ENERGY
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 CO2 per person each year in
South Africa
• Coal based electricity
• “Cheap” electricity
• Inefficient systems
8
4
1
Do you know your carbon footprint?
For on-line carbon calculators visit
www.trees.co.za or www.bp.com
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
Wind
870 TW
Geothermal
32 TW
Hydro
7,2 TW
Solar /
Sun
86 000 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 CO2 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,
•children
Uranium
is ato
non-renewable
how
deal with the resource
• Radioactive
is highly dangerous
nuclearwaste
waste...
• It must be buried far underground as it
remains active for 1000s of years.
Nuclear Power
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
WASTE
WASTE
ENERGY
ENERGY
The challenge:
What are you going
to do differently?
WATER
WATER
BIODIVERSITY
BIODIVERSITY