Wind power to the people: overcoming legal, policy and social barriers to wind energy development in South Africa

Abstract

Wind energy project development in the Republic of South Africa has advanced rapidly following the issuance of a renewable energy feed-in tariff by the government in 2009. However, the legal, policy and social aspects of this technology are proving to be the most difficult obstacles for wind energy proponents to surmount. This article takes a close look at the energy history of South Africa, the realities policymakers face today, the shifting ethics of energy law and the actions of key stakeholders to date. The Draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2) has set firm targets for wind energy capacity development, but macro policy does not seem to properly integrate emerging norms in African energy governance. The IRP2 does recognize that social policy strategies need to be developed in order to make the wind energy sector flourish in South Africa, but little scope to any such strategy is given by this important policy document. A new relationship must be forged between industry, government and communities to help drive the rollout of wind energy in South Africa.