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The report uses the SATIMGE modelling framework to compare a least-cost Reference Case against various Policy Scenarios and an 'Ideal Energy Scenario' for South Africa. The Ideal Energy Scenario targets net zero CO2 by 2050 with a cumulative GHG limit of 8 Gt CO2-eq, featuring a systemic shift to 80% public transport, expanded social provisioning for low-income households (including 6.5 million solar water heaters), and a domestic clean energy manufacturing sector with 85% local content. Results indicate that while total system investment costs increase, an affordable and socially inclusive transition is possible, with energy sector employment increasing due to localisation measures, despite a slight relative decline in economy-wide employment compared to the Reference Case.

The document outlines the regulatory requirements for embedded generation in South Africa, specifically focusing on the transition to a 100 MW license-exempt threshold. It details the two-phase process involving connection approval from a licensed distributor (municipality or Eskom) followed by registration with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

The report examines the South African utility-scale renewable energy market, focusing on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and the 2018 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). It highlights the transition from a coal-dominated energy mix toward wind and solar, detailing the economic impact of the REIPPPP, emerging opportunities in municipal procurement and project refinancing, and the role of the Western Cape as a greentech hub.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies presents three plausible scenarios for South Africa's economic and political trajectory up to 2030: 'Bafana Bafana' (continued underachievement), 'Mandela Magic' (high growth and vision), and 'Nation Divided' (political instability and populist decline). Using the International Futures forecasting system, the author analyzes how leadership choices, particularly within the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance with COSATU, will impact GDP, employment, and social stability.

The report analyzes the reliance of BRICS nations on fossil fuel revenues and subsidies, urging a strategic shift in fiscal policy to diversify economies and support vulnerable groups during the clean energy transition.

The briefing examines the limitations of North-South Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), specifically regarding funding, local ownership, and equity. It proposes South-South cooperation as a complementary approach that leverages peer learning and context-specific solutions to integrate local development needs like energy access and job creation. Using the experiences of South Africa and Colombia, the text identifies specific areas for collaboration, including mine closures and green industrialization, while noting that institutional support and inclusive participation are necessary to achieve transformative development goals.

The report examines the challenges of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), noting their tendency to prioritize donor agendas and techno-economic frameworks over local social needs. It proposes South-South cooperation (SSC) as a vital complement to address these gaps through peer learning and context-specific solutions. Using South Africa and Colombia as case studies, the document identifies specific areas for collaboration, including mine closure, green industrialization, and the integration of peace-building experiences into transition planning.

The COP29 South African Youth Statement outlines five main mandates for climate justice, emphasizing human rights, gender equality, and the needs of marginalized communities. It calls for a shift in climate finance toward grants and debt cancellation for the Global South, the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, and the empowerment of youth and community-based organisations in policymaking. The statement specifically highlights environmental injustices in water sanitation, waste management, and the health impacts of coal mining in Mpumalanga, while advocating for agroecological farming and the regulation of AI and the 'fast-fashion' industry.

The document examines the role of DFIs in climate finance, specifically focusing on the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa. It argues that the IDC is currently unable to meet its mandate of supporting a just transition because it operates like a commercial bank, relying on capital markets and maintaining a risk-averse, private-sector-biased governance structure. The authors recommend a significant recapitalisation of the IDC through fiscal and monetary policy, a shift toward concessional lending with longer grace periods, and a reform of its board to include broader representation from civil society and workers.

The South African Climate Finance Landscape 2025 reports an annual average of ZAR 188.3 billion in climate finance for 2022–2023, though this remains well below the estimated annual need of up to ZAR 499 billion. Investment is heavily skewed toward the energy sector, which receives 74.1% of total flows, primarily for renewable electricity generation. In contrast, adaptation finance is lagging, accounting for only 11.3% of tracked flows. While domestic sources provide nearly 60% of funding, international flows are dominated by public development finance institutions, particularly from Western Europe. The report highlights significant barriers, including grid bottlenecks, policy uncertainty, and a lack of concessional capital for high-risk or non-revenue-generating adaptation and just transition projects.

