With the growing energy consumption in the world today, the decreasing amount of fossil fuels and their negative impact on the environment, developments and greater use of renewable energy resources is crucial. One of the promising environmentally friendly energy resources is solar power. The technology for producing electricity from the use of solar cells is continuously developing and is growing on the market. The objective of this master thesis is to illustrate how solar panels can be integrated into a building’s design, and what value this gives to the building. The purpose is also to give an indication of whether an integrated solar panel installation is profitable, and what is required for more building developers to invest in solar power. A study on solar cells was conducted to gain knowledge of the different types of solar cells and systems and their possible integration into buildings. The study also included research on why solar cell installations are not more common today. Case Studies were also conducted on projects with integrated solar cells. This was done to gain an understanding of how solar panels can be used as design elements. The study was done as a systematic literature study through a qualitative method. City and site analyses were carried out as a first step in the design process. The analyses focused on the movements, green spaces, climates, functions and architectural character of the city and site. The analyses were done to attain an impression of the environment the building would be placed in, and its requisites. These analyses were followed by volume and solar studies to come up with a building design that would fulfill the requirements of the client, while creating good areas for placement of the solar panels. The master thesis resulted in a design proposal for a mixed-use building with integrated solar cells. The resulting two buildings are located in the outskirts of the city center of Linköping. The buildings are designed to interact with the surrounding buildings and the remaining city, while at the same time bringing something new and exciting to the mix. The buildings’ placement and height were decided by the combination of the movement of the sun over the plot, so as to create good areas for the solar panels, and the requisites of the site. The integrated solar panels are placed on the roofs and facades of the buildings. The possibilities of semitransparent solar cells in windows and glass railings is also examined. The solar panels on the roof consist of solar roof tiles and are placed on the east side of the north building’s roof and the west side of the south building’s roof. These tiles have matching roof tiles without solar cells inside, on the other side of the roofs, meaning that no difference can be seen between the two sides. The façade panels are placed to cover the entire protruding stairwells of the buildings. Panels are also placed on remaining parts of the south-east and south-west facing facades but are here placed in a pattern as though they are trickling down the walls. The panels are placed to avoid shade as shading of the panels reduces their effect. The solar cells are smooth, black, thin-film solar cells and the panels have matching glass panes that are placed were the design opted for panels, but the placement was not good out of a solar irradiation perspective. The results of the rough calculations on the project’s solar panel installation’s profitability shows that the investment would have a payback time of approximately 15 years. This, when counting in a government support of 1.2 million kroners and the reduced cost for the building cover material that the solar panels replace. The solar panels in the design proposal are not in standard sizes. Would they have been so the investment cost would have been lower and the payback time, according to the rough calculations, would be around 10 years. The produced electricity constitutes around 60 percent of the operational electricity for the buildings. If semitransparent solar cells are included the value goes up to 80 percent. Although the produced electricity does not cover the complete electricity needs of the buildings, it still reduces the amount of bought electricity. Electricity that would most likely not come from a renewable source. The conclusion is, therefore, that an integrated solar cell installation is economically profitable. The solar panels contribute both the aesthetics of the building and building functions, as well as electricity from a renewable source. Investing in a solar cell installation also sets a good example and will lead to more investors taking a chance on solar power. Getting more building developers to invest in solar cells systems can be done by increasing the, today lacking, knowledge of solar energy and solar cells, the process for designing and installing a solar cell system, as well as the laws regarding solar power and solar power investments. Another obstacle for solar power is the high costs of the installations. The prices on solar cells are, however, continuously dropping, because of the development in technology and the manufacturing process, as well as the growing number of manufacturers. To increase the speed of this process more building developers should invest in solar cells, as a higher demand will lead to more manufacturers, which will then lead to reduced prices. The government can also help by offering research support and for example tax subventions to make an investment in solar power seem more worthwhile.

