This study broadly investigates South African energy policy with specific emphasis on the
Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). It
investigates how the procurement programme links to rights-based climate justice principles.
Climate justice principles have the potential to greatly impact the socio-economic development
characteristics of the renewable energy sector. These principles incorporate the notions of
participation and self-representation, equality, and the anti-commodification of nature, thus
linking to the collective ownership aspect of renewable energy plants. Depending on the
procurement model chosen, renewable energy has the potential to offer true broad-based
empowerment and developmental benefits to the country.
A neo-Gramscian theoretical framework was selected in order to draw links between the
renewable energy sector and the political economy which are so entrenched in the Minerals-
Energy Complex (MEC). The neo-Gramscian framework demonstrates strength in the
uncovering of the shift in the social relations of production and how these interact with the state
and the international class project. It is utilised to expose the character of power and hegemony
and how the needs of transnational capital are satisfied within local perceptions of
development. This research revealed that the renewable energy sector has been annexed by the
transnational neoliberal agenda through the non-participative nature of the REIPPPP. To
challenge this power relation, the neo-Gramscian notion of a counter-hegemony is particularly
pertinent. Community renewables, the focus of this research, are presented as such a counterhegemonic
alternative.
A number of European countries have successfully integrated community owned renewable
energy plants into their energy sectors. Various case studies of community renewables in
Denmark, Sweden and the UK respectively are proposed as alternative ownership models to
those being promoted in the REIPPPP in South Africa. Barriers to community renewables in the
South African context have been identified. These identified barriers allow one to make
informed predictions about the future ownership of the renewable energy sector in South
Africa. Recommendations are suggested that would work towards promoting a more inclusive
and participatory renewable energy sector with greater adherence to climate justice principles. / M. Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/10004 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Bode, Christiaan César |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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