Tshisela, Zizo2024-09-302024-09-302021Tshisela, Zizo. (2021). Investigating Criteria and Indicators to Assess the Sustainability of Renewable Energy Supply in South Africa [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41202https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41202A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021Historically, according to Gunnarsdottir, Davidsdottir, Worrell and Sigurgeirsdottir (2020), energy was perceived narrowly in terms of pollution and air quality. Things have progressed, and energy is now regarded as a critical enabler of social and economic growth and sustainable development. As a result of the more progressive understanding of energy, energy problems are no longer seen in isolation but rather in combination with other growth challenges. In their energy for sustainability guidelines and methodologies of 2007, International Energy Agency (IEA, 2007) describes energy as a means to an end, which highlights four areas; a) a clean and safe environment, b) sustainable economy, quality of life, and people’s health. IEA (2007) further indicates there is no good or bad energy source (renewable and non-renewable). Therefore, the benefit is derived from the energy source being able to deliver the end product. The wider interpretation of energy and its cross-cutting influence emphasises its significance and multidimensionality (Gunnarsdottir et al., 2020). Depending on how energy from coal is processed, transported, and used, it could contribute to environmental degradation, climate change, and human health (IEA, 2007; Petinrin & Shaaban, 2015; Khan, 2020). Burning fossil fuels has been found to induce urban air emissions, regional acidification, and the possibility of climate change (IEA, 2007). According to Mathu (2014), the fossil fuels list includes “coal, natural gas, and fuel oil.” Coal emits the most emissions (Mathu, 2014). A sustainable energy sector allows the country and the entire world to participate in economic and social activities by balancing production and energy use with no or negligible effects on the environment (Wang, Jing, Zhang & Zhao, 2009; Oke, Ibrahim & Bokana, 2021). Many countries worldwide have embraced Renewable Energy as an alternative to fossil fuels (Armin Razmjoo, Sumper, and Davarpanah, 2020). Holt and Pengelly (2008) define Renewable Energy as “energy sources that are continually replenished by nature like the sun, the wind, water, the earth’s heat, and plants. Renewable Energy technologies turn these fuels into usable forms of energy, most often electricity, but also heat, chemicals, or mechanical power.” Renewable Energy options such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and ocean energy are sustainable options because they are available, non-replenishable, and proper for use (Armin Razmjoo et al., 2020). Renewable Energy is also considered clean and essential for sustainable development (Manso & Behmiri, 2013; Vanegas Cantarero 2020).en© 2021 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.SustainabilityRenewable EnergyCriteriaIndicatorsUCTDSDG-7: Affordable and clean energyDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg