In 2008 the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) identified a need for the province to shift to a more sustainable energy profile.  The decision to develop a strategy arose from the current electricity shortages facing the country as well as issues relating to long term energy security and the environment.  The GPG identified the following objectives:

1. To develop an Integrated Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan for Gauteng Province
2. To involve stakeholders in Strategy and Implementation Plan development
3. To clarify institutional requirements for Strategy implementation
4. To build capacity in Provincial Government to manage and oversee the successful implementation of the strategy

Sustainable Energy Africa was contracted to undertake this work, which was to be achieved in two phases from September 2008 until March 2010.

Phase 1:

As intended we developed a draft integrated energy strategy, with high level modelling, and implementation plan at the end of phase one of the work.  In order to develop the strategy, we worked on researching and writing a status quo report outlining the international and national positions on energy and climate change.  We conducted some research on what has been achieved or is underway in terms of policies, frameworks, strategies, initiatives and projects at a provincial and municipal level.  This report highlighted the extent to which important work is currently underway. It also pointed to the need for coordination and leadership within the province.

An initial energy profile of the province and a review of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies was undertaken.

Phase 2:

The focus of this phase has been to finalise the strategy and to develop a detailed implementation plan.

This involved more detailed modelling of future scenarios and further research on particularly industry and civil society initiatives within the province.  Sector specific stakeholder workshops were held to go through the strategy in detail in order to arrive at a clear implementation plan. 

Some building of capacity will be engaged with, as well as developing a website and building awareness of the strategy and energy issues more generally.

Gauteng Province, through the Department of Local Government and Housing, has opted to set bold targets that are higher than current national targets.  The strategy takes into consideration the recommendations made by the Long Term Mitigation Scenarios accepted by cabinet in July 2008. 

The final stages of this work will involve developing a business plan to help implement the strategy, the establishment of an energy support group, meetings with specific departments within the province, and a synthesis workshop.

Project Manager: Peta Wolpe
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