A timely overview of the energy landscape in South Africa (RSA) is presented in this Springerbrief. The background and context to the current situation, and analysis of the policies being put forward by the government for the near future are described. Four broad areas are covered: reserves and production of fossil fuels, the electricity sector, the rapidly growing exploitation of renewable energy, and the recent push towards developing an industry around hydrogen and fuel cells. This Springerbrief presents a methodical review of the energy landscape in RSA, covering the general situation, the supply and demand for energy, and the structure of the energy sector (Chapters 1&2). Chapter 3 presents data and analysis of the country's fossil fuels, electricity generation, and the chemistry of green, future sources of energy, production and the role of industry. Chapter 4 discusses recent developments, including the impact on green jobs and green funds, and Chapter 5 reflects on the policies that have been proposed and their potential implications.

Autorentext

Professor Pollet has recently joined industry to head up an R&D Centre in a young, dynamic and forward-thinking High Tech company in the United Kingdom. He is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Ulster (UK) and the University of Yamanashi (Japan). Professor Pollet was a (full) Professor of Energy Materials and Systems at the University of the Western Cape (RSA), R&D Director of the National DST Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Systems Competence Centre (an industry oriented and led RD&D Centre with a strong emphasis on demonstrator/prototype development and Energy Materials manufacturing), SAIAMC Programme Director and Member of the RSA Department of Trade & Industry Electric Vehicle Industry Steering Committee. Professor Pollet is known both in academia and industry to be a dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, positive and visionary individual with expertise and experience in the research fields of Hydrogen Energy, PEMFC, Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis, Electrochemical Engineering and Power Ultrasound/Sonochemistry. He has excellent business development, networking, leadership and communication skills. Professor Pollet has published many scientific publications, articles and book chapters (inc. two books) in the field of Fuel Cells, Electrocatalysis, Electrochemical Engineering and Sonochemistry (over 180 publications so far). Professor Pollet is member of SAHA, IAHE, ECS, ISE, RSC, IChemE, SAIChE, SCI and member of editorial board journals (the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy/Electrocatalysis/Journal of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells/Journal of Nano Energy and Power Research/Journal of Technology Innovations in Renewable Energy/Journal of Fuels). He is also fluent in French and Spanish.

Inhalt
Introduction.- The Current Energy Situation in the Republic of South Africa.- Energy Generation and Usage in South Africa.- Structure of the Energy Sector in South Africa.- Past, Current and Future Energy Generation.- Conclusions and Recommendations.