Power generation from solar energy has significantly increased, and the growth is projected to continue in the foreseeable future. The main challenge of dealing with solar energy is its intermittent nature. The received irradiation energy of the sun on the earth's surface can fluctuate in a matter of seconds and cause voltage issues to power systems. Considering the high growth rate of solar photovoltaic (PV) resources, it is essential to be prepared to encounter and manage their high penetration levels. Currently, simplified approaches are used to model the impacts of cloud shadows on power systems. Using outdated standards also limits the penetration levels more than required. Approximately 40% of the new PV installations are residential, or installed at a low voltage level. Currently, all components between utility distribution transformers and customers/loads are either ignored or modeled with oversimplification. Furthermore, large PV systems require a considerable amount of land. However, point sensor models are currently used to simulate those systems. With a point model, the irradiance values measured at a point sensor are used to represent the output of a large PV system. However, in reality, clouds cover photovoltaic resources gradually and if the solar arrays are widespread over a large geospatial area, it takes some time for clouds to pass over the solar arrays. Finally, before 2014, participation of small-scale renewable resources was not allowed in controlling voltage. However, they can contribute significantly in voltage regulation. The main objective of this dissertation is to address the abovementioned issues in order to increase the penetration levels as well as precisely identify and locate voltage problems. A time-series analysis approach is used in modeling cloud motion. Using the time-series approach, changes of the received irradiation energy of the sun due to cloud shadows are simulated realistically with a Cloud Motion Simulator. Moreover, the use of the time-series approach allows implementation of new grid codes and standards, which is not possible using the old step change methods of simulating cloud impacts. Furthermore, all electrical components between utility transformers and customers are modeled to eliminate the inaccuracy due to using oversimplified models. Distributed PV models are also developed and used to represent large photovoltaic systems. In addition, the effectiveness of more distributed voltage control schemes compared to the traditional voltage control configurations is investigated. Inverters connect renewable energy resources to the power grid and they may use different control strategies to control voltage. Different control strategies are also compared with the current practice to investigate voltage control performance under irradiation variations. This dissertation presents a comprehensive approach to study impacts of solar PV resources. Moreover, simulation results show that by using time-series analysis and new grid codes, as well as employing distributed PV models, penetration of solar PV resources can increase significantly with no unacceptable voltage effects. It is also demonstrated that detailed secondary models are required to accurately identify locations with voltage problems. / PHD

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Scientists agree that the rising electricity usage of the rapidly growing human race to improve its standard of living is negatively affecting the environment. To create a sustainable environment for future generations, renewable and environmentally friendly resources have to be exchanged for the present finite resources. In South Africa, coal plants are responsible for more than 90% of the electricity production. This means that action has to be taken now to start a process of change to sustainable electricity resources. This study focused on the South African solar industry. Due to the high sun radiation levels, solar technology is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest potential. The industry is in its infancy, characterised by accelerated growth expectancy and fuelled by factors such as government subsidies, the fluctuations of fossil fuel prices and the increasing focus on economical long-term sustainability. The expected growth necessitates a focus on the market positioning of solar service providers in the Western Cape with the aim of taking full advantage of the opportunities associated with this industry. The main objective of this study was to determine the current structure of the solar service provider value chain and subsequently areas of improvement to increase growth, stakeholder satisfaction and sustainability. A literature review was conducted to address the research objective, relevant approaches and the broader electricity industry. Porter’s Value Chain approach was used as a foundation for the adaptation to the solar service provider value chain. Porter’s Five Forces model was also used as a secondary approach, which analysed the competitive environment of the solar service provider industry in the Western Cape. The methodology entailed a qualitative research approach in the form of semi-structured interviews. All respondents were general managers or owners of a solar service provider, who were interviewed face to face. The study focused on the entire population of solar service providers in the Western Cape. Seventy-seven different service providers were targeted, of which 18 were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using content and frequency analysis. To guarantee reliability, a pilot study was conducted to ensure that the questionnaire was understood by the respondents. The validity of this study is gauged as high as the entire population was