The selection of renewable energy technologies and their cost implications for a developing country: The case of South Africa

Now more than ever, renewable energy technologies have become a key player in improving accessibility to energy on the African continent. Focusing on the developing nation of South Africa, published works have indicated approximately thirteen criteria for selecting renewable energy technologies. Consideration was given to developed criteria and how they were used from technical, economic, social, environmental and political stances. The aid of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and an established decision-model the author endeavored to substantiate a method of selecting appropriate technologies. These technologies were ranked in order of priority using South African energy projects. Case study information for onshore wind, solar photo-voltaic, concentrated solar thermal, biomass and small hydro energy alternatives were used to apply the decision-model for their ranking and prioritizing. The overall outcome of the decision-model identified that solar energy is the most suitable for South Africa and should be developed for long-term policy and energy roadmaps.