Renewable energy policy landscape in South Africa: Moving towards a low carbon economy

Abstract

The South African agenda for renewable energy policy is linked to a target of 10,000 GWh by 2013. This is a vision put in place in order to mitigate negative impacts of climate change, address the energy mix and move towards a low carbon economy. The Ernst & Young'All Renewables Index' ranked South Africa 27th out of the 30 countries included in the index. This paper documents policy developments within South Africa's renewable energy space. The paper considers the policy landscape at various levels namely: acts of parliament, policies (white papers) and green papers, strategies and action plans as well as regulations and instruments. We conclude that South Africa has moved swiftly to establish an effective legislative regime for renewable energy investment and this is assisting the country in fulfilling its vision as outlined earlier. © 2011 WIT Press.