The effects of renewable energy on communities: the case of Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa
| dc.contributor.advisor | Marais, J. G. L. | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Venter, A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mabele, Modirapula Bernard | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-05-06T05:41:30Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-05-06T05:41:30Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 21-Nov | |
| dc.description | Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2021 | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | The study examines the effect of renewable energy on the communities of Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The researcher analysed the secondary data (through the qualitative method) collected through focus groups and key informants' interviews. The research participants described their knowledge of how renewable energy affect the community. The 1998 White Paper of Energy (amended in 2003) aimed to reduce the environment's energy-related impact. This was followed by the promulgation of the National Energy Act (Act no. 34 of 2008) to implement the Integrated Energy Plan. The plan regulates the present and future energy services needed socially and efficiently while minimising the energy sector's adverse environmental impact. The government continued with its aspirations of green energy by introducing the Integrated Resource Plan in 2010 and reviewed it in 2018 and 2019 to ensure a steady shift towards more cost-effective and sustainable energy. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme was introduced in 2011 to enable the independent power producers to participate in viable bids to construct and maintain large renewable energy projects. The programme created a stage for Eskom to enter into power purchase agreements with the independent power producers to generate clean electricity and contribute to job creation, industrial policy and energy security. The study proceeded with discussions and the participants' views. At first, renewables contributed to jobs, climate mitigation, energy supply, especially in areas without grid access, and economic growth. However, the participants stated that because renewables have a boom effect, especially during the construction phase, they could cause harm to the community. The following socio-environmental issues have been identified because of renewable energy: crime, social disruption, negative impact on the environment and population growth that ultimately strain infrastructure, like roads, schools and housing. The participants cited housing prices that escalated, resulting in a severe affordability challenge for the local people. In addressing the local adverse effects of renewable energy, especially on crime and social disruption, the study recommended that the social integration workshops play a central role in mitigating the social ills in the host communities. Social integration means that the newcomers must be integrated into the host society. Renewable energy was introduced into the area without involving all the key stakeholders, especially the local ones. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative planning. Collaborative planning is an ideal plan to ensure that all key stakeholders work together to ensure a conducive environment (without any harm to the local resources and infrastructure) for renewable energy. | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11660/11604 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_ZA |
| dc.publisher | University of the Free State | en_ZA |
| dc.rights.holder | University of the Free State | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | Renewable energy -- Upington, Northern Cape -- South Africa | en_ZA |
| dc.title | The effects of renewable energy on communities: the case of Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa | en_ZA |
| dc.type | Dissertation | en_ZA |