targeted and the results can be broadly generalised. The findings show that customer service is the foremost value driver for solar service providers. This entails the actual installation of the product as well as the people skills of the installation team. As most customers only have to be served once due to the long life span of the products, marketing also plays an obvious role in attracting new customers. The most important outcome of this study is the determination and a better understanding of the solar service provider value chain in South Africa. The recommendations, especially with regard to marketing and service elements, could improve the performance of solar service providers. The consequence could be an increase in stakeholder satisfaction and an enhanced usage of solar energy in South Africa. Future research should focus on customers to reveal preferences and opportunities for marketing approaches. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Wetenskaplikes is dit eens dat die snelgroeiende mensdom se stygende elektrisiteitsverbruik ten einde hul lewenstandaard te verhoog, die omgewing benadeel. Om ’n volhoubare omgewing vir toekomstige geslagte te skep, sal die huidige beperkte hulpbronne met hernubare en omgewingsvriendelike hulpbronne vervang moet word. In Suid-Afrika is steenkoolaanlegte verantwoordelik vir meer as 90% van die land se elektrisiteitsproduksie. Dít beteken dat daar nóú opgetree moet word om ’n proses van oorskakeling na volhoubare elektrisiteitshulpbronne aan die gang te sit. Hierdie studie konsentreer op die Suid-Afrikaanse sonenergiebedryf. Weens die hoë sonstralingsvlakke wat die land ervaar, is sonenergietegnologie een van die hernubare energiebronne met die grootste potensiaal. Die bedryf staan nog in sy kinderskoene en word gekenmerk deur ’n verwagting van al hoe vinniger groei, wat aangedryf word deur faktore soos staatsubsidies, skommelinge in fossielbrandstofpryse en ’n toenemende klem op ekonomiese langtermynvolhoubaarheid. Die verwagte groei noodsaak ’n ondersoek na die markplasing van sonenergiediensverskaffers in die Wes-Kaap ten einde die geleenthede verbonde aan hierdie bedryf ten volle te benut. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om die huidige struktuur van die waardeketting van sonenergiediensverskaffers, en gevolglik ook moontlike verbeteringe vir groter groei, belanghebbende-tevredenheid en volhoubaarheid, te bepaal. ’n Literatuuroorsig is onderneem om die navorsingsoogmerk, tersaaklike benaderinge en die groter elektrisiteitsbedryf in konteks te beskou. Porter se waardekettingbenadering het as grondslag gedien vir aanpassing by die waardeketting van sonenergiediensverskaffers. Daarbenewens is Porter se model van vyf kragte as sekondêre benadering ingespan om die mededingende omgewing in die sonenergiediensverskaffersbedryf in die Wes-Kaap te ontleed. Die studiemetodologie het ’n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering in die vorm van semigestruktureerde onderhoude behels. Alle respondente is algemene bestuurders of eienaars van ’n sonenergiediensverskaffer en het aan persoonlike onderhoude deelgeneem. Die studie het op die algehele populasie van sonenergiediensverskaffers in die Wes-Kaap gekonsentreer. Die teikengroep was 77 verskillende diensverskaffers, van wie 18 aan onderhoude deelgeneem het. Die onderhoude is getranskribeer en met behulp van inhouds- en frekwensie-analise ontleed. Betroubaarheid is gewaarborg deur middel van ’n loodsstudie om te verseker dat die respondente die vraelys sou verstaan. Aangesien die hele populasie as teikengroep gedien het en die resultate dus in die breë veralgemeen kan word, word hierdie studie as uiters geldig beskou. Die bevindinge toon dat kliëntediens die grootste waarde-aandrywer vir sonenergiediensverskaffers is. Dít behels die praktiese installering van die produk sowel as die mensevaardighede van die installasiespan. Aangesien die meeste kliënte weens die lang gebruiksduur van die produkte slegs een maal bedien hoef te word, speel bemarking ook ’n voor die hand liggende rol om nuwe kliënte te lok. Die belangrikste uitkoms van hierdie studie is die bepaling en beter begrip van die waardeketting van sonenergiediensverskaffers in Suid-Afrika. Die aanbevelings, veral met betrekking tot bemarkings- en dienselemente, kan sodanige verskaffers se prestasie verbeter. Dít kan weer tot groter belanghebbende-tevredenheid sowel as meer sonenergie-aanwending in Suid-Afrika lei. Toekomstige navorsing behoort op kliënte te konsentreer om hulle voorkeure, en dus ook moontlike bemarkingsgeleenthede, te bepaal.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa faces an energy crisis which presents itself in two forms; electricity generation dominated by coal fired power stations and current electricity supply capacity being unable to meet growth in demand. South Africa urgently requires new generation capacity: however, power stations take time to plan, construct and commission, meaning that South Africa has to consider other options to meet electricity demand. This necessitates quick and innovative ways of meeting future demand. Energy efficiency has been identified as “a low hanging fruit” on the energy tree to address supply constraints and reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions. There are various energy efficiency programmes aimed at raising awareness of measures that households can take to reduce energy consumption. Some of South Africa’s key objectives of energy efficiency in the residential sector are to mitigate the effect of peak demand on power capacity and to introduce state of the art technologies. In terms of these technologies, there is an overlap between energy efficiency and renewable energy. The widespread installation of renewable energy