Renewable Energy through Public Private Partnerships in South Africa

Abstract

The magnificence of South Africa is its immense natural beauty and abundant natural resources. An energy intensive fossil-fuel powered economy makes South Africa vulnerable to the impact of climate change. South Africa’s commitment to environmentally sustainable energy utilisation, rural electrification needs and energy security is the driving force to venture into renewable energy options. This study investigates the renewable energy options available in South Africa to ascertain which are the most viable to implement. It identifies the obstacles preventing the implementation of renewable energy options and seeks to find solutions to overcome them. This study considered the role of public private partnerships in transforming renewable energy in South Africa through effective public private partnering. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Primary data was collected through direct communication in the form of personal ‘face-to-face’ and telephonic interviews and content analysis of documentary materials. This study confirmed that South African conditions were favourable for the implementation of a wide range of renewable technologies. Legislative barriers, grid access and infrastructure, tariff structures and lack of information were identified as some of the major obstacles delaying the implementation process. Regulatory reform was required to overcome some of these hurdles. The study found that instead of public private partnerships serving to transform the renewable industry, independent power producers proved more effective.