South Africa's Energy Security in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation

The document argues that South Africa must transition from a coal-dependent energy system to a low-carbon economy to ensure energy security and maintain competitive advantage. It highlights the need for institutional and regulatory reform to allow clean electricity suppliers to enter a market currently dominated by coal and the national utility. The text notes that current energy and climate policies are undermined by a lack of coherence across government departments. Additionally, it identifies a significant funding gap for local infrastructure, noting that South African municipalities receive less than 10% of the country's climate finance.

• South Africa's heavy reliance on coal as a primary energy source is identified as a major driver of carbon dioxide emissions, necessitating an urgent diversification toward renewable power sources to redefine the country's competitive advantage.
• The transition to a low-carbon economy is hindered by a lack of a coherent vision across government departments, leading to fractured policies where energy and climate measures are undermined by other government policies.
• There is a substantial funding gap for the just energy transition at the local level, with South African municipalities receiving less than 10% of the national climate finance despite their role in delivering infrastructure.

APA

Kiratu,, S. (2010). South Africa's Energy Security in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/south-africas-energy-security-context-climate-change-mitigation

Chicago

Kiratu,, Sheila. South Africa's Energy Security in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2010. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/south-africas-energy-security-context-climate-change-mitigation.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kiratu, |first1=Sheila |title=South Africa's Energy Security in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=28 August 2010 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/south-africas-energy-security-context-climate-change-mitigation |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kiratu2010south, author = {Kiratu,, Sheila}, title = {{South Africa's Energy Security in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2010}, month = aug, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/south-africas-energy-security-context-climate-change-mitigation}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }