Renewable revolution
Growth and innovation. These are the two words I associate with the monumental transformation and expansion we’ve seen the renewable energy sector undergo in the last decade. No longer the “new kid on the block”, clean energy is now one of the many sustainable solutions available to a growing eco-conscious world.
The landscape of how we live, and do business, is changing at a rapid pace. The environmental, economic and social crises created through our actions is being addressed on a global scale. Once a movement of collective, albeit individual voices, countries and industry-established organisations around the world are raising the bar on green and sustainable practices and solutions. The United Nations Environment Programme has cited 2022 as Emergency mode for the environment with “unsustainable patterns of consumption and production fueling the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste”. That’s quite a definition for the current state the world is in, but it’s the truth in a nutshell for all of us.
A hot trend
Global consciousness towards renewable energy is shifting. And this couldn’t have come at a better time as the world tackles dirty fossil fuels and the rise in CO2 emissions amid a rising global energy crisis. Solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy sources are powering the charge towards change. Renewable energy is an organic source or process that is continuously replenished at a higher rate than what they are consumed. It is set to account for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity by 2026, with solar PV power alone providing more than half.
The advancements in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology were recently showcased at the Intersolar Europe Exhibition held in June 2022 in Munich, Germany. RenEnergy Africa and RenEnergy UK joined thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the industry to discuss the latest innovations and developments. The event was founded nearly 30 years ago and has grown to become one of the most important platforms in the industry, clearly demonstrating just how the renewable energy sector has matured and become a serious player in helping address the energy crisis.
Recognised for their ground-breaking solar technological developments, notable game changers at the Intersolar event included Gamesa Electric S.A.U. (Spain) who combines high efficiency and power density with their PROTEUS PV4700 hybrid cooling system to avoid power derating of inverters, The Alpha Pure Series from REC Solar EMEA Gmbh (Germany) that provides up to 410 watts of power at 1.85 square meters (equivalent to a module efficiency of 22.2%) and SURFACE shingle matrix interconnection machine for solar cells offering high potential for integration in buildings, vehicles and other integrated applications.
Bringing it back home, the renewable energy transition in South Africa is starting to catch up. Our country has a wealth of renewable resources that can effectively provide for our energy needs – but we’ve barely scratched the surface of tapping into this much-needed supply source. We have literally felt the effects of an unpredictable and vulnerable national power grid these past few weeks, with load shedding schedules changing at a moment’s notice. Sure, we may have the odd few days, weeks or months without disruption to our energy supply but as history has shown this should not lull us into a false sense of energy security.
Electrifying change
We are on a mission to provide turnkey, sustainable energy solutions to the agriculture, industrial and commercial sectors. With our in-house consultation and installation teams, we partner with our clients to provide a powerful solution to keep their lights on, and business operating at peak performance.
Our grid tied and off grid solutions facilitates the effortless transition toward cleaner and cheaper solar PV energy solutions. The grid tied system is custom designed to replace as much energy usage from utility providers as possible, where generated electricity can be used as and when required. Our off-grid solution is an independent decentralised system designed to replace total energy requirements by creating an independent decentralised grid for total independency and control. Along with a continuous supply of clean energy businesses can enhance their carbon footprint, avoid costly downtime and cut down on rising utility bills.
Our turnkey energy storage solutions ensure the African sun works for you 24/7, 365 days a year. Unused or excess electricity generated from your solar PV array is stored for use when needed.
To ensure your system operates at peak performance, our Asset Management plan is a comprehensive service solution that extends the lifespan of solar PV panels – from general check-ups, software upgrades, inverter maintenance to repairs of panels, remote system monitoring and cleaning services.
RenEnergy’s full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) accredited business is the bright alternative you need to overcome the dark days (and nights!) we are currently facing. As your partner in power, we work with you for a tailor-made clean, safe and efficient supply of renewable energy.
By Claude Peters, RenEnergy Africa MD