Summary:
- Complex Nexus of Energy and Development: The intricate interplay between global renewable energy ambitions and socio-economic challenges in South Africa highlights the complex balance needed to ensure a just energy transition that benefits both the environment and marginalised communities.
- Narratives of Transition: Diverse narratives drive the just transition in South Africa. These narratives reveal underlying assumptions about the relationships between economic development, decarbonisation and broader societal progress, which underscore the importance of equitable distribution of transition benefits.
- The concept of a ‘Just Energy Transition,’ will only be achieved if there is a radical socio-economic transformation of society in ways that will result in authentic (or ‘deep’) decarbonisation, social mitigation and inclusive upstream industrialisation. Emphasis is placed on ‘energy democracy,’ which refers to reconfiguring ownership of the new sustainable energy system, with publicly owned utilities and community-owned institutions (eg, energy cooperatives) playing a major role, which is crucial for forging South Africa’s transformative energy futures.
- Historical Context and Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP): South Africa’s energy history shapes its current priorities. The REIPPPP emerges as a transformative force, fostering renewable energy-led industrialisation. It offers new avenues for economic progress while posing unique challenges.
- Financial Catalysts: The role of just transition finance as a catalyst for change should not be underestimated. Assessing its potential to drive genuine transformation or inadvertently sustain carbon-intensive industries is explored in the domestic, international and regional financing mechanisms.
- Decentralised Energy Governance: Leveraging technology and innovation, there is a need for decentralised energy governance. The research envisions energy systems driven not only by central institutions but also by individual choices, communities and sectors, to create a more inclusive approach to just energy transitions.
- Regional Collaboration and Leadership: For South Africa to leverage regional partnerships and assert energy democracy is crucial. By taking a leadership role, the nation can shape the Southern African energy landscape in ways that align with equitable and sustainable developmental goals.
This is the first special report in our series on Geopolitical Energy Futures. Explore other publications in the series:
Special Report 2:
Special Report 3:
Special Report 4:
Systemic Innovations for South Africa’s Energy Futures: Draft Strategic Framework
Overview of the Series:
Geopolitical Energy Futures in South Africa: Strategic Policy Pathways to 2035
