In order to establish whether the South African energy industry is in need of external assistance to develop and successfully mature, this dissertation focuses on the commercial engagement between...Show moreIn order to establish whether the South African energy industry is in need of external assistance to develop and successfully mature, this dissertation focuses on the commercial engagement between China and South Africa in the renewable energy industry for the purposes of attaining growth in South African renewable sources of energy. Research on this matter is juxtaposed to a more domestic answer to the issues of renewable energy generation in South Africa, namely the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). By drawing a comparison between these two, this thesis provides an answer as to whether Chinese external involvement in the South African renewable energy industry is contributing to a shift towards sustainable energy production. Ultimately, this dissertation provides an answer to the following question: To what extent has international energy cooperation, especially between China and South Africa, facilitated growth in the South African renewable energy sector when compared to the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP)? With this question in mind, this thesis argues that the highly active Chinese actors in the South African renewable energy industry, mainly Huawei, are (most likely to remain) the main force driving South Africa’s transition towards sustainable development. This is supported with evidence proving the superiority of such actors in terms of experience, knowledge and the provision of technology tailored specifically towards the needs of the South African case as opposed to the efforts made by domestic firms and suppliers.Show less
