Resource-based technology innovation in South Africa: innovations in South Africa's off-grid concession programme

Abstract

This case study deals with South Africa's off-grid concessions programme, an important component of the government's National Integrated Electrification Programme. This programme was aimed at offering access to photovoltaic solar home systems in deep rural areas, pending the supply of grid electricity throughout the country. Like the other case studies in this volume, it is aimed at deepening analysts? and planners? understanding of processes of innovation in the South African energy sector, and identifying key lessons that may be applied elsewhere.