustainability of transitioning
X
X
in the energy sector – a variety of sub-topics are available/applicable
Methodologies to assess the nexus of climate change and alternative energy
X
systems
Analysis of the infrastructure reform requirements to enable aggressive
X
renewable energy uptake
The impact of embedded generation on the operations of Eskom
Sustainability assessment of technology systems that address the energywater nexus; with an emphasis on desalination
Life cycle analyses of bio-energy value chains, and other renewable energy
systems.
Spesifieke voorvereistes / Specific requirements:
4 year engineering degree / Honnours degree / Masters degree
Befondsing beskikbaar / Funding available:
R 600,000
X
X
X