How can independent power producers assist in resolving the electricity crisis? (Mr Thomas Garner)

Описание: Mr Thomas Garner holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria and an MBA for the University of Stellenbosch Business School. He has 30 years experience in the mining and energy industries. In 2012, Tommy was the founding CEO of Cennergi, a 50/50 joint venture between Exxaro Resources and Tata Power focusing on clean energy. Cennergi commissioned two large wind farms in the Eastern Cape during 2016. Tommy is currently Chief Executive Officer of Earth and Wire, a privately owned energy company with the vision of supplying affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to private customers and consumers. He is a registered professional engineer, a Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering and serves on the Management Committee the South African Independent Power Producers Association.

Background:
South Africa, unlike some other countries across the globe that are struggling with energy, began to experience the electricity crisis already in the last months of 2007. This crisis has continued to spread, with ongoing periods of widespread blackouts. The conditions became severe in September 2022 when our country experienced when about half of Eskom’s generating capacity collapsed. The population now knows the reasons for the collapse at the time, and for the ongoing crisis. Widespread and deep-seated corruption has been exposed at Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, by whistleblowers, in the press and through the Zondo Commission hearings into State Capture. SA is struggling to rid itself of this ‘corruption pandemic’ (as it has been called). In the meantime, generation capacity continues to hover at 50%, infrastructure across the country needs refurbishment, replacement and maintenance; and load shedding continues unabated regardless of political measures aimed at addressing the problem. Studies have shown repeatedly that a major cause of the electricity crisis is poor investment in energy infrastructure over the last three decades.

Are there any lights at the end of the tunnels?
➢ Government’s plans
➢ Government and private sector working together
➢ Lowering demand of electricity: greater efficiency
➢ Lowering demand: transition in the home
➢ The potential of the transition to solar and wind energy
➢ The potential of nuclear energy
➢ The potential of the hydrogen economy
➢ The potential of biomass as a source of energy
➢ Is the Karpowership a good idea?

Purpose:
This Discussion Forum provides a platform for government officials, researchers, engineers and other professionals to share their insights about the current state of energy and electricity provision in SA. The discussions will highlight the impacts brought about by the energy crisis as well as possible solutions. The NSTF aims to raise awareness of:
• Scientific, evidence-based approaches to finding solutions for our country
• The importance of engineering expertise and skills to design and build the required solutions, do the necessary repair and maintenance, and ensure long-term solutions
• The need for innovation
• The urgency of finding immediate and long-term solutions to the electricity crisis