technologies such as SWHs has the potential to delay the need to construct new power stations. SWHs are a viable renewable energy option for South Africa. It is a mature and proven technology with the potential to address South Africa’s electricity capacity problems. Not only does a SWH provide financial savings to the customer in the long run but it offers the additional benefit of a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to society. Although awareness of the benefits of solar water heaters is increasing, SWH uptake remains low. However the uptake is increasing due to; a SWH rebate offered through Eskom, electricity price increases which are forcing consumers to seek alternatives and a national building code requiring energy efficient water heating in new buildings which is expected to come into effect in 2012. Liquid Petroleum Gas is a low carbon emitting source of fuel for cooking. In South Africa, middle–high income households rely on the electric stove for cooking. Cooking contributes to electricity peak demand. Reducing electricity demand by replacing the electric stove would help in reducing electricity peak demand from the grid. LPG use has been increasing due to the following reasons; electricity supply shortages, shifting government policy on LPG and increasing electricity tariffs forcing lifestyle changes. This case study sought to investigate the opportunities, as well as the barriers for a Stellenbosch municipality - initiated energy efficiency programme. In terms of energy supply and demand management, the municipality has identified energy efficiency and the introduction of renewable energy sources as options for achieving sustainability. One of the barriers facing energy efficient technologies is up-front costs in the case of SWHs and the cost of appropriate equipment such as gas stoves in the case LPG. The study sought to investigate financial mechanisms that the municipality could use to overcome these barriers and promote the use of SWH and gas stove in the residential sector. Data was collected through a combination of a mini Delphi – expert opinion technique, questionnaires, secondary data analysis, telephone and personal interviews with solar water heater industry stakeholders, LPG industry stakeholders and municipal officials. The conclusion drawn from this research is that Stellenbosch Municipality can initiate its own energy efficiency programme instead of waiting for national government. Although the municipality can initiate an energy efficiency programme, it needs to find another institution to fund the programme. Funding mechanisms however do overcome the barrier of high up -front costs and high gas equipment costs making energy efficient technologies affordable. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika staan voor ʼn energiekrisis wat op twee maniere gestalte kry: elektrisiteitsopwekking wat oorheers word deur steenkoolkragstasies en huidige elektrisiteitsvoorsieningsvermoë wat nie in die groeiende aanvraag kan voorsien nie. Suid-Afrika benodig dringend nuwe kragontwikkelingsvermoë. Dit neem egter tyd om kragstasies te beplan, op te rig en in diens te stel, wat beteken dat Suid-Afrika ander opsies moet oorweeg om in elektrisiteitsaanvraag te voorsien. Dit noodsaak vinnige en innoverende maniere om in toekomstige aanvraag te voorsien. Energierendement is as “ʼn laaghangende vrug” op die energieboom geïdentifiseer ten einde beperkings in kragvoorsiening die hoof te bied en kweekhuisgasuitlatings wat met energie verband hou te verminder. Daar is verskeie energiebesparingsprogramme wat ten doel het om die bewustheid te versterk van maatreëls wat huishoudings kan volg om energieverbruik te verminder. Van Suid-Afrika se vernaamste doelstellings ten opsigte van energierendement in die residensiële sektor is om die uitwerking van spitsaanvraag op kragvermoë te verlig en om die jongste tegnologie in te voer. Ingevolge hierdie tegnologieë is daar ʼn oorvleueling tussen energierendement en hernubare energie. Die algemene installering van hernubare energietegnologieë, soos sonkragwaterverwarming (SWV), het die potensiaal om die noodsaaklikheid van die oprigting van nuwe kragstasies uit te stel. SWV is ʼn lewensvatbare nuwe energieopsie vir Suid-Afrika. Dit is ʼn ontwikkelde en bewese tegnologie met die potensiaal om Suid-Afrika se probleme ten opsigte van elektrisiteitsvermoë die hoof te bied. SWV sorg nie slegs vir die kliënt vir finansiële besparing op die lang duur nie, maar dit bied ook vir die samelewing die bykomende voordeel van ʼn afname in kweekhuisgasuitlatings. Alhoewel die bewustheid van die voordele van sonkragwaterverwarming toeneem, bly die gebruik van SWV laag. Die gebruik is egter besig om toe te neem vanweë ʼn SWV-korting wat deur Eskom aangebied word, elektrisiteitsprysverhogings wat verbruikers dwing om alternatiewe te soek, en ʼn nasionale boureglement wat energiedoeltreffende waterverwarming in nuwe geboue vereis en wat na verwagting in 2012 in werking sal tree. Vloeibare petroleumgas is ʼn brandstofbron wat vir kook gebruik word en wat ʼn lae koolstofvrystelling het. In Suid-Afrika gebruik huishoudings met ʼn middelhoë inkomste die elektriese stoof om te kook. Kook dra by tot elektrisiteitspitsaanvraag. Die vermindering in elektrisiteitsaanvraag deur die vervanging van die elektriese stoof kan help om die elektrisiteitspitsaanvraag op die netwerk te verlaag. Die gebruik van VPG het toegeneem weens die volgende redes: elektrisiteitsvoorsieningstekorte, veranderende regeringsbeleid ten opsigte van VPG en die verhoging in elektrisiteitstariewe wat veranderinge in lewenstyl afdwing. Hierdie gevallestudie het gepoog om die geleenthede, sowel as die hindernisse vir ʼn energierendementprogram wat deur Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit geïnisieer is, te ondersoek. Ten opsigte van energievoorsiening en -aanvraagbestuur het die munisipaliteit energierendement geïdentifiseer en die ingebruikneming van hernubare-energiebronne as opsies om volhoubaarheid te bereik. Een van die hindernisse waarvoor energierenderende tegnologieë te staan kom, is voorkostes in die geval van SWV en die koste van toepaslike toerusting soos gasstowe in die geval VPG. Die studie het ondersoek ingestel na die finansiële meganismes wat die munisipaliteit sou kon gebruik om hierdie hindernisse te bowe te kom en die gebruik van SWV en gasstowe in die residensiële sektor te bevorder. Data is ingevorder deur middel van ʼn kombinasie van ʼn mini-Delphi – kennermeningtegniek, vraelyste, sekondêre data-ontleding, telefoon- en persoonlike onderhoude met belanghebbendes in die sonkragwaterverwarmingsbedryf, belanghebbendes in die VPG-bedryf en munisipale amptenare. Die gevolgtrekking wat uit hierdie navorsing gemaak word, is dat Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit sy eie energierendementprogram kan inisieer in plaas daarvan om vir nasionale regering te wag. Alhoewel die munisipaliteit ʼn energierendementprogram kan inisieer, moet dit ʼn ander instelling kry om die program te befonds. Befondsingsmeganismes oorkom egter die struikelblok van hoë voorkostes en hoë kostes van gastoerusting wat energierenderende tegnologieë bekostigbaar maak.

Renewable energy resources in the Czech Republic, especially photovoltaics, have experienced a great boom in the past few years. The investment in the photovoltaic plants has been and will be a very promising field for investors unless too many legislative barriers are adopted to make the investments unattractive. This diploma thesis therefore elaborates a real world business case of a solar power plant. Within the business case a sensitivity analysis is being made to evaluate the influences of external factors that may have a major impract on the effectiveness and returnability of the project. Conclusions made in the analysis help to make the desicion whether to realize or not to realize the project.

Submitted by Cátia Araújo (catia.araujo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-01-24T14:36:23Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Prospecção de potenciais de geração distribuída em propriedades rurais utilizando geotecnologias e metodologias multicriteriais de apoio à decisão.pdf: 26470824 bytes, checksum: f455ff48e17fcd41cfdce56ba19511eb (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cátia Araújo (catia.araujo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-01-24T14:37:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Prospecção de potenciais de geração distribuída em propriedades rurais utilizando geotecnologias e metodologias multicriteriais de apoio à decisão.pdf: 26470824 bytes, checksum: f455ff48e17fcd41cfdce56ba19511eb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-24T14:37:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Prospecção de potenciais de geração distribuída em propriedades rurais utilizando geotecnologias e metodologias multicriteriais de apoio à decisão.pdf: 26470824 bytes, checksum: f455ff48e17fcd41cfdce56ba19511eb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-12 / A periódica situação de crise hidrológica pela qual passa o Sistema Elétrico Brasileiro valoriza a exploração de recursos renováveis como uma possível solução para a energização no meio rural. Isto porque sua exploração auxilia o sistema nos momentos de pico, pois tem viés de sustentabilidade. Por outro lado, esta opção permite ao investidor independência do sistema interligado, com uma redução nos custos de energia elétrica que pode ser incorporada aos lucros. No entanto, o planejamento do setor elétrico ainda encara a atuação pelo lado da demanda como ações isoladas e não integradas, diferentemente do que é realizado em países desenvolvidos. Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) e métodos multicriteriais de apoio à decisão podem ser utilizados para o planejamento energético e consequente identificação de locais propícios a receber investimentos em fontes renováveis. Isto porque a avaliação de recursos e requisitos energéticos, nos aspectos técnicos, econômicos, sociais e ambientais são inerentemente espaciais. Assim, esta dissertação visa apresentar uma metodologia de apoio à decisão, baseada em SIG, avaliação multicriterial e multiatores, que permita identificar as melhores áreas para o aproveitamento dos recursos energéticos e selecionar as tecnologias de micro e mini geração distribuída mais adequadas a estes locais, focando como exemplo o contexto rural próprio da Fronteira Oeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. / Periodic situation hydrologic crisis now facing the Brazilian Electric System values the exploitation of renewable resources as a possible solution to power up in the countryside. This is because their operation helps the system in peak times, has bias of sustainability, on the other hand allows the investor independence of the interconnected system, with a reduction in electricity costs that can be incorporated into profits. However, the power sector planning also sees action on the demand side as isolated actions and not integrated, unlike what is done in developed countries. Geographic Information System (GIS) and advanced methods of decision support can be used for energy planning and consequent identification of potential sites to receive investments in renewable sources. This is because the evaluation of resources and energy requirements in technical, economic, social and environmental aspects are inherently spatial. Thus, this master thesis presents a decision support methodology, based on GIS, multi-criteria and multi-actor assessment, which will identify the best areas for the use of energy resources and select the micro technologies and mini distributed generation system, more appropriate to these sites, in a very rural setting of the West Border of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

