As the current global energy transition moves towards a future more dependent on renewable resources, WorleyParsons is using its expertise in new energy to bridge between conventional and sustainable power generation.

WorleyParsons says the global transition to fully realising the potential of renewable energy is a complex and multi-faceted process relying heavily on variable factors such as natural and financial resources that differ from country to country. Bridging between power generation from traditional fossil fuels to renewables requires in-depth prior planning and the simultaneous consideration of multiple factors.

Tony Frencham, Group Managing Director for Power and New Energy at WorleyParsons, says that the energy and resources company and its global network of energy expertise is well placed to assist businesses and utilities, in both developed and developing countries, to address the issues of new energy deployment, technology, risk, cost and integration.

“The key to the effective use of renewable resources lies in achieving a balance of three principles: reliability, affordability and sustainability, sometimes known as the ‘energy trilemma’,” says Frencham.  “Building a future that meets these needs in the right priority and based on local conditions is essential for an orderly energy transition.”

Frencham points out that the move towards renewable energy is progressing differently across the world with developing countries needing to consider additional factors, such as the pressing imperative to provide universal access to energy.

Commenting from a local perspective, Managing Director for Advisian Sub-Saharan Africa, Mohamed Madhi says South Africa currently has a well advanced government-driven renewable independent power producer programme that is considered one of the best in the world, while in the private sector the mining industry is already well entrenched in exploring alternative energy options.

He adds that as the cost of energy produced from coal becomes increasingly expensive, and renewables become a cheaper and more environmentally conscious alternative, more and more companies are considering stand-alone power generation in South Africa.

“WorleyParsons, together with its consulting and advisory arm Advisian, is ideally positioned to help these companies as we understand the conventional side of power as well as the renewable aspect extremely well,” says Madhi. “The meeting of old and new is a complex and unpredictable process; however, we have the capability to assist with a smooth transition based on our extensive knowledge of hybrid systems.”

“South Africa has an enormous availability and diversity of resources in different areas, and putting them all together to make them work is similar to building a puzzle,” says Dr Paul Ebert, Global Technology Director for WorleyParsons. He adds that this is where WorleyParsons rises to the challenge with creative and innovative ideas on how to progress through the transition from traditional to renewable energy.

Madhi echoes Ebert’s sentiments. “Multiple energy production options exist in South Africa. However, one of the largest issues with renewable energy is that is it not always readily available and this is where energy storage comes into play.”

He says that as the drive towards renewable energy gains pace, other industries such as technology providers and manufacturers are entering the field, and there are already various projects underway to improve energy storage capabilities in South Africa. “WorleyParsons has been involved in numerous case studies, not only here but around the world, to mitigate against interrupted energy supply, and finds practical working solutions for end users,” says Madhi.

The company believes that the future brings a growing portfolio of renewables working alongside traditional energy sources, in certain instances integrated in hybrid form. Enablers, such as energy storage and smart energy systems, will play an important role in this transition.

WorleyParsons’ comprehensive expertise in the renewable energy sector has led the company to work with utilities, governments and energy companies around the world. In Africa, WorleyParsons has already successfully closed out a number of key renewable energy projects, including the Lake Turkana Wind Farm Project in Kenya, the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.  The company is also the consultant of choice for the consortium that is slated to build a new solar park between Upington and Prieska, and has recently announced its involvement in a 700 MW solar project in Dubai, the largest solar project in the world to date.  Furthermore, in partnership with Deloitte, Advisian has won the opportunity to partner with Power Africa in a five-year programme of alleviating power shortages in sub-Saharan Africa. The focus of the programme is to provide 30 000 megawatts of power to the region through a hybrid mix of both conventional and renewable resources.