A SWOT Analysis Approach for a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy in South Africa

Solomon E Uhunamure,Karabo Shale

doi:10.3390/su13073933

Abstract

South Africa is been faced with erratic power supply, resulting in persistent load shedding due to ageing in most of its coal-fired power plants. Associated with generating electricity from fossil fuel are environmental consequences such as greenhouse emissions and climate change. On the other hand, the country is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources that can potentially ameliorate its energy needs. This article explores the viability of renewable energy using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis approach on the key renewable potential in the country. The result indicates that geographic position, political and economic stability and policy implementation are some of the strengths. However, Government bureaucratic processes, level of awareness and high investment cost are some of the weaknesses. Several opportunities favour switching to renewable energy, and these include regional integration, global awareness on climate change and the continuous electricity demand. Some threats hindering the renewable energy sector in the country include land ownership, corruption and erratic climatic conditions. Some policy implications are suggested based on the findings of the study.

Highlights

Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Abstract: South Africa is been faced with erratic power supply, resulting in persistent load shedding due to ageing in most of its coal-fired power plants
South Africa is endowed with different renewable energy sources which are abundant and potentially viable
An exploration of renewable energy options has been beclouded by the abundance and high dependence on coal, which have dominated the energy market in South Africa for decades

Summary

Introduction

Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Abstract: South Africa is been faced with erratic power supply, resulting in persistent load shedding due to ageing in most of its coal-fired power plants. Associated with generating electricity from fossil fuel are environmental consequences such as greenhouse emissions and climate change. Several opportunities favour switching to renewable energy, and these include regional integration, global awareness on climate change and the continuous electricity demand. Greenhouse gases are conceived as the driving force responsible for climate change, and to ensure clean energy transition, most countries are working actively to diversify the means of energy production. This transition means a shift from producing energy from sources that releases a large amount of greenhouse gases to those with little or no emissions [2]. In South Africa, owing to the abundance of coal, the country largely depends on it as a major source of energy for its domestic and large-scale industrial purposes [3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion