{"id":53334,"date":"2023-03-20T10:54:20","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T10:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/africa\/?p=53334"},"modified":"2025-08-25T13:06:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T13:06:30","slug":"hidden-truths-of-why-we-dont-see-much-renewable-energy-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/africa\/en\/blog\/53334\/hidden-truths-of-why-we-dont-see-much-renewable-energy-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Truths Of Why We Don’t See Much Renewable Energy In South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Protest at a nuclear energy congress in South Africa<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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WE CAN\u2019T DO IT ALONE, HELP US IMPACT CHANGE BY MAKING A DONATION.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Energy is well recognized to be the lifeline of all human activities and the world we live in today has undoubtedly been shaped by our energy system. <\/p>\n\n

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However, the very energy system that we have become so dependent on is increasingly becoming less sustainable.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Our dependence on fossil fuel-powered energy generation is stealing our future and dooming us to climate disaster after climate disaster.<\/p>\n\n

There is no question that the future requires change through the development and adaption of renewable sources of energy. However, rather than recognising the challenge and necessity of finding a new path enabling people to define a future that satisfies their energy needs, the South African government and Eskom remains determined to capitalise on coal-powered energy. <\/p>\n\n

South African Energy Sector \u2013 The Context For Renewables<\/h2>\n\n
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Greenpeace volunteers raise a wind turbine on the beach at dawn in Durban, South Africa<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

South Africa is one of the most energy-intensive economies in the world, with around 90 per cent of its electricity generated using coal as a primary resource.<\/p>\n\n

As such, the South African energy system remains on a highly unsustainable path, and the potential for long-term growth and prosperity of the economy is plagued. <\/p>\n\n

The alternative to energy derived from burning fossil fuels, is renewable energy. The good news is that renewable energy technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, becoming the cheapest form of energy. The bad news is that it is still met with political resistance by those with vested interests in the fossil fuel industry. This is disappointing considering the country\u2019s wealth of natural resources required for clean energy generation.<\/p>\n\n

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African leadership must step up.
Africa is on the frontline of the climate crisis.
Africans deserve jobs and a cleaner, safer future.

This is possible through a just transition to renewable energy \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/t.co\/f6BIA8r8LY<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/h3iCyVgv5f<\/a><\/p>— Greenpeace Africa (@Greenpeaceafric) March 12, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>