ENERGY EFFICIENCY: A PATHWAY TOWARDS ENERGY TRANSITION IN SOUTH AFRICA

A pilot study regarding the views of South Africans on energy efficiency conducted by a home appliance company, Beko, sampling 2000 South African homeowners and renters revealed that there is still more to be done in terms of educating citizens on how to improve their living habits[i]. It was discovered that there is a practicality gap between how South Africans choose appliances and how they use them. For example, only 57% of South Africans claimed to be aware of the most energy-efficient ways to operate their kitchen appliances, demonstrating that South Africans need to change their lifestyles to save energy usage in homes. An additional 39% of respondents stated that they frequently open the oven doors while cooking[ii]. This portrays that individuals will only reduce unnecessary wastage of energy when they adapt their household habits and everyday behavior.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The practice of lowering the quantity of energy needed to supply goods and services is known as energy efficiency. It simply means using less energy to perform the same task thereby eliminating energy wastage[iii]. Energy efficiency is also one of the most affordable methods of halting climate change and purifying the air we breathe, while assisting businesses and families cut down budgets. The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) recognizes energy efficiency as a cornerstone for achieving affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.[iv]

Similarly, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) also recognizes energy efficiency as a critical component if the world is to move sustainably to a low carbon, sustainable energy economy[v]. According to the ICC, several benefits are associated with energy efficiency, and these include reduced production, distribution and marketing associated costs; reduced emissions and other environmental impacts; extended availability of large but non-renewable resources; improved competitiveness and overall productivity; and making energy more affordable to consumers, especially in developing countries.

For instance, by insulating a building, thermal comfort can be achieved and maintained as opposed to powering heavy duty air conditioners to achieve thermal comfort. Due to inefficiencies, commercial and residential buildings utilize more energy than necessary[vi].

CONSIDERATIONS

It is worth noting that energy efficiency is not sacrosanct. In recognition of this fact, the ICC identifies a number of policy directions to promote energy efficiency in communities. These include advanced technology development, combined heat/cooling and power production, technology transfer and cooperation, fiscal instruments, energy services, building codes and standards, voluntary commitments and partnerships and consumer information.[vii] Notably, a number of energy efficiency policies and regulatory regimes are already in place in South Africa. These have been designed to address, especially the negative impacts of climate change. In addition, South Africa views energy efficiency as a tool for managing demand in a country that was plagued with blackouts in 2008.[viii]

Among the notable policies and legislative initiatives addressing energy efficiency are: the White Paper on Energy, National Energy Act, revised National Energy Efficiency Strategy, Energy Efficiency Strategy, Industrial Policy Action Plan II, Integrated Resources Plan, National Climate Change Green Paper, Carbon Tax Option, Taxation Laws Amendment Act and the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions pledge of 2009[ix], etc.,, with most of the Initiatives being in tandem with international energy efficiency trends. This is a positive indication that South Africa is progressing well in attaining energy efficiency which is beneficial in its transition to a low carbon economy. There is also evidence of government and businesses leading participative roles in formulating and implementing energy efficiency policies[x].

Notably, by 2030, South Africa’s energy efficiency regulations will have cut CO2 emissions by 6.8 million tons (Mt)[xi]. By 2030, the nation will also conserve roughly 10 billion liters of water annually, which would help ease the strain that ongoing droughts are putting on South Africa’s water supplies. The reduction of particle emissions by 3kt, SOx emissions by 60kt, and NOx emissions by 31kt will enhance air quality and lessen the negative effects of poor air quality on the economy and human health[xii]. Additionally, energy efficiency has shown to be a more economical solution to South Africa’s energy needs.

A further consideration on the part of energy efficient product is the logos and labels on household equipment. It has been noted by energy consumers that the energy-efficient logos and labels on household equipment leave, nearly half of the users feeling overwhelmed. This reveals that that regulators and appliance makers must examine label readability and think about methods to simplify rating systems and green labeling to aid the advancement of energy efficiency.

CONCLUSION

There is a chance to increase effectiveness wherever energy is used. Energy efficient devices such as light bulbs, simply require less energy to create the same quantity of light. Other items, like thermal insulation or windows, do not directly utilize energy but increase a building’s overall efficiency and comfort[xiii]. The national drive to encourage South Africans to save electricity has been effective through policies and technological innovations that are ecologically friendly. However, more needs to be done in terms of awareness for South Africans on the importance of saving energy to inform better consumer choices. Adopting behavioral modifications like using eco-settings on appliances that are already placed in homes and the sensitization of consumers on practical ways to use energy wisely can help in the advancement of knowledge and close the practicality gap in the goal towards energy efficiency and low carbon emissions in South Africa

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[i] Ibid

[ii] Ibid

[iii] Energy Efficiency, available at https://www.eesi.org/topics/energy-efficiency/description

[iv] SEforALL Analysis of SDG7 Progress-2022, 22 August 2022, available at https://seforall.org/data-stories/seforall-analysis-of-sdg7-progess

[v] ICC. Energy Efficiency A world business perspective. Geneva: International Chamber of Commerce; 2007

[vi] Energy Efficiency available at https://www.energystar.gov/about/about_energy_efficiency

[vii] Ibid

[viii] Energy efficiency in South Africa: policy perspectives and the path to low carbon growth G. Nhamo & A. Bimha University of South Africa, South Africa

[ix] Ibid

[x] Ibid

[xi] Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling in South Africa, available at https://www.usaid.gov/energy/ee4d/efficiency-standards-labelling-south-africa

[xii] Ibid

[xiii] Ibid