Phased approach allows for diversified energy mix

South Africa must establish a diversified energy mix, which entails responsibly leveraging its regional endowments, such as coal and gas, while scaling up cleaner energy sources in a phased approach with realistic timelines, according to a White Paper, titled ‘Energy security and sustainability: Striking the South African balance’ by management consultancy Kearney. The country’s energy transition requires careful consideration of socioeconomic factors and pragmatic solutions to address its energy security crisis while supporting industrialisation and development, says Kearney partner and co-author Prashaen Reddy.
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Hurdles hampering transition’s progress

South Africa has made significant progress in boosting its renewable-energy sector; however, several issues need to be addressed to facilitate the country’s transition away from coal-dominated electricity supply while maintaining energy security and economic stability, says independent power producer (IPP) ENGIE South Africa business development head Léa Giroux. South Africa remains heavily reliant on coal, which currently generates about 80% of the country’s electricity, although the many coal-fired power stations are ageing and becoming increasingly unreliable. This unreliability, and the environmental challenges associated with coal-fired power stations, make a diversified energy mix essential.
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Risks loom despite loadshedding pause – Energy Council

Industry association Energy Council of South Africa is confident that South Africa will remain out of sustained loadshedding for the next three to four years, owing to the rapid growth in electricity generation. However, risks remain, particularly State-owned utility Eskom’s fleet reliability and any “catastrophic failures” as have been seen in the past.  
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Policy coherence seen as key to scaling up SA’s circular economy

With increasing pressure being placed on South Africa’s municipal dumps amid growing waste generation, promoting a circular economy could provide valuable solutions while potentially creating new business opportunities. Although South Africa has relevant policies in place regarding circularity – such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, which require producers to take responsibility for their packaging waste throughout its life cycle – policy coherence and accountability are needed to ensure successful implementation.
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