Interferences to supply chains, regardless of whether they are regular, unplanned or intentional, are progressively distorting supply chain execution. Given that such disruptions are probably not going to diminish, for the time being, supply chain risk mitigating solutions will assume an undeniably critical part of the management of supply chains. This research acknowledges the existence of an extensive variety of approaches to mitigate risks across supply chains, yet argues that most methodologies may not be reasonable if the culture of an organisation does not support them. Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) has rapidly become of significance to the world economy. Though the supply of electrical energy in Southern Africa affects the economies of nations around the globe, it has received too little consideration from the literary community. The focus of this thesis is to expand the field of SCRM by analysing how different risk assessment and management concepts and practices are comprehended, construed and employed through the region. The majority of developed supply chain management and risk management models are currently entrenched in the US and Europe. Consequently, this research is of high significance since its essential aim was to investigate these concepts and models, in particular, one focused on Africa. This approach enabled the thesis to examine and test components related to SCRM, such as risk categories, risk assessment and risk strategies, in the electrical energy sector in South Africa. The study in this manner offers knowledge that was not otherwise accessible in earlier research. In pursuit of meeting the requirements of the research questions, the supply chain department in the electrical energy supplier was researched. This study adopted the non-probability sampling approach utilising the purposive sampling technique to choose the sampling components from the target population. Data was collected by way of conducting semi-structured interviews and researcher observation, as well as additional documentation in various forms was collected. Interviews were transcribed and evaluated in conjunction with additional data collected during meetings and triangulated using researcher observation. Data interpretation and codification thereof was done using ATLAS.ti 8 by which, twenty-five themes emerged from this study. Supply chain risks comprise value streams; information and affiliations; supply chain activities; and external situations. Among these, information and relationships risks were found to produce selfupgrading risk loops, thereby generating consequent risk impacts after disturbances. To mitigate these risks, the case firm must engage in local and international supply chain implemented strategies, such as building a stable supply chain network, leveraging supply chain information, leveraging outsourcing contracts and developing supply-chain risk collaboration partnerships, although the level of implementation depends on the business context. Among the ten identified themes, building a stable supply chain and developing supply chain collaboration strategies can be useful in strengthening both robustness and resilience in supply chain risk management. Customer orientation had positive impacts on all themes, but disruption orientation and quality orientation influenced only certain types of strategies. The study makes ten recommendations, which can be implemented by the case firm; the results of the interviews are evidence that all the tools are available. The thesis concludes with a summary of overall findings and areas for further research are also highlighted.

Rural development by means of providing uninterruptible power supply has become a priority among developing countries. Nigeria especially has on its top agenda the mandate to provide clean and cost-effective means of energy to the rural communities, hardest hit by wave of incessant outages of electricity supply. Renewable Energy (RE), a clean form of energy that can be derived from natural sources is widely available throughout Nigeria but is not harnessed. In this dissertation a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework is proposed for renewable energy towards rural community development in Nigeria as indicated in the 18-point recommendations of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). Moreover, a cost-benefit analysis tool is formulated and developed from the CBA framework in order to analyze comparatively the costs and intangible benefits of renewable energy projects for rural application. A case study demonstrating the working methodology of the proposed framework is presented in order to establish the cost-benefit components by assessing the comparative cost-benefit analysis of RE at a rural site of Nigeria. Erinjiyan Ekiti rural area is located for CBA assessment with three RE resources (solar, wind and small hydro) selected for consideration. Through the application of Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the respondents' willingness to pay for RE supply is obtained and RE benefits in monetary terms computed. Using three economic decision criteria namely: Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR); the three RE resources are ranked according to their economic viability. The result of the analysis provides useful insight to investors and decision makers into how RE projects in rural community should be conducted. Foremost, it