Research Reports

This report follows the format of first introducing the national and local energy development landscape as a background context for the study. It then deepens its focus on energy use in municipalities, covering the energy service delivery status of the 2 study municipalities (technical and policy elements), household energy use patterns of low-income households in…

The aim of the study is to present examples of best practice in areas which can be used to strengthen the governance and the social development intent of the current RBM trusts.

The current study presents the initial discussion paper which seeks to explore the role TVET can and should play in a Just Transition to a Green Future and how DC can support partner countries in this endeavour.

The Energy Transition Skills Project led by Student Energy, in partnership with Ørsted, explores what is most important to young people when looking for employment and what barriers they face to entering the energy transition jobs labour market. By understanding the needs and aspirations of young people, the project provides insight to young people, organizations,…

This research report aims to specifically explore the skills gaps and training needs amongst economic development practitioners in South Africa’s Renewable Energy Programme.

Intellidex has conducted a research project into community trusts set up under South Africa’s renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme (REIPPPP). The research was funded by FirstRand.

This policy brief provides lessons learnt and associated recommendations from one particular attempt to address this issue, namely South Africa’s efforts to incorporate community development as a criteria in the auction schemes through which renewable energy is procured. This policy is implemented through the nationwide REIPPP programme, which is among the few of its kind…

This paper develops a social performance approach for energy-sector investments and energy project development. In essence, this puts the needs and well-being of people – including current and future generations – at the centre of energy development and related investments and activities. The approach can help determine whether (or not) the development and implementation of…

This paper explores the question of scaling Just Transition community projects, blending historical and empirical perspectives. Through an assessment of the design, funding, implementation and maintenance of such projects, the paper articulates the constraints and opportunities for South Africa’s historically disadvantaged communities. South Africa is indeed not new transition projects and, in some ways, can…

The research investigated community engagement within the tripartite relationship of a wind farm, the communities around it, and the local government. It was found that local government played a moderating role in the community engagement efforts of the wind farm, which had to comply with certain engagement protocols determined by local government.

This paper outlines the Social Performance Approach, offering a new perspectiveon understanding and shaping energy sector investments for the benefit of people and communities.

This report presents the results of a study which unpacks some of the major political, institutional, regulatory and social barriers to renewable energy deployment in South Africa. It also provides some insight into proposed means of addressing these barriers to facilitate accelerated industrialisation in the renewable energy sector.