Browsing by Author "Sebitosi, A. B."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    The impact of residential rooftop solar PV on municipal finances : an analysis of Stellenbosch
    (University of Cape Town, Energy Research Centre, 2017) Korsten, N.; Brent, A. C.; Sebitosi, A. B.; Kritzinger, K.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Electricity utilities throughout the world are responding to the increased uptake of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) in the household sector. Although the increase of decentralised solar PV is seen as progressive for sustainable development, it is not without financial implications for electricity utilities. There is a concern in South Africa that allowing rooftop solar PV connection to the grid will reduce electricity sales for local governments and thus their revenue streams from electricity. An investigation was carried out to examine the financial impact that increasing installations of grid-connected rooftop PV at a household level might have on local governments in South Africa. Stellenbosch Municipality was used as a case study, and two different approaches were used. The first considered the maximum grid capacity for distributed generation, as determined by the South African grid standards. The second was based on individual households that would gain the most financial benefit from investing in rooftop PV. The outcome indicated a financial reduction in total electricity revenue of 0.6–2.4% depending on the approach followed. A fixed monthly charge of about R363 would counter these potential financial loses, but entail a disincentive for households to invest in solar PV installations.
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    Material and energy flow analysis of the Malawian tea industry
    (Elsevier, 2016) Taulo, J. L.; Sebitosi, A. B.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper briefly reviews the material and energy flows of the Malawian tea industry, in order to identify opportunities and reduce its environmental impacts. The review also details the concept and methodology as well as studies on applications of material and energy flow analysis. Environmental impacts are calculated with a life cycle assessment approach, using CML methodology. Results indicate that green leaf consumption in the studied factories ranged from 4.19 to 6.33 kg green leaf/kg made tea (MT), with an average of 4.96 kg per kg of made tea compared to 4.5 and 4.66 kg green leaf for tea factories in Kenya and Sri Lanka, respectively. Average wood consumption in Malawian tea factories is 3.35 kg/kg made tea and specific water consumption ranged from 1.92 to 8.32 kg/kg MT. In addition, the average value of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for eight factories is 4.32 kg of CO2-eq/kg MT as compared to 2.27 and 2.7 kg CO2-eq/kg in similar factories in Kenya and Sri Lanka, respectively. The major sources emitting GHG are from boiler fuel combustion and stand-by diesel power generation system. The study indicates that global warming has the highest environmental impact (88%), followed by acidification (6%) and eutrophication (2%), whereas human toxicity is lowest (<1%). The findings demonstrate how MEFA provides early recognition of environmental problems and how it can be used to establish priorities for improving operations in the existing factories.
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    The insurance industry as a solar water heater driver in the commercial and domestic markets in South Africa
    (2010-08) Kritzinger, K.; Sebitosi, A. B.
    South Africa faces severe electricity shortages. Most of the electricity generated is from coal, which contributes to climate change. Additionally a large amount of this power is lost through long distances of aging transmission lines. Water heating is a major consumer of electricity. Solar Water Heaters (SWH) can alleviate these problems but has a low penetration in South Africa. Many water heaters installed annually in South Africa are replacements of failed water heaters and most of these are replaced via the insurance industry. This paper makes an argument that the insurance industry can exploit this opportunity to introduce SWHs when a water heater must be replaced and help to jump start the SHW uptake.