The report identifies Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia as high-impact regions for clean energy investment, with a subset of eight countries offering over USD 360bn in potential by 2030. It argues that while clean energy costs are falling, private investment is hindered by off-taker, currency, and policy risks. The authors recommend shifting blended finance from covering viability gaps to providing risk-mitigation instruments like guarantees and local currency hedging, and creating liquid, tradable assets through securitization to attract institutional investors.

Civil society organisations, including Greenpeace Africa and the Life After Coal Campaign, have requested a meeting with South Africa's Minister of Energy to address the integrity of the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The signatories argue that the current process has "substantial flaws" and advocate for a just transition from coal to publicly-owned renewable energy and energy efficiency. They propose eleven principles for the IRP, emphasizing least-cost technology combinations, the inclusion of external costs to health and climate, and alignment with the Paris Agreement and South Africa's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The letter specifically seeks clarity on timelines, public participation, the status of energy determinations for coal, nuclear, gas, and renewables, and the delay in Independent Power Producer agreements.

The document examines the relationship between the low-carbon energy transition and the extractive industries, specifically focusing on South Africa. It details the specific metal requirements for various renewable energy technologies—such as solar PV, wind, and geothermal—and argues that the resulting increase in global demand for these materials can provide a strategic economic advantage for South Africa. The paper suggests that the country can leverage its vast mineral reserves to move beyond primary ore exports toward high-value manufacturing of clean technologies and the modernisation of its mining infrastructure.

Japan is transitioning its Africa strategy from Official Development Assistance (ODA) toward private sector-led investment, specifically targeting critical minerals and green energy. This shift is driven by strategic competition with China, particularly regarding supply chain security for rare earth elements and the G7's desire to provide alternatives to Chinese infrastructure loans. While the Japanese government is actively promoting this 'business-based' approach through initiatives like the Green Growth Initiative for Africa and the Minerals Security Partnership, the transition is hindered by high risk perception among Japanese companies.

The research paper assesses the capacity of public DFIs and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to mobilise climate finance, focusing on a case study of South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). It argues that the IDC's current self-financing model and commercial risk appetite hinder its ability to provide the 'patient capital' necessary for a just transition. The authors propose recapitalising the IDC through fiscal and monetary instruments, scaling concessional lending, and democratising its governance to better align with green industrialisation and worker-centric goals.

The report identifies significant growth potential in South Africa's large-scale renewable energy sector, driven by the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 and the removal of licensing thresholds for private generation. While public procurement via the REIPPPP has historically led the market, grid constraints in the Northern and Western Cape now limit project viability. Private procurement is surging, particularly among energy-intensive mining companies. The report also highlights emerging opportunities in battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, and local manufacturing of components, while noting the systemic risk posed by Eskom's debt and the ongoing unbundling of the national utility.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) and Greenpeace Africa submitted joint comments on the Draft Carbon Tax Bill, 2017, arguing that the proposed tax rate and extensive allowances are insufficient to incentivize a transition to energy efficiency or meaningfully reduce South Africa's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Large Infrastructure and Leapfrogging scenario presents an optimistic pathway for Africa, benchmarking progress against historical trajectories in South Asia and South America. It focuses on accelerating the transition to modern energy systems and expanding digital connectivity to drive productivity and social benefits by 2050.

The Life After Coal Campaign informs the South African Minister of Finance that a study by the University of Cape Town's Energy Research Centre (ERC) finds the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power stations are unnecessary and economically harmful. The campaign argues these projects would increase system costs by R19.68 billion, raise greenhouse gas emissions by 205.7Mt CO2eq over 30 years, and exacerbate Eskom's financial crisis. The letter advocates for a transition to renewable energy to ensure financial stability and meet Paris Agreement commitments.

The document outlines the economic necessity for South Africa to transition toward low-carbon manufacturing, identifying specific opportunities in renewable energy, transport, agriprocessing, water, and the circular economy. It emphasizes the need for policy clarity, local procurement, and a 'just transition' that protects workers and informal waste pickers.