The CSIR is aiming to create a micro-grid on its campus in Pretoria, based on renewables that can operate in on-grid and in off-grid mode. The envisaged energy autonomous campus will be supplied with renewable energy, with solar energy already proving successful, while wind and biogas from biogenic waste are also being investigated. The diversification of energy sources will be combined with other initiatives, such electricity storage and heat storage, integration of electric and hydrogen-driven vehicles, power-to-liquid and power-to-gas processes, demand-side management and energy-efficiency measures. The other CSIR campuses across the country will gradually become part of the programme, where in the long-term, supply and demand will virtually be balanced across all CSIR campuses, forming a virtual power plant.

Energy supply

• Development and construction of renewable power plants for solar, wind and biogas.
• Development of operations and maintenance manuals. Creating a demonstration platform for renewable power supply technologies.
   

Demand-side management

• Identification of cost effective demand-side management interventions.
•  Identification of demand-shaping solutions for the CSIR.
• Implementation of identified demand-side management and demand-shaping solutions for the campus.
   

Energy storage

• Identification of best battery storage technologies for future implementation.
• Identification of best power-to-X technologies for future implementation.
• Collaboration with leading  energy storage companies
   

Grid design

• Development of grid design guidelines for embedded micro grids.
•  Development and implementation of smart grid solutions.
   

Operations/visualisation and control

• Development of a control centre capable of visualisation and control.
• Development of operation manuals and guidelines for integrated systems