An integration of renewable energy in urban areas is a smart initiative that may reduce high electricity consumption levels, unburden the grid and reduce electricity imports. The Government, private sector and the public have an equal contribution to realising this initiative.
Integration of renewable energy would still be applicable in rural and hard to reach areas, in pursuit of SDG 7, however, given the fact that more energy is consumed in urban areas, we all must seek how we can encourage energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy technologies in small scale into urban areas.
For this to be implemented, suitable locations in the urban areas need to be identified for the installation of solar (thermal), solar (Photovoltaic), hydro (kinetic) and wind turbines. Our neighbouring country, South Africa, is way ahead on this initiative by turning public buildings and rooftop parking lots to serve more than their intended purpose. In the European Union, Spain has also taken steps in also integrating its renewable energy in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Spain has reduced its emissions by 10% in 2019.
Due to the ever increasing demand to be climate and energy smart, most countries and cities are adopting the use of solar photovoltaic (SPV) on rooftops. Sourced energy from such buildings is consumed and stored for future use. As a result, the national grid becomes unburdened and energy utilities save money on electricity imports.
Lesotho too, can be energy smart by installing solar photovoltaic (SPV) on rooftops on available buildings and vehicle parking areas. In towns and villages, ordinary Basotho can install solar panels on top of their house roofs to lessen reliance on the national grid. For example, the cost to install a 50 litres solar geyser is estimated to be M10,000.00.
Other renewable energy options available include:
• Wind Power: Utilizing urban wind turbines or integrating wind power into building designs to capture wind energy and generate electricity.• Hydropower: Implementing small-scale hydroelectric systems in urban waterways or utilizing water flow in urban infrastructure for electricity generation. • Biomass: Utilizing organic waste materials from urban sources, such as food waste or sewage, to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion or to generate heat and electricity through combustion. Despite the Authority’s advice for consumers to be energy smart, there are existing challenges and barriers that make it difficult for citizens’ full adoption. These include a lack of funding and appropriate technology for
such projects.