Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa
Summary. This paper evaluates whether standalone renewable energy systems—solar photovoltaic and wind turbines—can economically replace grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa. The analysis finds that solar PV costs are lower than gasoline generators and competitive with grid extension, particularly in areas with sparse populations. Wind energy proves even more cost-competitive in locations with adequate wind resources. The authors conclude both technologies are economically viable for rural electrification and propose policies to support their market development.
Cite this article
Mudziwepasi, S. K., & Scott, M. S.. (2014). Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.1109/due.2014.6827770
Mudziwepasi, Shadreck K., and Mfundo Shakes Scott. “Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa.” 2014. https://doi.org/10.1109/due.2014.6827770.
Mudziwepasi, Shadreck K., and Mfundo Shakes Scott. 2014. “Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa.” https://doi.org/10.1109/due.2014.6827770.
@article{mudziwepasi-2014-towards-exploration-renewable-energy-technologies,
title = {Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa},
author = {Shadreck K. Mudziwepasi and Mfundo Shakes Scott},
year = {2014},
doi = {10.1109/due.2014.6827770},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1109/due.2014.6827770}
}
TY - JOUR TI - Towards the exploration of renewable energy technologies as an alternative to grid extension for rural electrification in South Africa AU - Shadreck K. Mudziwepasi AU - Mfundo Shakes Scott PY - 2014 DO - 10.1109/due.2014.6827770 UR - https://doi.org/10.1109/due.2014.6827770 ER -