My reflections on 2022
We’ve come to the end of another year, and this is typically the time when we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced and overcome, both professionally and personally. The world began its first post-Covid year with a sense of uncertainty, with a reset in the ways we live, work, and conduct business. While this may mean different things to different people, one key takeaway for me is how resilient we are in the face of adversity – especially as the world continues to struggle with a growing global energy crisis.
Demand vs supply
Loosely defined, an energy crises or energy shortage is a significant interruption in the provision of energy supplies to an economy. The world’s demands on the limited resources that are used to power industrial society are diminishing as demand rises. This is nothing new to South Africans, but 2022 has been the most intensive load-shedding year with an estimated 192 720 minutes of power cuts to date, an increase of 200% more than any other year. In recent weeks we’ve had to contend with an amped up and unpredictable load shedding schedule as our national utility provider continues to struggle with a growing electricity supply deficit and insufficient generation. Contributing factors include operational failures, maintenance issues and breakdowns at ageing, poorly maintained power stations. Even more intense load shedding is on the cards for 2023 due to many of Eskom’s power stations going offline for planned and unplanned maintenance.
This, however, is not a uniquely South African problem. The increasing global demand for diminishing resources has thrown the world into an extraordinary period of limited energy supply. The United Kingdom (UK) is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, with wholesale natural gas prices on European markets at an all-time high. The UK’s reliance on gas accounts for 42% of the country’s energy demand, with 29% required for energy production. Rolling blackouts are unlikely, but given Europe’s gas supply constraints, power outages are not entirely out of the question.
Energy security
There is a growing global recognition that the energy crisis must be treated as such. On the upside, it has accelerated the growth of renewable energy as a dependable alternative to ensuring energy security. With an increasing number of businesses making the sustainable switch, solar photovoltaic (PV) power is leading the way in renewable energy solutions. South Africa’s solar PV market is expected to grow steadily, creating jobs across the entire value chain, from component manufacturing to installation.
RenEnergy Africa provides high-quality solar PV and battery storage solutions to the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. Our client journey begins with an in-depth consultation and detailed assessment to truly understand their needs and meet their energy requirements. Our exclusive team of in-house designers and installers collaborate with our clients to provide bespoke grid-tied or off-grid solar PV solutions. RenEnergy’s international reach extends to the UK, where we share our skills and knowledge – from our expertise in battery storage solutions to their expertise in solar carports and electric vehicle charging – to ensure that we remain at the forefront of developing and innovative solar PV technology. RenEnergy is passionate about helping businesses embrace clean energy by facilitating the effortless transition to cleaner and affordable solar energy.
Looking ahead
Even as our country’s households and businesses face increased load shedding, we are a strong nation that finds ways to thrive rather than just survive. We will continue to weather the storm when faced with challenges, and it is because of our inherent ability to overcome obstacles that we can look forward to a prosperous and successful new year.
From the RenEnergy family to all of you, we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season, and a blessed Christmas to those that celebrate it. May 2023 be a happy new year!
Claude Peters, RenEnergy Africa MD