Sections:
Overview
Energy is key to our life, to welfare, productive activity, mobility, and to improving living standards, and as such is an important pillar of development. South Africa’s current energy supply comes primarily from fossil fuels in the form of cheap local coal and imported crude oil.
The abundance of local coal has meant that the cost of electricity has historically been amongst the cheapest in the world, and because of this we have developed a highly energy- and carbon-intensive economy. Therefore a transition to an energy sector which is more sustainable is critical.
4 GW
of rooftop solar that is estimated to be installed across distribution grids in South Africa
40 %
of carbon emissions in South Africa is contributed by our 8 largest metros
100 +
municipal partners have joined the Municipal Embedded Generation Support Programme
Our Work in Action
SEA has been working with South African Cities around sustainable energy issues since 2000 and was instrumental in bringing the concept of energy thinking (as opposed to just electricity) into City planning and strategic decision-making. In the early years SEA made visible the energy picture of our cities. More recently we have focused specifically on the implementation of sustainable energy and climate change programmes and strategies, particularly through capacity building and support of City staff, and addressing barriers to effective implementation.
Active Projects
Inclusive Energy Models in South African Municipalities
SEA's role in this project explored the challenges of affordable electricity service delivery and established an evidence base to equip government to review current policies related to electricity access and explore how to mitigate the potentially negative impacts of renewable energy development on the sustainability of basic electricity access across the country.
City of Johannesburg Climate Action Plan Review
The project aims to strengthen the City of Johannesburg’s capacity to deliver evidence-based, inclusive and accountable climate action by supporting the review, update and implementation of its Climate Action Plan. Through improved greenhouse gas inventories, enhanced climate risk and vulnerability data, and a robust stakeholder engagement process, the initiative seeks to guide more effective planning and investment, strengthen coordination across departments and sectors, and accelerate progress toward a fair, low-carbon and climate-resilient future for all who call Johannesburg home.
Regulator and Utility Support for Distributed Generation in selected Sub-Saharan Countries
This project is dedicated to providing technical assistance and support to African regulators and utilities. Our primary goal is to facilitate the safe, compliant, and financially sustainable integration of Distributed Generation (DG) into electricity networks across partner countries in Africa.
Mobilizing Social Movements for Energy Democracy and Sovereignty in South Africa
The project aims to strengthen social and environmental justice movements for democratic engagement and to partner with municipalities and relevant entities so as to lead to the installation and operation of community-led, socially owned renewable energy.
