An economic competitiveness analysis of power generation plants

Abstract: Due to the fast growth of renewable energy resources, the analysis and comparison of costs associated with different forms of electricity generating sources are crucial for decision policy makers and investors. To this end, the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is a widely tool employed to assess the economic viability of a power plant, however the issue with this tool is that it does not considers all the complexities involved. Thus, the Levelized Avoided Cost of Electricity (LACE) has been introduced to cover the elements ignored by LCOE, which are becoming critical to business decision. Despite the development of LACE, various studies continue using LCOE to evaluate the economic competitiveness of various power plants, especially in South Africa. To this end, this paper used both LCOE and LACE tools assess and compare the economic viability of 10 technologies which are: coal, gas, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind offshore, wind onshore, solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power. The results indicate that of all technologies, geothermal ranks at the first place as the most economic competitive alternative, followed by coal technology. Furthermore, the results illustrate that the worse technologies in terms of economic viability are solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, and wind. As far as the authors are aware this study is the first example in the context of the South African energy sector

Exploring challenges impeding sustainable supply chain practices in mining sector

Abstract: Growing pressures from various players such as governments, non-governmental organizations, and customers have impelled business corporations to address the economic, environmental, and social issues associated with their supply chain activities. Consequently, the concept of sustainability has become a buzzword among scholars and industry practitioners. Although, the concept of sustainability is attaining high level of importance in Europe, America, and Asia due to its ability of ensuring environmental sustainability, in Africa the integration and application of sustainability’s concept is facing several challenges. To date, several studies were conducted to investigate the barriers affecting sustainability practices in mining sector at country’s level. However, an investigative study regarding the barriers of sustainability practices in mining sector of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which involve fifteen African countries is missing, this paper aims at filling this gap. The data were collected through a quantitative approach. At least 1 423 participants were involved in the survey. The findings revealed that the major barriers blocking the development of Sustainable Supply Chain in mining industry of SADC region include Lack of commitment on environmental deterioration, lack of communication and knowledge sharing, Ineffective monitoring and control system, lack of effective policy and legislation direction, high cost associated with the implementation of SSCM, Poor Supplier Commitment, lack of green practitioners, poor senior managements’ commitment, lack of recycling activities. Lack of Political commitment and support, Lack of managerial support and practical tools, and inadequate individual capacity

A sustainability assessment of electricity supply systems

Abstract: One of the major concern striking the 21st century is the development of Sustainable Development (SD) whilst rising mankind welfare. Contemporary technology generally has controverting impacts over the concept of SD, as portrayed through the present power supply system. Low-priced, easily- available electrical energy is very important to various contemporary society ‘s most significant technologies and SD advances. Meanwhile, the immense mainstream of the global’ s electrical energy is produced by means of fossil fuels, which caused stern ecological burdens. Thus, any shift towards a sustainable, thriving future will necessitate resources of electrical energy, which can offer the benefits of current ‘s power production system whilst diminishing its harmful impacts. To achieve growing power supplies with negligible ecological effect, shift to the present electricity production practices are needed to take in augmented power efficiency as of fossil fuel burning technologies by introducing renewable energy sources into the market..

EVALUASI KESESUAIAN LAHAN TANAMAN KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis quenensis Jacq.) PADA PLASMA PIONOTO I DESA JATIMULYA KECAMATAN TILOAN KABUPATEN BUOL

Evaluasi lahan merupakan proses pendugaan potensi lahan untuk bermacam alternatif penggunaan lahan. Ini merupakan cara yang biasa digunakan dalam perencanaan penggunaan lahan. Survey tanah adalah satu cara atau metoda untuk mengevaluasi lahan guna mendapat data langsung dari lapangan. Kegiatan survey terdiri dari kegiatan lapangan, membuat analisis data, interpretasi data terhadap tujuan dan membuat laporan survey. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan kesesuaian lahan tanaman kelapa sawit (Elaeis quenensis Jacq). Di wilayah Plasma Pionoto I Desa Jatimulya Kecamatan Tiloan Kabupaten Buol. Alat yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah GPS (Global Positioning System), klinometer, alat tulis menulis, kertas plastik, bor tanah, karet pengikat, kertas label, pisau/cutter, meteran dan kamera, dan alat-alat laboratorium untuk menganalisis sampel tanah. Bahan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sampel tanah tidak utuh dan beberapa zat kimia lainnya yang digunakan untuk menganalisis sampel tanah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei untuk mendapatkan karakteristik lahan. Lokasi pengamatan ditetapkan berdasarkan hasil pengamatan di lapangan terhadap tingkat pengelolaan yang sama untuk areal  yang sudah di tanami tanaman kelapa sawit. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan cara pengambilan contoh tanah di lapangan yang dilanjutkan dengan analisis di laboratorium. Kegiatan penelitian meliputi 4 (empat) tahap yaitu : Persiapan, Kegiatan lapangan, Analisis Laboratorium dan Pengolahan data, pembuatan peta dan penyusunan laporan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kelas kesesuaian lahan Aktual untuk tanaman kelapa sawit (Elaeis quenensis Jacq) di daerah penelitian yaitu Kelas S2 (cukup sesuai) pada SPL I, II, IV dan V dengan total luas lahan 444,5 ha, serta S3 (sesuai marginal) pada SPL III dengan luas lahan 97,4 ha. Sedangkan kelas kesesuaian lahan Potensial yaitu kelas S2 (cukup sesuai) pada semua SPL dengan total luas lahan 541,9 ha. &nbsp

