Just Energy Transition of South Africa in a Post-COVID Era

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked global debate over how green economic recovery may and should be, if has accelerated present energy transition while assuring a just for vulnerable populations such as unskilled workers women. This study investigates socioeconomic impact South Africa’s planned transition, with focus on Mpumalanga province—the country’s largest coal mining region many coal-fired power plants. Using regional-dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, analyses economy-wide effects different policy scenarios related to changing electricity generation mix, investment financing costs, international action against non-compliant industries, amongst others, specific industries population groups in Mpumalanga. Key results from highlights that (1) structure economy will be affected medium long run regardless domestic path, (2) is indeed danger shrinking relative baseline, unless Just Energy Transition (JET) quickly carefully managed, (3) at national level, least, there strong possibility double dividend when greening African overall growth environmental outcomes expected improve run.