Community acceptance challenges of renewable energy transition: A tale of two solar parks in Limpopo, South Africa

This study investigates the extent to which independent power producers (IPPs) in South Africa are meeting government targets for job creation and broad-based black economic empowerment. The focus is on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources, promote economic development, and address climate change, inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The study specifically examines two solar parks in Limpopo province through face-to-face interviews with key informants involved in the IPP process. It seeks to assess whether IPPs are fulfilling the government’s objectives and contributing to job creation and economic empowerment for black communities.