Wits Business School (ETDs)
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Item Energy Transition Policy options for sustainable development in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mathe, Clive; Ayodele, Ademola E.The South African energy sector is at a critical point in the nation's macroeconomic journey, playing a significant role in base industrial activities and standing as Africa's highest producer and consumer of energy. However, it faces challenges such as a disproportionately high Greenhouse Gas emissions compared to similar economies. South Africa's commitment to decarbonize the sector and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 presents both opportunities and risks, influenced by various factors with high inter-factor causality. To unlock actionable insights on the energy sector transition, this study aims to model the energy system comprehensively, considering its complexity and dynamism. Specifically, it seeks to assess the implications of South Africa's decarbonization commitment, explore the potential of renewable energy adoption, and identify strategic pathways and mechanisms to accelerate the transition towards net-zero emissions. A combination of two computer-simulation-based modeling and analysis approaches is adopted for the research work. Systems dynamics is employed for secondary quantitative data modeling, capturing relationships among energy sector factors. Fuzzy cognitive mapping, coupled with expert knowledge solicitation through semi- structured interviews, unveils important causality relationships among systemic parameters. The integration of these approaches forms a hybrid model, overcoming limitations and providing actionable insights crucial for sector transition policy considerations. Through quantitative modeling, it is projected that coal decommissioning and renewable energy expansion could decrease power-sector carbon emissions by over 90% from approximately 0.26 Gt of CO2 in 2019 to around 0.02 Gt of CO2 by 2050. However, meeting the investment requirements for the proposed transition pathway remains a significant challenge. Accelerating renewable energy development by 20% is suggested to mitigate risks and activate a greener economy, leading to socio- political and economic benefits. VII In conclusion, the imperative for decarbonization in South Africa's energy sector is underscored, aligning with global decarbonization targets and ensuring socioeconomic stability. Strategic interventions, particularly in accelerating renewable energy deployment, are essential to navigate the transition effectively and realize the full potential of a sustainable energy future.Item The role of natural gas in the current energy transition: A South African Focus(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Hough, Lize; Chitima, KuraiAfrica’s growing urban populations and industrialisation mean rapid growth in energy demand. Natural gas is facing a potential turning point in Africa. There have been major discoveries in recent years in East Africa, Egypt, West Africa, and South Africa. Natural gas has the potential to mitigate Africa’s energy challenges and stimulate economic growth with increased use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role that natural gas plays as an energy accelerator in the current energy transition of South Africa. South Africa has an energy crisis with increased stages of possible load shedding, and commitments to reduce CO2 emissions. South Africa’s electricity mainly depends on coal-based energy through its primary electricity supplier Eskom. For South Africa to adapt to a more diverse energy mix and to enlarge the role of natural gas has not been studied, infrastructure forms a large part of the strategy to grow and transform. However, the natural gas infrastructure of South Africa is underdeveloped and limited but its neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Namibia, have discovered large natural gas reserves that could be accessed to supply South Africa with natural gas. This qualitative research study used semi-structured online interviews of 17 participants with industry-specific experience and knowledge. A thematic analysis affirmed that natural gas could serve as a bridge between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy solutions. However, the current underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure imposes limitations. The underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure is mainly due to three causes, limited government support, access to funding and investment, and the supply of natural gasItem Leveraging the Energy Transition for greater black entrepreneurial participation in the Liquid Fuels sector in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tlou, Dineo; Soko, MilfordBackground: The Liquid Fuels Industry in South Africa is a key contributor to the economy and development agenda of the country. The industry has been dominated by large multinational and privately-owned companies that control and own some of the factors of production. Purpose: This study aims to examine how the energy transition can be leveraged for greater Black entrepreneurial participation in the liquid fuels sector in South Africa. Design, methodology and approach: A qualitative study was conducted, and primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 14 Black entrepreneurs engaged in the liquid fuels sector; primarily sourced through the National Energy Wholesalers Association of South Africa (NAEWASA) and the South Africa Petroleum Industry Association of South Africa (SAPIA) as well as 4 active and former Black business executives in the liquid fuels industry. A combined total of 18 interviews was conducted. The method of analysis employed was thematic analysis to allow for further probing of participants. Findings: The results indicate that Black entrepreneurs in the liquid fuels sector were aware of the energy transition, related activities as well as potential opportunities. They were, however, of the view that it was premature for South Africa considering the structural challenges. Business executives expressed a similar understanding of the energy transition but were aligned in that it needed to be paced for each country. Additionally, entrepreneurs experienced barriers to participation that impede their ability to be active participants in the sector. The results also indicate that the sector has skills requirements to enable entrepreneurial participation in the Energy Transition