Sage Journals:Science Progress-Volume 107, Issue 2, April 2024

The development and use of renewable energy sources (REs) can make a significant contribution to improving access to electricity and energy in South Africa. The article reviews the potential of the predominant REs in South Africa, including wind, solar and biomass. The study begins with a brief explanation of the impacts of fossil fuels on the environment as a motivation to why the country needs renewable energy sources. Additionally, the article explains the challenges for effective transition to renewable energy in South Africa and present a SWOT matrix of RE investment in the country.

Key Findings/Recommendations: Although the development and use of REs can make a significant contribution to improving access to electricity and energy in South Africa, the growth of RE in the nation faces financial, political, technological, and environmental obstacles. Some recommendations to mitigate these difficulties are:

• To efficiently collect and recycle more household waste and agricultural residues, an effective waste management program should be offered. These wastes have the potential to be productive sources of biomass energy.
• An environment conducive to investment should be provided. This can take the form of loans, subsidies or even legislation to encourage the expansion of the RE sector.
• The benefits of RE for society, especially in rural areas, should be publicised.

Read online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/00368504241237347