A just energy transition (JET) is made up of two parts. The ‘transition is towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and equitable energy system, which is better for people and the planet than what we currently have. The ‘just’ component means that we make the shift as fair as possible, particularly for those workers in legacy energy systems where jobs will be at risk. South Africa (SA) needs to move away from an energy mix dominated by fossil fuels and toward increased proportion of renewable energy (RE) for environmental, social and economic reasons. In addition, we must move toward a situation where safe, efficient and healthy energy services are affordable to all citizens. This transition will bring up many challenges, and consequently it is imperative that adequate resources are given to planning for a JET. So far, national government has not prioritized this planning, or even given full recognition to the need for an energy transition. There are numerous vested interests within the fossil fuel sector to maintain the status quo for ‘business as usual’ as long as possible. To tackle this resistance to change, SA must think long term and find ways to overcome a trajectory that only benefits a small minority at the expense of our environment and the majority of citizens.
Read the paper here
