Publications
Publications
- June 2022
- HBS Case Collection
South Africa – a 'Just Energy Transition'
By: Richard Vietor
Abstract
South Africa, like most other countries, is in the process of reducing its carbon emissions to comply with COP26 and, hopefully, reach net zero emissions by 2050. However, because South Africa relies almost wholly on coal (93%) for electricity, and on coal for artificial gasoline, this is a huge task. Furthermore, its state-owned utility – ESCOM – is just recovering from a period of corrupt, “state capture,” and requires state support to cover its debt service. Finally, because of the country’s high unemployment and strong labor unions, a “just energy transition” is essential. Jobs and retraining for thousands of coal miners and energy workers, their families and communities, will dominate the process of energy transition.
Keywords
Energy; Economic Development; Climate Change; Coal Mining; Emission Reduction; Environmental Regulation; Environmental Sustainability; Environmental Law; Labor and Management Relations; Labor Unions; Natural Resources; Energy Policy; Energy Sources; South Africa
Citation
Vietor, Richard. "South Africa – a 'Just Energy Transition'." Harvard Business School Case 722-069, June 2022.