South Africa has an abundance of renewable energy resources. This, combined with the recent drop in technology costs and the need for new power generation as coal power plants reach retirement, provides an opportunity for the country to decarbonise its electricity sector. Managing this process will allow for a just transition in coal-dependent sectors and regions, thus opening new opportunities for current coal sector employees and other job seekers.
This study analyses the employment impacts of different plans for expanding electricity generation in South Africa’s power sector. It presents the resulting employment effects within the electricity sector, primarily focusing on coal and renewable energy sources. It also provides an initial assessment of the skill attainment levels required for South Africa’s energy transition and the potential for workers to transfer from the coal sector to the emerging renewable energy sector.