An urban biomass energy economy in Johannesburg, South Africa

This study focuses on a section of South African urban society that uses woody biomass as one of their significant sources of energy, both in the household and subsistence economic activities. The study critically discusses the alternative energy economy of this lowest socio-economic stratum of Gauteng Mega-city, using Setswetla village in Alexandra Township as a case study. Field data was collected through qualitative interviews to probe the sources, quantities and costs of biofuel and types of combustion technologies used. The study examined appropriate technology options that could be adopted with a view to improving biomass combustion efficiency and to reduce exposure to harmful emissions. The research findings indicate that paraffin is the primary source of domestic energy in Setswetla, used by 99% of households for domestic cooking. However, woody biomass is the principal source of energy (61%) for heating and subsistence economic activities that are based on commercial cooking and beer brewing. Other sources of energy are candles for lighting (83%), and coal (20%) for supplementary heating purposes. Firewood is collected free of charge and comprises discarded industrial packaging cases, dead branches and City Parks prunings. The accompanying combustion technologies are self-fabricated wood and coal stoves (imbaulas); and the three-stone fireplaces, while paraffin is burnt in wick stoves. The findings of this study indicate that majority of the respondents are interested in adopting an improved stove in order to reduce their energy burden and to mitigate domestic air pollution.

► Indigent Johannesburg communities use woody biomass to balance their energy budget.
► The woody biomass is collected free of charge or bought from firewood vendors.
► Biomass is mainly used for space heating, boiling water and commercial cooking.
► For domestic cooking, a majority of the residents use kerosene wick stove.
► Woody biomass is burnt in handmade braziers (imbaula) or open fires.