The Effectiveness of renewable energy policies in promoting energy adoption: the case of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Abstract

This research’s purpose was to compare the effectiveness of energy policies in promoting clean energy adoption in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The study was guided by qualitative research design using policy analysis and case studies. The sampling method used was purposive sampling and it targeted key renewable energy policies and projects in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Data collection methods used were key informant interviews with documentary searches. Key informant interviewees were officials in the energy and climate change sectors. Government documents, investment reports and energy sector data were used and these included the integrated resource plan, national renewable energy policy and International Renewable Energy Agency reports on Zimbabwe and South Africa. The data that was gathered from the interviews was utilized to determine the participants' experience, knowledge, and perspectives on the study. Inductive reasoning is a type of data analysis in which the researcher takes detailed observations and then derives conclusions about larger, more general occurrences. Key findings include policy effectiveness with Zimbabwe and South Africa incorporating renewables into their energy mix and policies attracting investors at the same time creating jobs although the projects remain small scale projects. Challenges faced included aging infrastructure and tariff reduction being needed to attract independent power producers. Conclusions include the need to implement policies which attract independent power producer and there being need to replace aging infrastructure. The research recommends policy improvements as there can develop bilateral energy sharing agreements and also prioritize infrastructures, expanding tariff reductions for local and independent power producers and both countries having the potential to leverage regional platforms to increase clean energy integration.