With the roll out of solar panels globally, solar energy is increasing in popularity as an alternative, renewable source of energy. In South Africa, this is no different.

A fuel cell uses chemical energy from fuels, like hydrogen, propane or diesel, to produce electricity. Fuel cells can use a wide range of fuels and have a wide range of applications.

South Africa suffers from crippling power outages, locally known as load shedding. In the first three months of 2021, load shedding occurred for 650 hours.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the gaseous form of two kinds of natural gases: butane and propane. It can also be a mix of the two gases. Butane and propane are similar but have different properties, making them suitable for different things.

A wind turbine works by harnessing the power of the wind to create wind energy. The wind turns large blades around a rotor. This, in turn, powers a generator, which creates electricity.

Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases. Photovoltaic technology (PV) is a type of solar energy.

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity provider, is under severe strain. In July 2021, Eskom’s debt stood at about R400 billion.

Load shedding happens when selected sections of South Africa’s electricity grid are shut down. In literal terms, Eskom, the country’s power utility, “sheds” a certain “load” – or amount – of electricity from the national grid.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is natural gas that has been compressed to less than one per cent of its volume. The gas is compressed when it is stored at very high pressures.

There is no fracking in South Africa at the moment. This is due to a court ruling overturning the government’s fracking regulations brought by activists.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of drilling into the earth to inject rocks deep underground with water, chemicals or sand to reach oil or natural gas deposits.

Currently, South Africa is neither a large exporter nor importer of LNG. However, there are now plans in the country to develop this fossil fuel industry.

The South African government has plans to generate more electricity with natural gas.