Northern Cape Business 2024-25

The 2024/25 edition of Northern Cape Business is the 14th issue of this highly successful publication that has, since its launch in 2009, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Northern Cape Province. Officially supported and used by the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDaT), Northern Cape Business is unique as a business and investment guide that focuses exclusively on the province. Specific investment projects are outlined in detail by DEDaT in this journal, covering opportunities in energy and mining, together with reports on dedicated investment zones. One of these new zones is on the Atlantic Ocean, a short distance north of Port Nolloth. The Northern Cape is almost uniquely qualified to play a lead role in the development of the country’s green hydrogen economy, given its bountiful resources of land, wind and sun. The blending together of an earlier idea to develop a deepwater port at Boegoebaai with the creation of a Special Economic Zone devoted to green hydrogen production is particularly exciting. With the year 2024 signalling the end of an election cycle, two special features in this edition focus on important elements of the brief of the public sector, namely education and infrastructure.

FOCUS This thought

FOCUS This thought leadership article was written by Lawrence Pratt, CSIR Principal Researcher. Experience: 18 years in solar PV, encompassing research, development, and practical implementation of PV technologies. Achievements: Led the establishment of two ISO 17025 accredited labs for PV module testing, one in the USA and one in South Africa. Academic background: MSc in Applied Statistics (University of New Mexico in 2000), PhD in Computer Science (University of the Witwatersrand in 2024). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions From an environmental perspective, the benefits of reliable PV modules are equally compelling. High-quality solar panels contribute directly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring that solar power plants operate at optimal efficiency. This efficiency translates into greater energy output per unit of installed capacity, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint. The role of solar energy in combating climate change is critical, and reliable PV modules are essential for achieving the targets set by international climate agreements, such as the goals of COP28. Expertise: PV module reliability testing, data analytics, machine learning, and engineering management in semiconductors and PV About the CSIR The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa is a premier scientific research organisation committed to fostering innovation and development across various sectors. Established in 1945, the CSIR is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research and providing technological solutions that address national priorities and enhance the quality of life for all South Africans. With a focus on areas such as health, energy, water and transport, the CSIR leverages its extensive expertise and state-of-theart facilities to drive economic growth, improve public services and contribute to a sustainable future. By partnering with government, industry and academic institutions, the CSIR continues to be at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements, making significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25 50

“The CSIR is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research and providing technological solutions that address national priorities and enhance the quality of life for all South Africans.” FOCUS The rigorous testing conducted at the CSIR lab not only ensures current reliability but also helps drive technological innovation. The pre-qualification and certification test methods conducted in the ISO 17025 accredited lab provide valuable feedback to local manufacturers regarding design weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. This includes advancements in crystalline, thin film, high capacitance and bifacial modules. For example, bifacial modules are getting larger while the glass is getting thinner, leading to glass cracking in installations throughout the world. By subjecting the representative modules to the appropriate environmental and mechanical stresses during pre-construction testing, the lab ensures that only the most promising and durable innovations reach the South African market. Ensuring financial returns Safe, reliable PV solar modules are the bedrock of solar farms, large and small. The PV module is the generator, converting energy from the sun (photons) into electrical energy (electrons) extracted from the solar module to perform work. Large-scale solar installations depend on the reliability and efficiency of tens of thousands of interconnected solar cells, PV modules and arrays. Testing all the modules in a PV plant is cost-prohibitive and unnecessary. However, a carefully selected representative sample of modules run through the right test sequence can provide critical information at the early stages of a project to help de-risk the long-term financial returns on the PV plant. By ensuring the reliability and efficiency of solar systems, countries can accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to global climate action. Reliable PV modules thus become a cornerstone in achieving the broader objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy future, the importance of accurate and reliable PV solar testing cannot be overstated. It is through such meticulous testing and unwavering commitment to quality that solar power will truly realise its potential, driving the global energy transition and creating a cleaner, greener future for all. ■ Testing chambers. 51 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25