A model for optimization of green-house gases capture technologies in power plants
- Authors: Mnyani, Siphamandla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric , Climatic changes , Carbon dioxide
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263083 , uj:27805
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Pollution is a threat to human lives, food supply and biodiversity. If not addressed, this might cause severe damage to the environment in the near future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts CO2 increase to about 62 billion tons of CO2 by 2050, this equates to about 485 ppm (parts per million) of pollutants. To reduce climate change challenges, it is necessary to implement GHG (Green House Gas) capture technologies and renewable energies. Development of renewable energies or carbon free energy generation technologies is imperative towards reducing carbon footprint. The South African CSIR has conducted analysis of the energy mix and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for South African energy demand projections. The study conducted at CSIR suggests that, South Africa can reduce greenhouse gases and significantly reduce the cost of electricity by developing Photo-Voltaic (PV) and wind energy. In addition to the above, implementation of GHG capture technologies will also add value in reducing greenhouse gases. This research is based on the analysis of amine scrubbing and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) greenhouse gas capture technologies which are utilized to capture GHG in power plants. The research covers background of the GHG capture technologies, applications, review of the existing capture technologies, efficiencies, economies of scales, and the summary of the operating philosophy. The research provides an overview of the existing greenhouse gas capture technologies which are widely used in power plants. The research evaluates several aspects, such as required capital expenditure for design, implementation and maintenance of greenhouse gas capture technology, water consumption, energy consumption of the equipment as well as strategies that can be implemented to reduce energy consumption. The research has also highlighted the use and commercialization of flue gas by-pass products, such as CO2 and gypsum. Once commercialized “depending on the market demand” the by-pass products can be used to generate revenue, thus facilitating capex required to build greenhouse gases capture plants. Some of the strategies that can be implemented to combat climate change are discussed. Analysis of power plant cycles efficiencies is also critical in determining overall efficiencies in the plant. Analysis is performed on the Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC), Pulverized Coal (PC) as well Integrated Gas Combined Cycle (IGCC). Analytical Hierarchical Process method (AHP) is utilized to analyze the input data and simulation of the results. The results indicate that, semi wet scrubber is more sustainable compared to other capture technologies.
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A social anthropological study of changing climate and small-scale farmers in Soweto
- Authors: Zigana, Luvuyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ethnology , Crops and climate , Farmers - South Africa - Economic conditions , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/279234 , uj:29983
- Description: M.A. (Anthropology) , Abstract: Based on the aforementioned platform, this study seeks to account on how the changing effects of the climate is being explained and experienced by small-scale farmers in the urban agricultural sector in Soweto. The analysis of local account on climate change was viewed on four key social anthropological themes, namely perceptions, knowledge, valuations and responses. A qualitative research design was used in which observations alongside series of indepth interviews technique were adopted with the intention to obtain grounded data on the experiences and local knowledges on changing climate of small-scale farmers in the Soweto community. A purposive sampling design was used to select participants who are actively engage in small-scale farming operations in Soweto. To validate the results of the outcome, a diversified sampling population was used. The findings of this research reveals that changes in climate are not only seen through perceptions, the daily engagement with these changes give small-scale farmers an idea to associate them with what has occurred in the past. This then gives them a platform to come up with different socio-cultural explanations for the occurrence of such events. Explaining the occurrence of these climatic changes allows these small-scale farmers to find ways in which they can adapt to them. Using local knowledge, that takes into account the evolution of information, the small-scale farmers have been able to amalgamate different types of information to form one part of knowledge that is able to tackle the effects that climate change cause.
