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21 May 2018 Photo Naledi Posholi
Could wave power be an answer to SAs electricity crisis
Attending a recent guest lecture, were from the left: Prof Marian Tredoux UFS Department of Geology, Prof Stoffel Fourie fromWalter Sisulu University, and Thoriso Lekoetje a third-year UFS Geology student.

South Africa has a 2800-km long coastline with high wave energy potential that can generate electricity. Presenting a lecture at the UFS Department of Geology, Prof Stoffel Fourie discussed wave power as a possible solution to the country’s electricity needs. Prof Fourie is a geophysicist and the chairperson of research and development in the faculty of engineering at Walter Sisulu University.

Power at any time
Wave power is a renewable and sustainable resource. “It can provide continuous base load power because wave energy systems do not suffer from ‘time of day’ issues as other renewable energy options. This means that it can generate power at any time of the day,” said Prof Fourie. 
Discussed also was the wave power advantages and disadvantages. 

Wave energy advantages
• Wave energy is a reliable renewable energy resource;

• Reduces dependency on fossil fuels;

• Wave energy is predictable and consistent;

• Generates little or no pollution to the environment compared to other energy resources; and

• Presents no barriers or difficulty to migrating fish and aquatic animals.

Wave energy disadvantages
• Wave energy conversion devices are location dependent, thus limiting possible sites where they can be implemented;

• Offshore wave energy devices can be a threat to shipping as they are too small to detect by radar; and

• High capital investment required for start-up costs, construction and maintenance.

“Looking at both advantages and disadvantages, there is no doubt that South Africa can use this method to harvest energy. With the right investment and political buy-in, wave power could provide a continuous supply of energy and contribute to all South Africa’s electricity needs,” Prof Fourie said.

News Archive

Life style for resilience
2009-02-02

Wellness presentation: Life style for resilience

The Wellness Committee invites you to attend the Life style for resilience programme from 2 to 5 February 2009.

Yesterday is history, embrace today! Choose life!

Presented on Monday, 2 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Pieré Nel, a psychologist from Bloemfontein. The presentation will take place in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Encouragement to let go of the disappointments and hurts of 2008, to look at yourself in a fresh way, to believe in yourself and to act.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle for physical energy
Presented on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Sorita Viljoen, a medical doctor. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: Health issues that are important for a healthy lifestyle, elements that influence energy balance and factors that influence fullness.

Eat healthier; put a spring back into your step!
Presented on Wednesday 4 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Elmine du Toit, a dietician. The presentation will be in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Putting dietary guidelines for healthy eating into practice when shopping for groceries and making healthier food choices for every meal.

The resilience in bodily activity
Presented on Thursday, 5 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Berna de Kock, biokineticist. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: How physical activity enhances resilience and practical tips to be more active.

  • Please confirm your attendance with Ms Arina Otto before or on 29 January 2009 at x3325 or gesal@ufs.ac.za .
     

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