Fostering a just energy transition: lessons from South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme

Abstract

South Africa's renewable energy independent power producers (REIPPs) largely depend on foreign manufacturers and resources as they generate the power needed to address the country's energy crisis. This foreign dependence contradicts some principles of a just energy transition, which encourage developing local job creation in the renewable energy sector. Although South Africa has increased its power procurement targets and relaxed some regulatory requirements in response to the current energy crisis, the long-term policy framework is unclear. Sustainably expanding renewable energy generation depends on a clear policy framework which plots the transition from coal and develops local manufacturing and skilling capacities. Through a case study review of two South African wind farms, this article examines how REIPPs can shift their reliance on foreign equipment manufacturers and skilled resources to local providers, fostering a sustainable and inclusive just energy transition.