Abstract
M.A. (Public Management and Governance)
Renewable energy (RE) is energy generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2016, highlight the importance of shifting from coal as a source of energy to RE as a new source of energy. This study focuses on identifying factors that influence the implementation of RE policy in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was followed, using unobtrusive research techniques. In South Africa, there is a slow rate of transformation toward RE. This study focuses on the implementation of policies that support the development of RE. The South African government still lacks policies that address the importance or the necessity of RE. The National Development Plan (NDP) states that by 2030 the energy sector must have a usage of at least 75% of RE, but currently only 20% of energy comes from RE (Zuma 2017:12).
In 2016, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) cooperation contributed US$180 million to South Africa to assist Eskom in the implementation of RE policies. This loan indicates that there is a commitment in the BRICS towards RE development. However, there is still a lack of political commitment towards RE development in South Africa.
Recently, new policies and legislative frameworks have been adopted and passed by the international community that come with new methods, measures, and mechanisms that will assist in the innovation process of RE sectors in the world. Policymakers should align and adopt new and innovative RE policies, in a quest towards achieving the 2030 vision of 75% of RE usage in South Africa.