If the latest plan by the US's Hydro Alternative Energy and South Africa's Occtur Ocean Energy to generate electricity from an ocean current is anything to go by, KwaZulu-Natal's electricity shortage will soon be history.
Both companies are expected to present their hydrokinetic power-generating proposals at KwaZulu-Natal's first workshop on ocean energy generation today.
If the plan goes ahead, Durban will be the first city in Africa to have electricity generated by the ocean.
The project, a joint venture between the city and the two companies, will transform the fast-flowing Agulhas ocean current into energy using floating generators.
Taxpayers will not have to fund the project because the units and the installation - said to cost R155-million - will be paid for by Hydro Alternative Energy, which will sell the electricity to the city.
Mark Antonucci, co-chairman of the US firm, said yesterday that eThekwini liked the plan.
"There are other companies that do this but for research purposes we are the first one to commercialise it. And we are using technology that has been there for years."
The development of the system is expected to create jobs in engineering, and in the maritime sector and industry in the city.
Antonucci was confident that the company would create jobs in the region.
"Since we have been in the city, we have targeted engineering companies with the skills needed for the project. We have identified four sites offshore where the development unit could be placed. The sites are 40km offshore because we do not want to be in an area where tourism would be affected while we are working and conducting our tests."
The firm is trying to establish if the sites are viable and conform with environmental protocols.
"The system that will be installed in the sea would not have an effect on marine life. The prototype system, called Oceanus, was the equivalent of a five-storey building in height and would be anchored to the ocean floor up to 100m below the surface," Antonucci said.
"The units will be too deep to affect shipping. The system will be placed at the edge of the Agulhas current, not in the middle."
eThekwini energy manager Derek Morgan said the Agulhas was one of the most consistent currents in the world.
He said the project could transform the city into a green energy location for investment.
- Times Live
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