Abstract:
As recently as the year 2010, renewable energy
contributed less than 1% of all the energy sources in
South Africa. Possible reasons include the lack of
private sector investment in Renewable Energy
technologies. By way of a structured interview
methodology, this paper explores the reasons why
private investors are reluctant to invest in renewables.
The responses point to political, economic,
social and technological barriers limiting private
investment in renewable energy. Other barriers that
were identified include poverty, low levels of education,
limited technological readiness and access to
the electricity grid. Some of these barriers are specific
to the South African context. The paper concludes
that a closer relationship between government
and the private sector is required to stimulate
innovation in the renewable energy sector.