is revealed that all three RE options will be economically viable if implemented, though adequate caution must be taken when making a decision. Based on the CBA assessment, the Small-Hydro Power (SHP) option is ranked as the most viable option. However, this is swiftly negated if RE social impact, such as the spiritual belief of the rural dwellers, who rely on the only potential river as a medium of communication with their ancestors, are taken into consideration. Furthermore, a sensitivity assessment of the three RE options revealed that only solar photovoltaic (PV) option is marginally viable, thus turns negative upon an assumed increase in discount rate of only 17%. Herein, the proposed CBA framework provides a useful insight into an efficient method of appraising RE projects in rural communities. A CBA simulation tool is formulated and adapted from the CBA framework to enable quicker, reliable and automated means of assessing RE projects with a view to making wise investment decision. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Rural development by means of providing uninterruptible power supply has become a priority among developing countries. Nigeria especially has on its top agenda the mandate to provide clean and cost-effective means of energy to the rural communities, hardest hit by wave of incessant outages of electricity supply. Renewable Energy (RE), a clean form of energy that can be derived from natural sources is widely available throughout Nigeria but is not harnessed. In this dissertation a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework is proposed for renewable energy towards rural community development in Nigeria as indicated in the 18-point recommendations of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). Moreover, a cost-benefit analysis tool is formulated and developed from the CBA framework in order to analyze comparatively the costs and intangible benefits of renewable energy projects for rural application. A case study demonstrating the working methodology of the proposed framework is presented in order to establish the cost-benefit components by assessing the comparative cost-benefit analysis of RE at a rural site of Nigeria. Erinjiyan Ekiti rural area is located for CBA assessment with three RE resources (solar, wind and small hydro) selected for consideration. Through the application of Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the respondents' willingness to pay for RE supply is obtained and RE benefits in monetary terms computed. Using three economic decision criteria namely: Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR); the three RE resources are ranked according to their economic viability. The result of the analysis provides useful insight to investors and decision makers into how RE projects in rural community should be conducted. Foremost, it is revealed that all three RE options will be economically viable if implemented, though adequate caution must be taken when making a decision. Based on the CBA assessment, the Small-Hydro Power (SHP) option is ranked as the most viable option. However, this is swiftly negated if RE social impact, such as the spiritual belief of the rural dwellers, who rely on the only potential river as a medium of communication with their ancestors, are taken into consideration. Furthermore, a sensitivity assessment of the three RE options revealed that only solar photovoltaic (PV) option is marginally viable, thus turns negative upon an assumed increase in discount rate of only 17%. Herein, the proposed CBA framework provides a useful insight into an efficient method of appraising RE projects in rural communities. A CBA simulation tool is formulated and adapted from the CBA framework to enable quicker, reliable and automated means of assessing RE projects with a view to making wise investment decision. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Amid the climate change crisis of the 21st century, South Africa faces its own, tailor-made challenges. In its attempt to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable development, South Africa faces the challenge of a history steeped in cheap electricity - the curse of an abundance of coal. The municipality, as the lowest leg of governance, currently finds itself at a tough nexus, involving; municipal mandates to provide basic services; the possible financial risks of implementing RETs; the regulatory ambiguity surrounding electricity generation and distribution jurisdiction; and the necessary implementation of RETs as a means of addressing the growing risk of revenue loss from reduced electricity sales as consumers install their own RETs, and as a contribution to national climate change mitigation. This nexus is herein referred to as the ‘municipal dilemma’. This thesis, via a complex systems approach, explores the major barriers and policy opportunities in the implementation of renewable energy technologies (RETs) by municipalities embedded within the larger ambit of the South African government, as they attempt to address what the author has termed the ‘municipal dilemma’. What is especially interesting and relevant about a complex systems approach is the notion of learning and therefore adaptability. In light of municipalities and their role in the South African context, the notion of systems learning affords a unique perspective into the municipal dilemma and means of overcoming it. From a literature analysis of policy, through to a specific case study of Hessequa municipality, this study sought to assist municipalities in addressing this dilemma. South Africa’s energy and municipal management policies starting from the Constitution, is found to be conducive to the growth of RETs. Furthermore, there are clear channels