Greenpeace has urged South Africa to adopt more renewable energy, in particular solar power, to create jobs, help the environment and save money.
A report published by Greenpeace and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) called "Solar Generation 6" revealed that global investments in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology could double from €35-40 (R350-400) billion to over €70 (R700) billion in 2015. Since 2005, PV prices have dropped around 40 percent and are expected to fall by this amount again by 2015 according to the report.
While solar power provides clean, efficient and economical energy, PV technology creates 35 to 50 jobs per tonne of CO2 savings and could greatly benefit the South African economy.
Ingmar Wilhelm, President of EPIA said: "Solar photovoltaic technology has, for many years now, shown increased power efficiencies and cost reductions,"
"Today's cost predictions, driven by economies of scale in light of global photovoltaic capacity, totalling 40,000 MW in 2010, show that the technology is on the brink of an economic breakthrough."
In 2010, Greenpeace Africa revealed: “Within the next 20 years, South Africa could create 78,000 new green jobs, slash its carbon emissions, increase its energy security and become a world leader in renewable energy production.”
Greenpeace Africa climate campaigner Melita Steele added: "South Africa is blessed with some of the best solar resources in the world, and yet more than 90% of the country's electricity comes from dirty coal. To avoid being left behind, South Africa must start investing in renewable energy now - the future is indeed solar."
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