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The research strategy of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) unit of the CSIR defines Alternative Energy Futures (AEF) as an explicit research theme. As such it is in line with the mission of the NRE unit, which aims to: “conduct world-class, directed interdisciplinary research and technological innovation, with partners and stakeholders, in the fields of natural resources and the environment to contribute to the social, economic and environmental improvement of South Africa and Africa”.
Most energy-related R&D in South Africa to date has been sector-specific and focussed on the technical aspects of energy-generating and –supply technologies; less attention has been paid on sustainability constraints and impacts of energy-related technologies, i.e. from a macro-economic, social and environmental perspective. New and integrative research is urgently required to support the development of a sound energy policy for the country as well as the African continent, whilst contributing to international R&D initiatives.
In response to the challenges of alternative energy futures, there have been a plethora of South African and international initiatives aimed at addressing energy security and diversification of supply. The relatively high gini coefficient of South Africa, and the current focus on reaching the Millennium Development Goals for Africa, point to the need to have poverty reduction placed clearly on the radar screen at the outset. As such NRE ensures that its research strategy is aligned with, and supported by, the South African Energy R&D strategy and others. The key indicator of this alignment is full participation in national energy R&D initiatives, which is supported by the South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI). This research theme also responds to and supports the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African energy initiatives and R&D that underpin them, such as the Regional Research Alliance (RRA), African Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN), and various NEPAD energy programmes. It further aligns CSIR R&D outside Africa, e.g. ‘energy’ and ‘environment’ are two specific research themes under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union. The overall vision of the AEF research theme is as follows:
To be recognised, nationally and internationally, as the centre of excellence in the field of sustainability assessment, planning and management of energy-related technologies and systems as these relate to the resource base of the region.
Objectives of the AEF research theme
To fulfil its visions the main objectives of the AEF research theme are twofold. They are mainly to assess the: -
Feasibility of available sources for supporting ongoing energy needs in the country and beyond; and
- Likely socio-economic and environmental consequences of using different energy resources.
The NRE AEF research theme recognises that both public and private sector policy-makers, decision-makers, and technology developers, operating from the regional and national levels to the local level, require robust methods to guide structured assessments and the subsequent management of proposed alternative energy systems before they can make sound recommendations relating to energy interventions. The AEF research theme subsequently aims to address the following questions posed by policy-makers, decision-makers and technology developers:
- How to prioritise and choose from a range of alternative energy options, in terms of the robustness and resilience of systems, which requires screening of technical feasibility, economic and financial viability, and social and environmental acceptance?
- How to best implement technically feasible solutions, in an integrated manner, within the continent’s prevailing political, socio-economic and social-ecological systems?
- How to monitor and ensure the sustainable adoption and operation of chosen options?
The overarching problem statement, with associated general research questions, and primary objectives, with related propositions, of the AEF RG can be found here.
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