Hybrid Power Generation and Microgrids from Clarke Energy Supporting South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.

Economics and technology developments are changing the landscape of the power generation sector. Over the last 20 years, there has been a movement away from large centralised power stations towards decentralised generation close to the site of use. 

The price of solar photovoltaic panels has dropped dramatically and this trend is set to continue. Combined heat and power (CHP) technology, generating electricity and heat close to the site of use with gas engines is also now well established, cost-effective technology.

These cost reductions are meaning decarbonisation of electricity supply is becoming much more practical and cost effective. However, the intermittency of renewables such as solar and wind is a challenge – battery storage technology is only suitable for relatively short releases of electrical power. Embedded generation, particularly that within island mode microgrids is sensitive to supply and demand challenges along with frequency and loading rate changes. This means hybrid power generation solutions are becoming more frequently deployed across the world.

Clarke Energy can deliver hybrid power solutions and microgrids in South Africa that support the long-term just energy transition partnership. By providing reliable and renewable localised power for industry and commerce, these hybrid plants can help accelerate the ambitious decarbonisation efforts of the country. 

Clarke Energy’s international localisation business model helps transfer skills and build talent pools in the different countries we operate. South Africa’s energy transition will create new job opportunities and redeploy roles to new activities linked to renewable energy technology. High-quality installations delivered by Clarke Energy can provide increased employment opportunities in the country to sell, engineer and service local power stations. 

South Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise on the rapidly developing global hydrogen economy, which is an area the country has excelled in and can continue to lead in the future. Hydrogen is a fuel which is well suited as an existing and future fuel for gas engines, either directly or blended with other gases. As a zero-carbon emission energy source, “green" hydrogen can be used as a fuel in gas engines to generate electricity, heat and cooling. 

Clarke Energy is the sole authorised distributor and service provider for INNIO Jenbacher gas engines in South Africa. INNIO Jenbacher engines are now “Ready for H2” and able to operate on up to 100% hydrogen. Gas engines can be adapted to run on renewable fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane as they become more viable, meaning investments can be made safely for new or existing facilities.

Clarke Energy’s gas-to-power (CHP) systems can be delivered as part of a larger microgrid system. These microgrid solutions typically consist of a number of different power generation technology types and draw upon the benefits of renewable energies, storage technologies and gas or diesel engines. The combination and synchronisation of different types of power generation technology is referred to as ‘hybrid power generation’.

Microgrids typically form three distinct types – grid connected, island mode, or grid connected microgrids that can be disconnected and operate in island mode. There are also a number of distinct applications, including microgrids linked to an unstable power generation network – such as is common on the African continent, or microgrids in remote areas such as in the mining sector.

There is however no one-size-fits-all solution for microgrids. Each one is typically designed and procured with the specific requirements of the customer in mind and the local environmental resources. An understanding of the end-users’ needs is essential therefore to matching appropriate generation and storage technologies to provide an engineered solution.

If you have a potential microgrid project or would like to learn more about how Clarke Energy can provide flexible CHP plants and hybrid power generation solutions, please contact us to learn more. 

+27 10 590 5531  

southafrica@clarke-energy.com 

www.clarke-energy.com