through which municipalities can engage with these new technologies to address the municipal dilemma. What is seen to hinder this process is a web of institutional, political and regulatory barriers stemming from the over-politicization of the country’s energy sector - a direct result of a long history entrenched in coal-fired electricity generation. What was found lacking in the South African energy debate was the perspective of the municipality itself, which is ultimately tasked with catering for the energy needs of South African citizens while participating in national efforts. The notion that municipalities are best positioned to be influential in the growth of RETs is reinforced by the literature explored and through a complex systems approach. To effectively play their role, municipalities must: (a) be creative and bold in their development of appropriate policies to support RETs; (b) align their efforts with provincial and national programmes and simultaneously influence these programmes through municipal experience; (c) take advantage of systems in place, such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process, to gradually build capacity within the municipality to manage increasingly complex RET implementation; (d) develop long-term strategies which, as per the tenets of complex systems theory, must feed from and into the ever-changing national and global landscape. This thesis posits that the municipal dilemma not only needs to be addressed, but offers the municipality a unique opportunity to rethink its role in the South African context. It has been found that a conducive regulatory environment is on the rise in the South African energy context. This environment, however, still requires much input from municipalities which are well positioned to offer direction to the policy creation process. In doing so, municipalities not only address the municipal dilemma, by also take their place as custodians of sustainable development. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Te midde van die krisis van die 21ste eeu, naamlik die uitdaging van klimaatverandering, staar Suid-Afrika sy eie, unieke uitdagings in die gesig. Met die nodigheid om by te dra tot die globale poging om klimaatsverandering te versag en volhoubare ontwikkeling mee te bring, is Suid-Afrika gekonfronteer met die uitdaging van 'n geskiedenis ‘ryk’ in goedkoop elektrisiteit - die vloek van 'n oorvloed steenkool. Hierdienooreenkomstig bevind die munisipaliteit, as die laagste been van regering, homself in 'n moeilike krisispunt, naamlik die handhawing van die grondwetlike mandaat om basiese dienste te verskaf, en om ekonomiese ontwikkeling te verseker, maar tog by te dra tot die land se volhoubare ontwikkeling. Dit is uiters moeilik om alle aspekte genoegsaam aan te spreek, en hierna word verwys as die munsipale dilemma. Ter oorweging van die munisipaliteit as ingebed in 'n groter stelsel, naamlik die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks, en met 'n komplekse stelselsbenadering om die munisipale dilemma aan te spreek, ondersoek hierdie tesis die groot struikelblokke tot, en beleidsgeleenthede vir, die implementering van hernubare energietegnologie deur munisipaliteite. In terme van die komplekse stelsels benadering is veral belangrik die opvattings van leer en dus aanpasbaarheid van die stelsels en hul relevansie vir die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Uit 'n ontleding van die beleidsliteratuur, en deur ‘n spesifieke gevallestudie van Hessequa munisipaliteit, poog hierdie studie om munisipaliteite te help in die aanspreek van hul dilemma. Daar is gevind dat Suid-Afrika se energie- en munisipale bestuursbeleid, vanaf die Grondwet, die groei van hernubare energietegnologie bevorder. Verder is daar duidelike kanale waardeur munisipaliteite betrokke kan raak by hierdie nuwe tegnologie ten einde die munisipale dilemma aan te spreek. Hierdie proses word wel verhinder deur 'n web van institusionele, politieke en regulatoriese hindernisse, wat spruit uit die oorverpolitisering van die land se energie-sektor; 'n direkte gevolg van 'n lang geskiedenis verskans in steenkool-aangedrewe opwekking van elektrisiteit. Wat ontbreek in die Suid-Afrikaanse energie-debat is die perspektief van die munisipaliteit self, wat uiteindelik getaak is met die adressering van die behoeftes van die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing, met gelyktydige deelname aan nasionale pogings. Die plaaslike en globale gevallestudies lig talle gemeenskaplike temas uit en vorm die basis van die gevolgtrekkings van hierdie tesis. Die idee dat munisipaliteite die beste geposisioneer is om invloedryk te wees in die groei van hernubare energietegnologie word versterk deur die literatuur ondersoek en deur middel van 'n komplekse sisteem benadering tot die gevallestudies. Om effektief te wees in hul rol, moet munisipaliteite (a) kreatief en dapper wees in hul ontwikkeling van toepaslike beleide om dié tegnologieë te ondersteun; (b) hul pogings in lyn bring met provinsiale en nasionale programme en terselfdertyd hierdie programme beïnvloed deur munisipale ervaring; (c) voordeel trek uit stelsels wat reeds in plek is om geleidelik kapasiteit op te bou binne die munisipaliteit om die toenemend komplekse hernubare energie implementering te bestuur; en (d) langtermyn strategieë ontwikkel in die steeds veranderende nasionale en internasionale landskap. Hierdie tesis postuleer dus dat die munisipale dilemma nie net aangespreek moet word nie, maar bied die munisipaliteit 'n unieke geleentheid om sy rol in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks te heroorweeg. Wat bevind is, is dat toepaslike beleid reeds bestaan en dat munisipaliteite hul plek kan inneem as bewaarders van volhoubare ontwikkeling.