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Breaking free from fossil fuel : opportunities and constraints for the renewable energy sector in South Africa
- Authors: Jim, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Energy consumption - South Africa , Fossil fuels , Energy conservation , Renewable energy sources - Government policy - South Africa , Energy development - Economic aspects - South Africa , Electrification - Economic aspects - South Africa , Greenhouse gases
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/497412 , uj:45377
- Description: Abstract: Due to South Africa’s reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels, its increasing energy demand and its position as a potential victim and contributor to climate change, investments in renewable energy technologies are considered as a possible solution in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, renewable energy presents potential for South Africa to diversify its energy mix. This study critically examines the opportunities and constraints that currently exist in South Africa’s renewable energy generation sector. Although findings suggest that opportunities exist in South Africa, such as selling electricity outside Eskom, energy storage and electric vehicles, factors such as policy uncertainty, procurement inconsistency, regulatory issues, and a lack of coordination between key industry players, all negatively affect the country’s renewable energy deployment. The case study reveals an urgent need for government to create an enabling environment such as the establishment of sound regulatory frameworks, opening of the markets, removal of barriers to entry, and the promotion of infant green industries. This study recommends that South Africa’s renewable energy regulations are constantly reviewed in order to promote the deployment of green energy technologies. As the global challenges of climate change require many countries to transition into a low carbon economy, it is of utmost significance that energy strategies are constantly evaluated in order to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Other study recommendations include access to funding, procurement consistency, access to the grid and the reduction of foreign participation on REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme) to promote the participation of local companies. Key words: climate change, emissions, renewable energy, industrial policy, REIPPPP, minerals energy complex. , M.Phil. (Industrial Policy)
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Impact of vehicle emissions in the pharmaceutical distribution sector
- Authors: Moses, Ralton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Air - Pollution , Freight and freightage , Greenhouse gases , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292259 , uj:31758
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: A far-reaching change in the world’s economy has led to a mind-set alteration where supply chain has progressed from a conventional one-dimensional process to one that now consists of complexities and uncertainties never before experienced. With the increase in complexities, there has also been an upsurge in the movement of goods by different modes of transportation, most noticeably within the road freight industry. The increase in road freight transportation has resulted in an upsurge in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, leading to climate change. The adverse effects of these GHG have intensified concerns from various stakeholders, consumers and societies at large, with a fundamental consequence being organisations having to implement sustainable supply chain initiatives to reduce and / or mitigate their GHG emissions. The objective of this study was to evaluate and measure the CO2 emissions of DSV Healthcare’s commercial vehicle fleet at their Meadowview Distribution Centre. The sub-objectives were to extrapolate the vehicle CO2 emissions of DSV Healthcare’s commercial vehicle fleet from existing vehicle tracking reports such as driver log books, fleet control registers, and invoices for diesel; to examine government’s CO2 targets and ascertain DSV Healthcare’s alignment with these targets; to evaluate the impact of vehicle CO2 emissions at DSV Healthcare on the operational and financial performance of the organisation using existing company data; and to determine the appropriate strategy that can be implemented to mitigate CO2 emissions for DSV Healthcare’s commercial vehicle fleet. For the purpose of this study, the researcher only conducted secondary data sourcing and analysis. The study has shown that DSV Healthcare is able to quantify their vehicle CO2 emissions with the information and resources currently at their disposal. The study also revealed that DSV Healthcare has inefficiencies in its operation which contribute towards its vehicle CO2 emissions. However, this can be countered by incorporating a CO2 mitigation strategy into the organisation’s strategy.
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International legal principles applicable to climate change
- Authors: Kanhanga, Tracey R.
- Date: 2012-10-24
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Environmental law, International
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7884
- Description: L.LM. , Climate change is change in the world’s temperatures, precipitation and wind that differ significantly from previous conditions and are seen to induce or bring about a change in the ecosystem and socio-economic activities. The UNFCCC defines climate change as “change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods”.The international concerns are that increased concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide are changing climate in a way that is detrimental to our social and economic well being. Human activities have increased greenhouse gas emissions drastically since the industrial revolution by 31%. The impact this would have on the environment would include a rise in sea levels, causing loss of coastlines worldwide of which small island states are more at risk. Inhabitants of these coastline areas would in turn be vulnerable to floods and would eventually be forced to migrate creating yet another problem in international law what has come to be termed climate change refugees. The risk of flooding due to climate change is not limited to coastline areas alone incidents of flooding have been experienced on main lands in several states. According to UNEP half of the world’s population, i.e. 3billion, live in coastal areas. The catastrophic effects of climate change tend to have ripple effects. While climate change originated as an environmental problem it now impact on everyday aspects of human life with implications on international economy, public health, social issues such as migration and loss of livelihood and ultimately threatening peace and security.
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Measuring factors affecting sustainable water supply in the Province of Western Cape
- Authors: Camuto, Carisa De Jesus Guimar
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Water supply - South Africa - Western Cape , Water supply - Environmental aspects , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/413050 , uj:34783
- Description: M.Tech. , Abstract: Water is the most vital source of life anywhere in the world, however it is becoming an increasingly scarce resource especially in the Western Cape as a result of climate changes. Key adaptive strategies that might alleviate or avoid the worst impacts of climate change have also been identified.To this end, this study aimed at measuring factors affecting sustainable water supply in the Province of Western Cape. This led in developing three objectives noting that (1) to determine water usage practices in the City of Cape Town; (2) to determine the extent to which consumers have knowledge regarding water pricing policy; and (3) to examine the relationship between water saving habits, the demand for water and attitudes towards different water management policies. To achieve the aforementionedgoal, this study adopted two approaches, firstly the study critically analyzed a set of previous studies that were conducted on the sustainable water supply strategies within various countries.This led in identifying existing gaps in the current literature. Secondly, the study adopted a quantitative approach and administered questionnaires to various respondents from different areas in the City of Cape Town. As mentioned earlier on,the data used in this study were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study were derived from the review of literature. The primary data were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. The data collected from various households were analyzed using deductive reasoning techniques. The participants that took part in this study were chosen by means of a convenience sampling approach. This method was preferred due to its ability to give the researcher an opportunity to select participants that were easily accessible. Findings enacting, the survey revealed that the major factors affecting sustainable water supply in the Province of Western Cape, particularly in the City of Cape Town from is lack of water reuse plants, leaking taps, lack of knowledge regarding the scarcity of water and lack of protection for Cape Town river has had a huge impact in terms of loss of water which has led to water crisis in Western Cape.
