Research Reports

The purpose of the research on which this article reports was to investigate how renewable energy forms part of the strategy of a local government, and to evaluate how participatory processes are utilised in the development and communication of this municipal strategy. 

The focus of this report is on a more transformational or progressive JET; one in which ownership changes can help to tackle the dire socio-economic challenges that face South Africa at this point in its history.

This report tracks ownership patterns in the REI4P so far, based on publically available information, and makes recommendations for future bidding rounds. The purpose is to help ensure that the benefits of RE go beyond only the economic and environmental impacts, and that the social aspects of a just energy transition, such as ownership, are also considered.

This investigation draws on policy documents and interview data to establish that the policy’s lack of appreciation for existing community development tradition and frameworks, commonly applied in South African development policy and programmes, has weakened its potential.

Together with supporting research, this analysis has been used to develop a set of high-level lessons intended to facilitate the roll out of similar RE IPP competitive tender programmes in other emerging markets.

This review critically examines the current REI4P model of socio-economic development implementation. More specifically, it asks whether the REI4P is creating decent full-time jobs to its maximum potential; delivering services to those affected communities, and empowering communities to identify and implement opportunities beyond the renewable energy projects.

The paper draws from Mott MacDonald’s involvement as Technical Advisor on the seven CSP projects that have been successful under the REIPPPP to date as well as other global CSP developments. It presents how various programme requirements have affected the implementation of projects, such as the technical requirements, time of day tariff structure, economic development requirements and the renewable energy grid code.

This research report on the potential of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme in facilitating economic development in local communities.

This report sheds light on the policy requirements and initial implementation experiences of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RE IPPPP) in South Africa.

Important lessons can be learned for both South Africa and other emerging markets contemplating investments in renewables and other critical infrastructure investments.