Abstract
The dissertation examines the slow uptake of renewable energy in South Africa, especially solar type energy systems. It aims to identify and understand the issues and the unique dynamics involved in the local government (municipalities) since they are at the forefront of electricity distribution. The dissertation takes a qualitative research approach and a triangulation of data collection methods, combined with a relatively broad literature study to capture the complexity of the related issues. The contextual focus includes the macro-economic factors that contribute to the environment in which municipalities operate, developmental, economic, political and social aspects and the related experience of poverty, urbanization and unemployment. Furthermore, the dissertation attempts to show that a relationship exists between a slow uptake of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy and the loss of electricity sales revenue by municipalities in recent times.
Key findings indicate that the electricity sales revenue of municipalities is affected by the introduction of renewable energy technologies. This in turn causes reluctance in promoting such technologies from the decision makers at municipal level, because electricity distribution income is a key contributor to municipal revenue without which municipalities will not be able to meet their constitutional obligations. These findings are supported by the view of this dissertation when comparing electricity sales revenue of metropolitan municipalities over the past five years and also studying municipal legal framework. A variety of related theoretical work is chosen in this dissertation as a useful framework for analysis in order to approach issues of comparing the relationship between depleting municipal electricity sales revenue and the slow uptake of the renewable energy type system with a major focus on solar energy.
M.Ing. (Engineering Electrical and Electronics)