Renewables are challenging the power of utilities in countries as far apart as South Africa and France. But the grip of these monopolies is weakening, as renewable energy demands its place on the grid.
In France, pressurized nuclear power stations dominate, while in South Africa coal power reigns supreme. But batteries are knocking on the door loudly. Could they, teamed with renewable energy, become the major source of electricity some day?
Renewables Challenge South Africa’s Eskom
The Electricity Supply Commission (Eskom) has held an absolute monopoly over electricity in South Africa for decades. The bulk of its power comes from fossil fuels, with just one nuclear power station and two hydro stations supplementing this.
Renewables, mainly solar, are knocking on Eskom’s door, although only Eskom can grant them concessions, and decide whether to accept their energy or not. But that is changing, as society demands more renewable energy.
Plans are afoot to split Eskom into three separate utilities, namely generation, transmission, and distribution. Distribution will have the power to choose between mainstream electricity and renewables, with their batteries challenging the power of the utility.
Renewable Hydro Power Demands More in France
Electricity de la France (EDF) has dominated the energy landscape there for decades. However, in this instance, pressurized nuclear reactors are the majority source of the nation’s electricity. Hydro contributes a distant third.
But the government there is considering a new Bill to revive the hydroelectric sector. The intent is to make space for impending hydropower renewables challenging the power of the giant utility.
If the Bill becomes law, then EDF will have to auction six gigawatts of capacity every year, under the watchful eye of France’s energy regulator.
Is the writing on the wall for huge coal and nuclear power stations? Perhaps not at this stage. There may also be a lasting need for their base load. However, with renewables, teamed with batteries, challenging power of utilities this way, their absolute role may be gone forever.
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