Cape Town - Engineering experts have warned that while load shedding has been suspended for more than 150 days, energy-saving devices such as solar panels have longevity but pose a fire threat inside the home, while gas supplies have not felt the pinch of dwindling blackouts.
However diesel suppliers for generators have seen a decline in sales.
Professor Richard Walls of Stellenbosch University’s Fire Engineering Research Unit said despite a decline in load shedding days, sourcing other forms of energy was vital for the future of our ecosystem.
“We will always need to generate energy as a country. If people are still generating power from solar panels on their houses that is good because it is taking the load off the grid, and also is typically environmentally friendly,” he added.
Asked about the longevity of solar panels and their dangers, he said they posed a fire risk, just like other sources of energy.
“All power generation involves risk. Solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and inverters all have fire risk associated with them,” he said.
“Our research team is involved with research around fire safety for such systems, and how to mitigate risks.
“The various components of PV panels can potentially start a fire, which is especially dangerous if people have combustible cladding or other items near them. Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway due to abuse, incorrect installation or potentially, electrical surges.
“Thermal runaway results in an uncontrolled fire which is extremely difficult to put out, while also releasing toxic, combustible fumes.
“Other green energy systems also have risks associated with them – for instance, hydrogen produced from green sources is explosive.
“Cars and other systems can run on green hydrogen. However, if it builds up in an area and is ignited, it could cause an explosion like we saw in Bree Street, Johannesburg, recently.”
A gas and diesel supplier, who asked not to be identified due to safety concerns, said despite suspension of load shedding, he has managed to keep his business afloat.
He said suppliers of diesel for generators had seen a serious decline in profits and that generators and the sale of diesel for that requirement had become “something of a white elephant”.
Last week, Weekend Argus told how municipalities, political parties, energy activists and watch dogs continued to call for the rejection of Eskom’s 44% planned tariff hike.
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Municipal Just Energy Transition (Jet) Conference held in Johannesburg.
According to the Presidency, the aim of the conference was to convene key stakeholders within the municipal sphere to chart the way forward for the effective implementation of the Jet Municipal Portfolio set out in the Jet Implementation Plan which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023.
Addressing the Municipal Just Energy Transition Conference #justtransition #LeaveNoOneBehind https://t.co/GLkf8t9Iv8
They said municipalities have a critical role to play in a successful energy transition, in improving energy security, and ensuring the country has sufficient reliable and affordable electricity to support socio-economic development.
Mayco Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said she attended the Conference and participated in the panel discussion on ‘Jet Financing in the Municipal Sector’, and called for affordable and cleaner energy.
“I shared the City’s sound financial management strategies which have enabled us to plan and roll out a multibillion rand infrastructure and energy resilience programme for Cape Town,” she said.
