There is much hype around solar and wind energy generation, but there are several other alternatives that deserve consideration depending on your location and how much power generation is required.
Micro Hydro Generators
Hydro energy generation has found a meaningful place in locations with good water supply and where other tech such as solar or wind do not perform as well due to weather factors. Additionally it is power that is available 24/7 and all year around, but is also dependent on water supply being uninterrupted.
Solarite, a green tech company based in South Africa, provides energy generation via its Micro turbine technology. The vortex turbine makes hundreds of sites possible where other green energy tech are not viable options. Designed specifically for areas that have existing running water, their design only requires a height difference between the upstream and downstream water level of 1.5 – 5 meters and a flow that is larger than 1 cubic meter per second. Their tech can generate a significant amount of power – up to 2 Megawatts of power utilising multiple interconnected turbines. This can be achieved with a minimum requirement of a water width of 5meters over a distance of 100meters. This green energy tech is ideal for agricultural or food processing plants that require energy and have an existing water resource on site.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal technology harnesses the natural heat of the earth to generate electricity. Unlike wind and solar power, geothermal energy is available 24/7 and doesn’t depend on weather conditions or daylight hours or water supply as with Hydro generation.
Geothermal energy has long been used in civilisations going back centuries in the form of hot springs. This comes from ground water heated deep underground and then being forced up via natural earth fractures to the surface. Kenya has the most significant Geothermal Power generating plant in Africa – The Olkaria Geothermal Station, was the first of its kind in Africa, was established in 1981 and generates geothermal power underneath Hell’s Gate from the area’s hot springs and geysers. Since establishment 4 additional units have been constructed with the 5th one coming online in 2019 and producing 140MW of power.
One of the most exciting developments in this area is the emergence of enhanced geothermal systems or EGS. They use advance earth drilling techniques to give access heat stored within heated rock layers that tend to be found deep underground. This heat is then converted into energy via means of steam and steam turbines. Geothermal technology is a natural and useful technology that can provide a steady, reliable source of renewable energy.
Tidal Energy
This technology harnesses the power of the tides to generate electricity. Tidal energy has a number of advantages over other renewable energy sources. For one, tides are extremely predictable, which means that one can accurately forecast how much energy will be generated at any given time. Currently there are no tidal energy plants in Africa, however there is much potential and countries that have been identified as good prospects for this tech includes Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.
Biomass Energy
Finally, biomass energy is another alternative renewable energy source that is gaining traction. Biomass energy uses organic matter, such as wood chips, agricultural waste, or even sewage, to generate electricity. This technology is particularly useful in rural areas where there is an abundance of organic waste that can be used to generate electricity.
One of the most exciting developments in this area is the emergence of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This technology involves capturing the carbon emissions produced during biomass energy generation, and storing them underground. This has the potential to create a carbon-negative energy source, which means that it could actually reduce overall carbon emissions.
The Future of Renewable Energy Sources
As we look more and more towards alternative renewable energy sources, It’s clear that there are many developing technologies that could hold key solutions to uninterrupted and cleaner energy. Some new technologies on the horizon are still in their infancy and as start-up innovators in this vibrant sector continue to chase new solutions, it will be important to ensure that these alternative renewable energy sources are integrated into our existing energy systems in a way that maximizes their potential. This will require investment in infrastructure, as well as policies and regulations that incentivize the adoption of these technologies.