Abstract:
While some of the developed and emerging economies are registering phenomenal growth in their renewable energy industries, it would appear that there are still a number of factors that are limiting the renewable energy to its potential worldwide. This paper applies a theoretical framework using the systems thinking to examine three possible multi-dimensional factors that are barriers to be development of renewable energy in South Africa. The objective was to use a qualitative research to investigate further the barrier interconnection and multi-dimensional barriers limiting renewable energy development using the South Africa market for sampling and interviews.The methodology employed involved a literature review. In addition, a questionnaire was designed and interviews were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of such barrier multi-dimensional and interconnection. The results obtained were analysed using qualitative method. These analyses revealed that the possible multi-dimensional barriers that were identified namely technology; pricing and costing; policy and regulations; and market performance are valid for South Africa. In addition, even though the results highlighted, as identified initially that technology have a significant impact as a linkage, the results suggest that the regulatory framework have a more significant linkage and effect on the relationship and interconnection.
