Strengthening participation in South Africa’s energy transition

Context

South Africa is in an excellent position to generate electricity from renewable energy. It launched a programme for independent energy generators back in 2011. A key element is that investments also go towards promoting the socio-economic development of communities near wind and solar farms. This makes South Africa a trailblazer in linking society to the energy transition.

However, investments have so far not made sufficient impact, leading to disappointment among citizens. The South African Government has recognised this risk and is aiming for broader and more active societal participation in the energy transition.

Objective

The participation of South Africa’s population in the expansion of renewable energy has been strengthened in terms of a just and socially accepted energy transition.

Approach

The project strengthens societal participation in the energy transition. It provides advice to government and civil society representatives, local decision-makers and businesses on making the design and implementation of investments in socio-economic development measures under the renewable energy programme more effective. As part of this, it supports government decision-makers in improving the criteria related to the process. At the same time, it trains practitioners in order to build their capacities for socio-economic development.

Furthermore, the project tests financial participation models that involve the population. These include citizens’ energy models, cooperatives and employee financial participation.

Companies operating in South Africa, including German businesses, can thus invest more easily in renewable energy while increasing the satisfaction of their employees.

Last update: June 2025