Tag: energy poverty

South Africa is transitioning from fossil fuels toward renewable energy. The government aims to add at least 19 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. By 2050, the country targets as much as 190 GW. These targets are critical for climate resilience and energy security. Yet, the social design of this transition is dangerously overlooked.

Africa is making slow, steady progress towards energy security, which will only be enhanced through collaboration. Energy access is undeniably one of the most crucial components of modern day living. Reliable energy supply ensures that economies are growing by supporting critical industries like mining, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and education, while improving the lives of billions of people.

There is a saying; ‘oil and water don’t mix’. While that may be true on a meta-physical level, it isn’t true when it comes to Africa’s energy needs. With the population of the continent expected to double by 2100 this creates a daunting energy challenge, combined with rising expectations of improved resilience and sustainability.

The industrial base of a country depends on a reliable supply of electricity and steel. Hence in the 1930s, South Africa developed both Eskom and Iscor, since then the economy has diversified considerably. While the industrial and mining base of the country remains dependent on reliable supplies of these primary products, the manufacturing industries, the secondary and mining sectors, in particular, also need to be developed through efficient labour and technical training.