How the environmental benefits of efficient lighting can assist in poverty alleviation in South Africa

Barry Bredenkamp, Bonesa Electricity (Pty) Ltd., Republic of South Africa

Keywords

Eskom, global environment facility, poverty alleviation, job creation, clean development mechanism, peak load reduction, electricity basic support services tariff, compact fluorescent lamps, training/capacity building/skills transfer, community-based program

Abstract

Global temperatures could rise by several degrees this century because of the build-up of carbon dioxide and other gases in the upper atmosphere. These gases act as a greenhouse, trapping heat that would otherwise be radiated away from the earth. Over time this will cause the earth’s temperature to rise. The exact effects of this global warming are hard to predict, but there is widespread agreement that they could be severe.

Coal-fired power stations are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases, and 90% of South Africa’s electricity is produced from coal. A coal-fired power station burns some 50 kg of coal to power a typical 100 watt incandescent lamp over its rated 1000 hour life, (about a year of normal usage). That means another 100 kg of CO2 in the atmosphere. A Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) with the same light output, would require just 10 kg of coal.

A related problem, but a serious one in South Africa in particular, is the use of scarce inland water for cooling purposes at coal-fired power stations. On average, each kilowatt-hour that is generated requires 2 litres of cooling water. Replacing 50 million incandescent light bulbs with CFLs would save of the order of 5 million cubic metres of water a year. South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions are small compared to those of the major industrialised countries, but we do account for over half of the African total. Perhaps we have a responsibility to lead by example in encouraging clean environmental practices on our continent. However, on the other hand, and something which is more tangible to comprehend, is the issue of identifying means to alleviate poverty and create jobs on the sub-continent.

South Africa will furthermore be under the spotlight in August 2002, when Johannesburg hosts the World Summit on Sustainable Development, at which world leaders will review progress on the Rio and Kyoto agreements. As host nation at the Summit, it is particularly appropriate that South Africa is part of the international Efficient Lighting Initiative, and is seen to be pro-active in finding solutions to balance the equation and justify the investment in environmental issues, that have a direct impact on poverty alleviation in the country.

This is directly in line with the South African government’s policy of “Universal Access to Electricity”, as well as the objectives laid down by the Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI-program) in South Africa:

To improve indoor air quality, health, safety and quality of life for South Africa’s most needy citizens.

The Bonesa team has identified that lighting makes up 80% of the demand in newly electrified homes and as many as 1000 homes are being electrified each day. It makes sound financial sense to promote energy efficient lighting from day 1, as this makes a substantial impact on electricity demand peaks, reduces pollution and increases economic activity.