Academic Research and Theses
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An economic and social review of the preferred bidders under the small projects IPP procurement programme: A cross-case synthesis
This research sought to compare Small Projects under the SP-IPPPP with projects of the same technology under the REIPPPP (in bid window 3 and 4) in a cross-case synthesis. Using an embedded, multiple-case study design the commitments made by Preferred Bidders in each programme were compiled and contrasted. Following this, the results for the Small…
The development impact of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme on South Africa’s small towns
This thesis aims to explore how effective economic development efforts in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Produce Programme (REIPPPP) have been at creating long term improvements in the livelihood of low income communities. The research sheds light on some of the complexity that exists within community development in the REIPPPP, and highlights common mentalities and…
The development of a socio-economic model to promote women empowerment initiatives in the renewable energy sector of South Africa
The objective of this research was, therefore, to evaluate and recommend new approaches to mainstream gender in the renewable energy sector. This objective would be achieved by introducing a model of the factors that contribute to the perceived success of the socio-economic empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector of the RSA.
Addressing community energy challenges with utilityscale renewables: A case study of Hopefield Wind Farm
This thesis documents how a utility-scale renewable energy project has addressed community energy challenges through the development of a wind farm as part of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
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,…
Does the South African renewable energy programme exclude Black Woman owned businesses?
The main aims of this thesis were to investigate and critically evaluate the participation of Black women owned businesses (BWOBs) within the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), and to make recommendations to improve levels of participation of Black women in the REIPPPP in future rounds of the programme.
Renewable energy and local development: Seven lessons from the mining industry
This study examines the transition of South Africa’s energy sector from fossil fuels to renewable sources and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and socioeconomic development in the renewable energy industry. Drawing lessons from the mining industry, the study advocates for effectively managing social disruption, understanding community dynamics, establishing responsive institutions, employing trained community practitioners,…
ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF AN INDEPENDENTPOWER PRODUCER’S SOCIAL INVESTMENT IN ACOMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY OF SCATEC SOLAR
This study focuses on the SED component of the REIPPPP and its participatory and sustainable application by IPPs. The case study utilised is SCATEC SOLAR, a Norwegian solar producer, and their Linde solar plant in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The beneficiary community is Hanover, which falls within the 50 km radius of the…
Implementing community renewables: Institutional work in South Africa’s renewable energy procurement
This thesis analyses the question how the institutions evolve in the implementation of community benefit requirements. The theoretical frameworks of institutional work and logics helps to analyse this new organizational field and interaction of various actors in government, industries and communities.
Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Job Creation: An investigation of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP)
The study aims to unpack the quantitative job creation submissions of the REIPPPP and investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with meaningful job creation.
Investigating alternative funding sources for community equity ownership in renewable energy projects in South Africa
This study sought to identify alternative funding options for Community Equity Ownership (CEO) in order to ensure its continuity in both the REI4P and the proposed IPP Programmes. An exploratory research design was pursued for the study in view of data limitations arising from the infancy of the renewable energy sector in South Africa.
