Browsing by Author "Van Es, Denis"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    The clean development mechanism potential of a combined heat and power plant in Stellenbosch, South Africa
    (2007) Bellingham, Christopher Grant; Bennett, Kevin; Van Es, Denis
    Only 50-60% of the roundwood volume harvested by commercial sawmills in South Africa is sold as timber. The rest is sold as timber by-products, utilised as fuel in sawmill boilers, or disposed of as waste res idues. This dissertation assesses the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) potential of a proposed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant that will utilise a sawmill's byproducts, or waste residues, as its fuel source; the sawmill is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The sawmill employs standard production techniques as found in large sawmills throughout South Africa, enabling the results of this dissertation to be utilised as a reference for South Africa's total sawmill CHP potential. The CHP plant's emission neutral energy will replace fossil-fuelled energy, thus offsetting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The plant will generate revenue from the sale of GHG emission credits, in addition to electricity and other products. The proposed CHP plant has the potential to reduce annually more GHG than any other CDM project currently registered in South Africa. In addition to the environmental benefit, the plant will require labour for its construction and operation, resulting in job creation and skills development.
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    Energy efficiency and the CDM in South Africa: constraints and opportunities
    (University of Cape Town, 2007) Winkler, Harald; Van Es, Denis
    Energy-efficiency projects were expected to constitute an important project type under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In South Africa, there is significant potential for energy savings in several sectors. The savings possible in industry have been demonstrated through plant-level energy audits, measurement and verification of Eskom’s Demand Side Management (DSM) programme and national energy modelling. Enabling policy for energy efficiency and demand-side management has been adopted by government and the utility, Eskom. A dedicated National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA) was established in 2006. Yet, energy-efficiency still fails to realise its potential. The paper seeks to dispel the misconception that energy efficiency projects might not be ‘additional’ under the CDM. Analysis of barriers, which is well understood by those dealing with energy efficiency, can be used to demonstrate additionality. A standard tool for demonstrating additionality is now available, as are baseline methodologies for both large and small-scale CDM projects. It should, therefore, be clear that energy efficiency projects are not a priori ruled out as non-additional. Each project has to demonstrate additionality, as for any other project type. Finances are available from various sources, and the CDM can offer further funding for initial costs, or in removing the barriers to energy-efficiency projects. Internationally, energy efficiency initially did not account for large numbers of CDM projects, nor a major share of carbon credits. With the recent growth in CDM projects, however, the numbers of energy-efficiency projects are increasing internationally. In South Africa, analysis of the emerging CDM portfolio shows that energy-efficiency projects are much better represented at the concept stage than in fully designed CDM projects. The major elements for implementing energy efficiency projects exist – dedicated institutions, enabling policy frameworks, approved methodologies and even an electricity crisis to raise awareness. Funding is available from various sources, and the CDM can offer further funding for initial costs or in removing the barriers to energy-efficiency projects. The CDM rules should soon allow for registration of entire programmes, which could include energy efficiency standards or demand-side management. Innovative financing solutions such as clean energy lending can assist as well. All that seems to be needed is a concerted effort to realise the potential. Such efforts could be driven by the Designated National Authority or the National Energy Efficiency Agency. Together with initiatives from the private sector, a dedicated effort might help South Africa find a clear route for energy-efficiency projects under the CDM in South Africa.
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    The potential for solar heat in the Cape food and beverage industry
    (2010) Lane, Vincent Madden; Van Es, Denis
    This report investigates whether or not current solar water heating technology has the potential to supplement conventional energy use within the Western Cape food and beverage industry. In order to achieve this, two things need to be investigated, namely, the potential for such technology in terms of market size and the cost of rolling it out. The report also states at what energy price and under what constraints solar water heating will be feasible as a bulk energy source.
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    A selective assessment of business opportunities in South Africa under the Clean Development Mechanism
    (Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town., 2006) Van Es, Denis; Winkler, Harald; Howells, Mark
    This report first summarizes matters related to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in the South African context, considering its current position and its position after 2012. It then discusses South Africa in comparison with Brazil and India, summarized in terms of selected key indicators. CDM projects in Brazil and India, which are further along in terms of project development, are then outlined. Finally the report estimates the costs and benefits of CDM potential in industry through the deployment of energy efficiency measures as well as renewable electricity generation.