Accelerating economic growth through municipal renewable energy expansion: comparing South African and Chinese municipal experiences

Abstract

South Africa is currently grappling with a nationwide energy crisis due to a substantial 33 GW energy shortfall. The country's 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlines a gradual shift from coal to renewable energy sources, with a more significant emphasis on this transition by 2030. However, the current energy crisis may require an accelerated transition to change the energy sector. Positively, this crisis could potentially create new markets and job opportunities, particularly at the local level. Addressing political will, governance, and technical capacity challenges at the municipal level could potentially unlock economic growth opportunities from this accelerating renewable energy adoption. While there is a need for skilled workers in procuring, constructing, and operating renewable energy plants and manufacturing components, there is also a need for technical expertise in managing these functions at the municipal level. The HSRC's study into renewable energy promotion at the municipal level has revealed that many municipalities view climate adaptation mitigation efforts as an unfunded mandate, thus leaving the function to Eskom to manage.