The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Cape Town have launched a four-year research project to assess how South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme is addressing inequality in local communities.
Funded by Denmark through the Danida Fellowship Centre, the Communities and the Private Renewable Energy Sector: Distributing Social Development Benefits in South Africa (COM-PRES) project will investigate whether social development interventions by independent power producers align with community needs, build trust and contribute to social cohesion.
According to UJ’s Centre for Social Development in Africa, there is uncertainty about whether private sector-led projects are responsive to local aspirations or risk reinforcing exclusion. The study will also examine the relationship between renewable energy projects and public trust in government and the energy transition. The DKK10 million (approximately R28 million) research initiative is part of Denmark’s support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership.
“Projects like COM-PRES, which support South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, are not only welcome but are encouraged as the knowledge that will be generated will contribute to driving innovation and investment that bolsters South Africa’s renewable energy capacity,” says Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George.
Findings from the study will be shared with government stakeholders alongside policy recommendations for the design and management of socially responsive renewable energy investments.