An analysis of offenders referred for forensic observation in Limpopo from January 2005 to December 2006

Thesis (M.Med. (Psychiatry)) --University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009INTRODUCTION There seems to be an increase in the crime rate in South Africa with substantial regional variations as the crime rate and trends differ between provinces and cities with Limpopo being hailed the safest province. In South Africa a defendant in a criminal case can be referred for 30 days of psychiatric observation at any stage of the process. This is to assess whether the accused has a mental illness or defect in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977) Section 79(2) as amended in the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 1998 (Act 68 of 1998). There is a perception that most of the accused referred for psychiatric observation are known Mental Health Care Users. OBJECTIVE To establish a profile of offenders referred for psychiatric observation in Limpopo from January 2005 to December 2006. METHOD A descriptive retrospective study was done. Information was collected from the computer database available in the Psychiatry Department Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex. The study population consisted of all 678 reports referred by the courts for observation during the period January 2005 to December 2006. Data were analyzed and summarized using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS Over 80% (85% in 2005, 86% in 2006) of the observations were done on an outpatient basis. Of the offenders referred 94% were males. The majority was in the 21-30 age groups. Mopani District had the highest number of referrals and the majority of them were found to be mentally ill. Of the offenders sent for observation in 2005 and 2006, 53% had previous psychiatric contact versus 47% with no previous psychiatric contact. • Of the offenders found fit to stand trial 41% had previous psychiatric contact. • Of those found not fit to stand trial 67% were known Mental Health Care Users. • Of those found not fit to stand trial 33% had never received any formal psychiatric treatment and entered the system through the criminal justice system. Most common mental disorders diagnosed were schizophrenia (42%), substance related disorders (33%) and mental retardation (19%). The majority of offences were assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property. This reflects the behaviour usually reported on by relatives of relapsed male Mental Health Care Users on admission to psychiatric hospitals or units in the Province. Of the witchcraft accusation offences 70% were committed by mentally ill mental health care users. CONCLUSION The majority of offenders referred for forensic observation had previous contact with the mental health services, yet 41 % of those Mental Health Care Users were found not mentally ill in relation to the alleged offence. Mopani District had the highest number of referrals who were found to be mentally ill. This finding needs to be further evaluated in terms of relationship to the effectiveness and accessibility of the Primary Health Care Service to Mental Health Care Users in Mopani

L’extension sous toutes les latitudes de « la république des lettres »

Julien Jeusette : La notion d’espace littéraire « mondial » a-t-elle un sens pour vous ? Blaise Ndala : Passé la seconde où mon esprit questionne la présence dans l’énoncé de l’adjectif « mondial », le seul sens que je lui donnerais renverrait à l’ensemble de la production littéraire versée à la curiosité du lecteur, comme une extension sous toutes les latitudes de « la république des lettres ». J’entends par là un espace immatériel qui désignerait non plus, comme sous la Renaissance, un terr..

Trade unions and democracy in South Africa: Union organizational challenges and solidarities in a time of transformation

Based on a nationwide survey, this article focuses on the perceptions of COSATU members on two of the central issues that have dominated debates on the South African labour movement: the advisability of COSATU’s Alliance with the ANC and the extent of internal union democracy. The survey revealed that the ANC-Alliance continues to enjoy mass support, whilst internal democracy remains robust. At the same time, the federation faces the challenges of coping with – and contesting - neo-liberal reforms, retaining and reenergizing rank and file in the post-apartheid era, and in reaching out to potential members in the informal sector and other areas of insecure work