The latent super power in our energy grids | Clyde Mallinson | TEDxJohannesburg

Quick Overview

The speaker argues that South Africa's future energy security lies in embracing renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, which, when combined with battery storage, can provide reliable, affordable, and clean power, effectively overcoming the limitations of the current coal-heavy system and creating new economic opportunities.

Key Points: The speaker cites an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) suggesting that by 2025, South Africa will still rely on about 26 GW of coal, which is not fit for the future. Fossil energy costs in 2050 are estimated globally at nearly $75 trillion (including energy, health, and climate costs), compared to under $10 trillion for renewable energy. South Africa currently generates 80% of its electricity from coal, a situation the speaker calls unjust, especially considering the country has abundant sunshine (three times that of the Netherlands, which has more installed solar). The 2040 government plan relies heavily on a large base of coal (around 25 GW) supplemented by solar, wind, and pumped storage, suggesting they still anticipate significant reliance on coal. The speaker advocates for a system where the surplus renewable energy generated during the day (the 'super power' peak, shown on the 2040 primary school children's model) is stored in batteries or converted to green hydrogen for use during the night. The transition to renewables, if managed correctly, will create three times as many jobs as are lost in the coal sector, provided there is investment in new clean industries and carbon border adjustment taxes are used to support this shift.

Context: Clyde Mallinson presents at TEDxJohannesburg, focusing on South Africa's energy transition challenges and opportunities. He uses data comparing the projected costs of fossil fuels versus renewable energy by 2050, and contrasts official 2040 energy plans with a model developed by primary school children, emphasizing the need for a balanced, clean, reliable, and affordable energy future.