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The Political Economy of Energy Transitions: The Case of South Africa

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  • Lucy Baker
  • Peter Newell
  • Jon Phillips

Abstract

This paper explores the political economy of energy transition in South Africa. An economic model based around a powerful 'minerals-energy complex' that has previously been able to provide domestic and foreign capital with cheap and plentiful coal-generated electricity is no longer economically or environmentally sustainable. The paper analyses the struggle over competing energy visions, infrastructures and political agendas in order to generate insights into the governance and financing of clean energy transitions in South Africa. It provides both a rich empirical account of key policy developments aimed at enabling such a transition and provides reflections on how best to theorise the contested politics of energy transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucy Baker & Peter Newell & Jon Phillips, 2014. "The Political Economy of Energy Transitions: The Case of South Africa," New Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(6), pages 791-818, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cnpexx:v:19:y:2014:i:6:p:791-818
    DOI: 10.1080/13563467.2013.849674
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    1. -, 2009. "The economics of climate change," Sede Subregional de la CEPAL para el Caribe (Estudios e Investigaciones) 38679, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    2. Oecd, 2009. "Climate Change and Africa," OECD Journal: General Papers, OECD Publishing, vol. 2009(1), pages 5-35.
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