Development of a community through a solar energy plant in a rural town
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Date
2020-02
Authors
Ndlela, Yvonne Zukiswa
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This study explored the contributions of a solar energy plant towards a rural town’s community development. The study focused on community development and renewable energy. It reviewed the definitions of community development and how community development has evolved over the years. It provides a synopsis of renewable energy, both globally and in South Africa, as renewable energy has become a worldwide focus in fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions. The literature revealed that South Africa has linked renewable energy to community development through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. The programme specifies among other requirements that Independent Power Producers should spend a percentage of their revenue on enterprise development and socioeconomic development. This case study deliberated on how a solar energy plant contributed towards community development within the first five years of its existence with the use of a technical support approach. Findings in this study specified the gap in the definition of community development that complicates execution of community development. There was a lack of clarity in the private sector’s community development implementation policy. Thus, in applying corporate social responsibility, businesses tended to adopt a variety of inconsistent approaches. This lack of policy has also led to the ineffectiveness of socio-economic development. Additionally, political influence has had a negative impact on the progress of community development, exemplified in its introduction of bias with the aim of redressing inequality. In conclusion, I recommend further research on the socio-economic impact of renewable energy projects and the degree to which communities are informed about associated benefits.
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Keywords
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Community, Community development, Renewable energy, Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, Enterprise development, Socio-economic development