Analysis of the South African energy policy key drivers

Abstract

The energy landscape is experiencing major changes globally. These changes are influenced and driven by various factors such as climate change, economic drivers, development and sustainability of base load energy demand. This has placed the onus on governments to optimally manage available energy resources. Have changes in the global energy landscape altered the South African energy objectives, and have they influenced the factors that drive the country’s Energy Policy? This research study analyses how the South African energy policy has developed over time and highlights the key drivers to date. The findings of research study indicates that the key drivers of South African Energy policy are reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, economic growth and realising social development objectives. Policy makers continue to face critical choices in meeting the energy demand, optimising energy resources, managing greenhouse gas emissions and realising set economic objectives pursuant to formulating a policy that caters for the country’s requirements.