IDSB48.5_6_10.190881968-2017.165.pdf (298.35 kB)
Commercial-scale renewable energy in South Africa and its progress to date
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 09:39 authored by Lucy BakerWhile South Africa's electricity sector is heavily coal-dependent, the country has recently become an attractive destination for commercial-scale renewable energy investment. This article examines ongoing developments and challenges to the country's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers' Procurement Programme (RE IPPPP), from inception as a feed-in tariff in 2007, to its launch as a competitive bidding programme in 2011. The article discusses how the programme emerged out of a set of national conditions combined with international trends in renewable energy investment and technology development. The programme's successes include progressive requirements for socioeconomic development. However, since 2016, South Africa's renewable energy industry has faced complex challenges, including resistance by the electricity utility Eskom, itself embroiled within scandals of state capture and corruption, as well as the ability of Eskom's transmission grid to integrate renewable energy generation. Subsequent delays to the programme have generated uncertainty for stakeholders and the future of the industry.
Funding
Urban Transformation in South Africa Through Co-Designing Energy Services Provision Pathways; G1982; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/N014138/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
IDS BulletinISSN
0308-5872Publisher
Institute of Development StudiesExternal DOI
Issue
5-6Volume
48Page range
101-118Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-01-24First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-01-24First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-01-24Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC