Introduction:
South Africa’s energy supply remains heavily reliant on coal, which provides about three-quarters of the country's national electricity and sustains nearly 90,000 jobs in coal-dependent provinces, such as Mpumalanga. While this reliance has historically ensured energy security and economic activity, it has also placed South Africa among the world’s leading carbon emitters, undermining climate commitments and contributing to environmental degradation and public health risks. At the same time, renewable energy initiatives, notably the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), have added over six gigawatts of solar and wind power to the grid, now supplying roughly a quarter of electricity. However, the transition is constrained by challenges such as grid integration, funding shortages, and uneven policy enforcement.
Problem Statement: The central problem, which is South Africa’s dependence on coal, creates a dual crisis: (1) escalating carbon emissions and climate vulnerability, and (2) socio-economic risks for communities reliant on coal mining and power generation. A rapid coal phase-out without safeguards could devastate livelihoods, while a slow transition undermines environmental and health objectives. The adverse impact is felt both globally (through emissions) and locally (through job insecurity, pollution, and unreliable electricity supply). The problem to be solved is how to balance emission reduction with social protection and energy reliability.
Why the Problem Must Be Solved: Failure to act deepens climate risks, worsens air quality, and jeopardizes South Africa’s international commitments under frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. At the same time, inaction prolongs economic dependence on a declining industry, leaving coal communities vulnerable to unemployment and poverty. Solving this problem is essential to secure a sustainable, inclusive energy future that protects both people and the planet.
Research Methodology: This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis will assess energy production, emissions data, and job trends across fossil and renewable sectors. Qualitative research, including policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and case studies of REIPPPP projects, will explore governance challenges, community perspectives, and opportunities for just transition strategies. Comparative analysis with international energy transitions will provide lessons adaptable to South Africa’s context.
Collaborators: The research will engage with government agencies (e.g., Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Eskom), renewable energy developers, labor unions representing coal workers, and civil society organizations advocating for environmental justice. Academic institutions and international partners (such as climate finance bodies and technical experts from the International Renewable Energy Agency) will provide additional expertise and comparative insights.
By integrating technical, social, and policy dimensions, this research aims to propose pathways for a just and inclusive energy transition that safeguards livelihoods while advancing renewable innovation.
