St John's CollegeJohannesburgDepartment: ScienceName: Alexi CavalerosGrade: Lower IVNational School Science Essay CompetitionTopic: "Is renewable energy an economically viable option for South Africa?"Renewable Resources they are an important aspect of sustainability. Some examples of renewable resources that are used more frequently are biomass, water, geothermal, wind and solar. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, we can regenerate or replenish renewable energy resources. With the rising costs and decreasing availability of non-renewable fossil fuels, renewable resources are receiving increasing attention. The question, however, is: would renewable energy be an economically viable option for South Africa as a whole and its population. Before answering this question we must be aware that when we talk about energy or electricity it is a task that can become complicated with all this? new terminology and divisions within it. Some different terms we hear about can be answered as follows: What is renewable or clean energy? It is the sustainable supply of energy that will meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations in meeting their own energy needs. Which technologies promote sustainable energy? These technologies include renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, geothermal energy, artificial photosynthesis, tidal energy, and also technologies designed to improve energy efficiency. What do we mean when we use the term energy efficiency? Energy efficiency means "using less energy/electricity to provide the same service". Nowadays, when you shop, you see the term "energy efficiency" all over the lighting and hallways of buildings. They are there to encourage us to change from… middle of paper… not to change policies and to invest in renewable energy as there may no longer be a country to hand over to future generations. Non-renewable energy sources such as coal are limited and fossil fuel extraction is harmful to South Africa's lands. It all impacts South Africa's ecosystem as a whole. People living near mining areas have poor health. Pollution, acid rain and water are at their worst in some industrial areas. The cost of removing and purchasing these fossil fuels is increasing and their presence in mines is decreasing every year. “Is renewable energy an economically viable option for South Africa?” – In the long term yes, however, the costs of setting up and maintaining these clean energy facilities are excessive and current schemes should be monitored so that the costs of setting up the facilities can be justified.