Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Intention to adopt solar energy technology by township small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngcongwane, Sakhil’umuzi; Saruchera,Fanny
    The South African township small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are facing a significant challenge in achieving their net zero ambitions due to a prolonged and worsening electricity supply shortfall. This crisis has raised concerns about the adequacy of electricity access and alternative energy provision for township enterprises. A study was conducted to examine the intention to adopt solar energy technology by SMMEs, identifying the determinants of acceptance, evaluating their perceptions of RE electricity's potential, and proposing a model for solar energy technology acceptance. The study used an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to conduct a quantitative research design, with an online cross-sectional survey conducted across 72 township SMMEs in South Africa. The results of the study indicated that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived behavioural control were key factors influencing the intention to adopt solar energy technology among township SMMEs. Although a connection between trust in stakeholders and adoption intention was demonstrated, it was nonetheless found to have an insignificant direct impact. The study provides insights into the methodological challenges associated with quantitative exploration of technology adoption and, particularly, where they relate to measurement aspects. By investigating the intention to adopt solar energy technology, the study reaffirms the relevance and importance of technology adoption theories for illuminating relationships that identify the impact of technological innovations on society. Insights regarding the motivational and contextual factors that foster the uptake of solar energy technology by SMMEs can prove invaluable to policymakers and practitioners in the design of programmes to ensure a just energy transition.
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    The successful implementation of LNG aggregation for market development
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moodley, Letitia Anthia; Young, Bruce
    In the context of the global transition towards sustainability, most countries still grapple with energy security issues and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source. Natural gas is proposed as a significant source of energy within global future efforts to diversify the energy system. The development of the natural gas market is therefore imperative to achieve the global energy transition goals as LNG has been identified as an ideal transitionary fuel (Hafeznia, Pourfayaz, & Maleki, 2017; Mohammad, Mohamad Ishak, Mustapa, & Ayodele, 2021; Safari, Das, Langhelle, Roy, & Assadi, 2019). This research report assesses the types of LNG aggregation implemented by countries and the effectiveness of the implementation of LNG aggregation as an energy policy instrument. The determinants of the identified criteria, based on the 4-As framework, were collected, and normalised via the unitization method. Multi-criteria analysis was utilized for the aggregation of the determinants, allowing for the analysis of the function which, in this research report, is the success of LNG aggregation implementation as energy policy. The analysis provides for the top performing country based on the indicators identified for each criterion of the 4As framework, from which, the success factors of LNG aggregation are unpacked. Sixty-four countries are identified as trading in LNG, of which, eleven were identified as having implemented LNG aggregation strategies. The criteria of the 4A’s framework, affordability, availability, acceptability, and applicability, are utilised to define a set of indicators which allowed the eleven countries to be ranked based on a performance score. The United States, ranking first, implements a block aggregation strategy which has been complimented by the country’s success factors. The country has a mature legal environment which has provided reassurance to the global market and resulted in the attraction of investment, transforming the country into a net exporter of energy. The United States has flexibility in its policies which allowed for the production of non- conventional Shale gas. Russia, ranking second, implements single buyer and brokerage aggregation strategies which has enabled the country to become a significant participant within the global LNG market. This successful implementation of the aggregation strategy is underpinned by the vertical integration of the state-owned gas company. The third ranked country, Trinidad and Tobago, has successfully implemented a single buyer, single seller aggregation strategy which allowed the infant market to develop over time. The country strives towards the ease of doing business for global participants, provides Created by Terri Carmichael at Wits Business School; terri.carmichael@wbs.ac.za iii government support and the ability to absorb market fluctuations. Lastly, Singapore implements a single-buyer aggregation strategy. The success factors, of which, have been the countries complimentary incentives for investment and trade, government support, policy driven incentives, a well-developed legal system and agility within policy
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    Determinants of the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas for South African households
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muanda, Bernard; Munkuli, Bongani
    Introduction – South Africa is experiencing the worst energy crisis in decades, and this is causing untold pains for many users across South Africa. At the same time, alternative energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage is lower than similar emerging economies. The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the determinants of LPG usage for South African households. Design methodology – The author uses applies 118 responses to a survey to determine the drivers of LPG usage for South Africa households. To meet these objectives, the author combines the theory of planned behaviour model and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesis. Findings – The study found that behavioural control and intention to use LPG are the precursors to the eventual use of LPG. The relationship between behavioural control and LPG usage is stronger than the relationship between intention and the LPG usage. Attitude towards LPG, the perceived behavioural control and the norms, respectively in order of strength, have a positive relationship with the intention to use LPG. Finally,less educated respondents were likely to switch to LPG usage as opposed to the more educated counterparts. Research implications – The study contributes mainly to enhancing government policy with regards concerning the increase of LPG usage by providing key factors to target for marketing and education for the end user. Key policies will contribute to increasing LPG usage, hence positive contribution to the economy. The value of this study is the first to analyse the determinants of LPG usage for South African households using the theory of planned behaviour and structural equation modelling. Hence, it contributes to the debate surrounding the adoption and increase of LPG usage
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    Perceptions of energy efficiency consequences of implementation of ISO 50001 in South Africa’s pulp and paper industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kapp, Juanita; Hildebrandt, Diane
    With loadshedding taking place daily, often more than once a day, businesses suffer financial losses (Maphumulo, 2021). Research findings revealed that SA is only 38% transition ready towards energy efficiency (World Economic Forum, 2020). Adopting and implementing the energy efficiency option holds various benefits and might even create economies of scale for businesses if understood and implemented correctly. Environmental strategies ensuring an increase in efficiency and a decrease in risks to the environment are known characteristics of resource efficiency and cleaner production. The United Nations introduced 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Goal 7 refers to affordable and clean energy, which is a topic directly impacted by this research. Other SDGs included in this research are Goal 6 clean water and sanitation; Goal 8 economic growth; Goal 9 industry, innovation, and infrastructure; Goal 12 responsible consumption and production; and Goal 13 climate change. The implementation and maintenance of ISO 50001 serves as a central focus point, although other frameworks and models that could be used for an EES will also be referenced. Benefits and motivators for the transition towards energy efficiency will also be discussed. Another factor highlighted is the geopolitical implications that SA faces and how to better position the country to become more transition ready.