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Biogas, a Prospect for Renewable Energy Resource in South Africa


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15866/irecon.v9i3.19929

Abstract


South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuel to meet its energy demands is well documented. However, there are concerns associated with fossil fuel, especially the fact that it leads to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. These shortcomings have influenced the government to consider renewable energy options. For example, the application of biogas technology as an alternative source of energy has the potential to fill societal energy gap. Due to the wide-scale availability of biodegradable organic waste that abounds in the country, biogas is considered as a feasible energy source to form part of the country energy mix. Based on the calculated annual potential for electricity production of 189 684 MWh/a and 609 205 MWh/a from fruit waste and cattle liquid manure, respectively, the technology has proven to be dependable and feasible in providing energy in South Africa, where electricity problems thrive, resulting in load shedding. This article aimed at highlighting the potential of biogas technology in South Africa, by overviewing the prospects and bottlenecks of the technology.
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Keywords


Biogas Utilisation; Challenges; Energy; Fertilisers; South Africa; Waste

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References


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