Academic Research and Theses
Do you have more resources you would like to see here? Please share them with us.
Development of a community through a solar energy plant in a rural town
This study explored the contributions of a solar energy plant towards a rural town’s community development. The study focused on community development and renewable energy.
The development of a socio-economic model to promote women’s empowerment initiatives in the renewable energy sector of South Africa
This study investigates the main contributors that can positively influence the socio-economic empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector in the Republic of South Africa and recommends new and innovative approaches to mainstream gender in the sector.
An assessment of community renewable energy as one of the options for transition to low-carbon energy in South Africa (Gauteng).
The paper explores the promotion of small-scale, decentralised community renewable energy projects as a means to diversify electricity sectors and encourage active engagement in localised renewable energy. It addresses the lack of research on social resources in communities prior to renewable energy project development.
Assessing the gender and social equity dimensions of energy transitions
This paper reviews the academic literature to understand the state of knowledge on how diffusion of low carbon technologies impacts gender and social equity. The findings indicate that renewable energy projects alone cannot achieve gender and social equity, as energy interventions do not automatically tackle the structural dynamics embedded within socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts.
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).
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.
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…
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.
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,…
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.
