South Africa’s energy story is both interesting and compelling. Interesting, because of its history of oversupply, undersupply, and blackouts; because of its potential for renewables, both wind and solar; and because it is home to the only nuclear power plant on the continent of Africa. Compelling, because it is a “canary in a coal mine” of sorts regarding energy constraints on the economy. So much so that I wrote a paper on that topic in 2010.
Thus, I find South Africa a rich location to teach on energy and energy-related topics. For the Thermal Energy Systems module that I’m teaching this week with Richard, I organized two site visits to Eskom facilities, and we added a third for good measure.
First, we drove out of Stellenbosch at sunrise to Atlantis for a tour of the Ankerlig open cycle gas turbine power station. After a breathalyzer test and a briefing from Ncedo, we took a short walkabout at the site. This power station is supposed to provide electricity in times of peak demand, with a target of operating only 5% of the time. But there have been times when the duty cycle increases to 25% due to high demand and low supply elsewhere in the country. I took a photo of the large transformers that sit between the electrical generators and the grid. We also took a class photo.
Next, we drove to Koeberg, the only nuclear power station in the whole of Africa. We were scheduled for an on-site tour, but lack of available staff due to school holidays and Eid-al-Fitr meant that we saw only the visitor center. (To comply with regulations, one plant employee must accompany every three visitors. Melvyn was apologetic.) However, we saw a nice video, and students asked a host of good questions.
Koeberg might be the most picturesque site for a nuclear power plant in the world. From the visitor center observation deck both the plant itself and Cape Town are visible. Of course we took two additional class photos.
On the way home, we stopped at Klipheuvel to see the wind turbines. I gave a five-minute talk about the machines and the history of the site, including my involvement in developing SARETEC. (In its initial concept, SARETEC was to be housed at the Klipheuvel location.) We weren’t onsite, but we could see the turbines well enough from behind the locked gate.
It is humbling to know that the students will remember this day long after they forget Richard and my lectures. But that’s what makes site visits worthwhile!
Throughout the day, we drove through some of the most beautiful, green countryside in South Africa. Recent rains have brought out the winter wheat. The air was cool and crisp. White clouds dotted the sky. Lovely!
—Matt
