MISEREOR ENERGY PROJECT
Future Energy Vision for South Africa
Background
To ensure that the essentials of life can be provided and the needs of every individual, in present and future generations alike, can be met with due respect for human rights and planetary boundaries, a sweeping reform of today’s prevailing social, political and economic structures is required. One of the pillars of these structures – and, therefore, a key area for transformation – is energy. The currently dominant model of development and the associated concepts of progress and living standards are heavily dependent on an energy system which is based on the intensive use of fossil fuels.
In order to mitigate the resulting global warming and the impacts of climate change, decarbonisation – particularly of the energy sector – is essential.
The global energy turnaround and universal access to energy are key parameters for a major transformation that has environmental and social justice at its core. A study supported by MISEREOR undertook a review of the status quo of the South African energy sector. The study was accompanied by a workshop. 35 people from 29 different South African civil society organisations discussed ways of transforming South Africa’s energy future. The outcomes of the workshop were included in the study.
Aim of the project
The aim of the project was to come up with a study that examines energy production, supply and use in South Africa, looking at primary energy sources and renewable energies and analysed energy use, based on available final energy consumption data. Building on negative and positive examples in South Africa the study also explores a vision for a transformed energy future in South Africa and develops criteria and policy options to enable such energy transformation.
The study was compiled by Project 90 and partners.
Other key activities
On the 27th and 28th of February 2017 Project 90 held a workshop with various actors from civil society to come up with a unified vision for an energy future for South Africa and develop criteria, policy options and actions needed to move towards such vision.
The workshop report and presentations held at the workshop can be downloaded below.