Multi-dimensional barriers to the development of renewables energy

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.