OPINIONISTA: The energy transition — it’s not just about the technology

on the energy transition, a few further key issues are worth noting.

First, our energy authorities sorely need an updated mindset. Future energy supply is far less about huge, isolated power stations and much more about smaller, regionally organised energy networks using a wide variety of sources. Those sources should be mostly renewable, although in many countries including South Africa some fossil fuels will inevitably be part of the picture for some decades.

Second, there is broad consensus globally that future energy planning is only partly about providing new energy supplies, but just as much about reducing demand: not only through steadily increasing efficiencies but also through behavioural changes. This receives far less focus in current policymaking in South Africa.

That said, it is obvious that those at the bottom of the pyramid — in our case, the majority of the population — need access to, not less, energy: for lighting, heating, cooking, transport… everything. But it is extremely important that those acquiring their first amenities should be enabled to get the energy-efficient options.

As regards middle-class and well-off households, it should be added that an equally good lifestyle and wellbeing are fully possible with only a quarter of today’s energy use. A sustainable life is not about going back to the cave. This has been shown not only in studies but in practice. Among many examples is the Swedish study

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