1. Coal:
* Dominant source: Accounts for about 80% of South Africa's electricity generation.
* Types: Mainly bituminous coal, found in abundance in the country.
* Challenges: Environmental concerns due to high carbon emissions, air pollution, and the impact on climate change.
2. Renewable Sources:
* Hydropower: About 5% of the electricity mix, mainly from dams in the Drakensberg mountains.
* Wind: Growing rapidly, with substantial wind farms in the Western Cape and other regions.
* Solar: Increasingly important, with solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants being built.
* Nuclear: One nuclear power plant, Koeberg, provides about 5% of the country's electricity.
3. Other Sources:
* Gas: Natural gas is becoming more significant as a clean alternative to coal.
* Biomass: Renewable source like wood waste and sugarcane bagasse contribute a small but growing portion.
Key Points:
* South Africa is heavily reliant on coal, but is transitioning towards a cleaner energy mix.
* The country has significant potential for renewable energy development.
* The government is aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix.
While South Africa's energy generation relies on various sources, coal remains the dominant factor. The ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources is essential to address environmental concerns and achieve sustainable development goals.