A technical and economic analysis of energy extraction from the agulhas current on the east coast of South Africa

In an effort to decrease carbon emissions, South Africa is considering renewable energy sources meet the growing demand. Coal is the country´s main source of energy. However, coal power stations are responsible for majority of the country´s carbon emissions. Hence the country´s increased interest in green sources of energy. The Agulhas current on the east coast of South Africa is the second fastest current in the world and holds great potential to add marine current energy to the country´s future energy mix. There is an ongoing research into technology suitability and viability. It has been found that Deep Green kite turbine technology has is the most viable technology. On the one hand, a levelised cost of energy (LCoE) with sensitivity analysis considered was found to be US$0.14. Due to the large potential resource held in the Agulhas current, further research into the possible development of a new technology that is better suited to the current is recommended.