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Reducing green house gas emmession by using renewables energy technology systems in South Africa
- Authors: Dlamini, Jama Dumsani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Greenhouse gas mitigation , Renewable energy sources - Environmental aspects , Electric power production , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269318 , uj:28610
- Description: Abstract: The renewable energy sector is growing at a very slow pace in South Africa. Renewable technology fraternity are a threat to the existing fossil fuelled energy sector. The economy of South Africa has traditionally been dependent mainly on fossil-fuelled energy sources (i.e coal, oil and gas) for producing electricity. The universe weather conditions have worsen due to damages caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) produced by fossil-fuelled energy sources. The earth planet is experiencing too much heat, drought and other hurricane life threatening disasters. The current population of the earth have a responsibility to minimise such pollutants for the sake of future generations. The demand for energy in South Africa compels the government to increase its electricity generation, while concurrently reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Due to the above rationale a Renewable Energy Programme was introduced by South Africa in 2009 through the Department of Energy (DoE) partnered with private sector entities namely, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Independent Power Producers (IPP) office to form a Renewable Energy Programme known as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The REIPPPP has been praised by the international community as very successful as it has channelled substantial resources into renewable energy (RE) projects at competitive prices. The threat of Climate Change requires for consideration to switch to renewable energy resources that produce electricity without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Environmental dilapidation affects us all, we need a healthy environment to live a healthy life, clean air and water, sage living areas, sufficient and healthy food. In August 1997, the Republic of South Africa joined the majority of countries in the international community in endorsement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is the international framework aiming at addressing global warming. South Africa is a significant contributor of Greenhouse Gases Emissions, globally and far the highest emitter on the African Continent... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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The effects of global warming on maize production : a case study based on climatic data for Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Rudman, Paul James
- Date: 2008-08-25T06:28:17Z
- Subjects: Global warming , Climatic changes , Corn industry , Vereeniging (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/909
- Description: Global Warming (GW) is a recognised fact, the implications of which have far reaching impacts on almost all aspects of existence of life on Earth. The impacts of GW to humans will be felt socially, economically and environmentally. The aim of this research was to understand the probable effects GW will have on maize production in South Africa. This was done by taking climatic data for Vereeniging (situated in a maize growing region) and analysing it to determine climatic trends. These trends were used alongside the critical values1 used to determine NRHA2 for field crop production. The difference between the winter rainfall values (critical and actual) was found to be 238mm (390mm – 152mm) and summer to be 66.4mm, therefore, the summer rainfall period for Vereeniging was found to be more sensitive to change than the winter rainfall period. This has the implication of affecting the sowing and growing period for maize. The sowing period may shift from October (in the summer sowing season) to early March or April (in the winter sowing season). The average was calculated for the maximum temperature and minimum temperature in order to get an average temperature for the summer and winter months (the same as for rainfall discussed earlier) for Vereeniging. The average temperatures of 13.4°C and 20.1°C for winter and summer respectively are close to the critical values3 for maximum NRHA. This indicates that maize is susceptible to marginal changes. It was also concluded that maize is more susceptible to marginal changes in temperature than for rainfall. The results of this paper show only marginal changes in the variables and that the production of field crops is sensitive to such changes. This susceptibility to changes will result in numerous impacts caused by Global Warming. , Professor. J. T. Harmse
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The influence of climate change on the value of coastal residential properties in South Africa
- Authors: Kruger, André
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Real property - Valuation - South Africa , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403217 , uj:33777
- Description: Abstract : In March 2007, the KwaZulu-Natal coast was hit by storm swells which severely damaged coastal properties. The economic loss was estimated to be more than R1 billion. Risk associated with the changing climate is on the increase and if the number of studies (nationally and globally) regarding this phenomenon are considered, there is a need to quantify this risk. This raises questions regarding property valuers’ knowledge, behaviour and attitudes regarding climate change and their impact on the well-established property valuation processes and procedures in South Africa. In national and global studies, a variety of concepts, unrelated to market value or a manipulated form of market value, are used to quantify economic loss. However, financial decisions regarding property, plant and equipment are made based on the concept of market value. This presents the question this study attempts to answer: How does the predicted rise in sea level and its ensuing risk affect property valuers’ behaviour in the coastal residential real estate market in Sedgefield, South Africa and how can property valuers quantify the climate risk? This study aimed to identify the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of property valuers in a particular property market, on the southern Cape coast of South Africa, regarding the predicted rise in sea level. A mixed methods research approach by way of a two-stage sequential exploratory design, beginning with an initial phase of qualitative data collection and analysis, followed by a phase of quantitative data collection and analysis was followed. This provided the researcher with an opportunity to collect, analyse and incorporate qualitative and quantitative data in one study. The results was used to develop a model property valuers can use to determine a risk factor when they develop an opinion of the value of coastal residential properties. In this study a mixed methods approach was pursued. The southern Cape coast was chosen as two separate studies conducted in 1993 and 2010 identified it as the stretch of coastline along the South African coast most vulnerable to a rise in sea level. , D.Phil. (Finance)
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