Energy Security in South America and Southern Africa: Synthesis Report

The report examines electricity security in Southern Africa and South America, highlighting the heavy reliance of South Africa on coal and Brazil's dependence on hydropower. It argues that while both regions have vast renewable energy potential, adoption is hindered by technological lock-in, risk-averse financing, and restrictive government policies. The document advocates for regional energy integration and policy reforms to diversify energy mixes and improve sustainability.

• South Africa's electricity sector is characterized by an extreme dependence on coal, which accounts for 90 per cent of its electricity generation and contributes to the country being responsible for 39 per cent of the African continent's emissions.
• Brazil's electricity supply is primarily based on hydroelectricity, resulting in negligible generation-related emissions; however, land-use change and deforestation in the Amazon increase the region's global emissions contribution from 4.9 per cent to 10.3 per cent.
• The transition to renewable energy in both regions is obstructed by 'lock-in' effects, where high capital intensity and existing infrastructure make it expensive and difficult to shift away from traditional technology pathways.
• The realization of renewable energy potential is limited by three primary factors: a lack of capacity to innovate and adopt new technology, risk-averse private investors in nascent financial markets, and a lack of clear government support or subsidies.
• Regional energy integration is proposed as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to national reliance, as it allows countries to access low-cost resources from neighbors and reduces price volatility.
• In Southern Africa, South Africa dominates the market, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of the region's total electricity demand and exporting power to six neighboring countries via the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

APA

Kiratu, S. (2011). Energy Security in South America and Southern Africa: Synthesis Report. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/energy_security_south_america_africa.pdf

Chicago

Kiratu, Sheila. Energy Security in South America and Southern Africa: Synthesis Report. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2011. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/energy_security_south_america_africa.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kiratu |first1=Sheila |title=Energy Security in South America and Southern Africa: Synthesis Report |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2011 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/energy_security_south_america_africa.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kiratu2011energy, author = {Kiratu, Sheila}, title = {{Energy Security in South America and Southern Africa: Synthesis Report}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2011}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/energy_security_south_america_africa.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }