Abstract:
South Africa has experienced the worst-case scenario of load-shedding over the past few
months. Energy security and sustainability are paramount to increasing economic growth and
prosperity. This study explains how and why the scale-up of renewable energy can
significantly help ease the problem of load-shedding while simultaneously supporting growth
prospects. The divergences in extant literature are indicated in studies debating the potential
of renewable energy as an alternative energy source to ease pressure on the national grid
and close the divergence between electricity demand and supply. The literature demonstrates
that applying a circular economic model in South Africa and explicating the scale-up of
renewable energy processes and energy transition must be explored. The study employed a
qualitative method to examine the phenomenon. The field dataset was collected from 13
participants through Microsoft teams. The participants were purposively selected because of
their experience in the energy sector. The dataset generated from the interview of the study
participants was transcribed and uploaded into Atlas ti software, where a thematic analysis
was performed. The results confirm a viable potential for using renewable energy to alleviate
the pressure of energy demand in South Africa; however, the study uncovered vital
challenges, such as skills shortages, investment capabilities and models, infrastructure,
incoherent government policies, resistance to change, and a lack of stakeholder engagement.
This research contributes significantly to the existing research. It provides key stakeholders,
government, and private sectors with empirical evidence on the challenges and opportunities
to scale-up renewable energy. The recommendations include evaluating the developed
model to validate the constructs by future scholars. This study had implications for the
scholarly community and managerial implications.
