Policies in South Africa:
South Africa: Air quality act (No 39 of 2004)
This Act mandates that norms, standards, mechanisms, systems and procedures be issued to improve air quality. It establishes the national framework within which these standards will be created, giving the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism or the members of the Executive Council of a privince (MEC) the authority to issue standards, enforce regulations and other measures and implement penalties for noncompliance and establish "funding arrangements."
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: Government Gazette, Republic of South Africa, Vol. 476 Cape Town 24 February 2005 No. 27318
South Africa: Biofuels Strategy
This strategy is based on a draft developed by the Energy by the Biofuels Task Team in 2006. The strategy proposes to make the liquid fuel supply 2% biofuels in 5 years. It targets sugar cane, sugar beet, canola, sunflower, and soy, but avoids use of corn because of food security issues. The strategy seeks to continue incentives to develop biofuels through tax breaks and exemptions, and addresses issues of production, land use, water resources, and funding.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: Planned
References: http://www.dme.gov.za/pdfs/energy/biofuelsindusstrat.pdf
South Africa: Capital subsidies for renewable energy technologies
The Department of Minerals and Energy in 2005 announced the establishment of the Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme. The scheme is envisaged to be a once-off capital grant made available for project developers in 2005/06 - 2007/08 financial years. It also established the Renewable Energy Finance and Subsidy Office (REFSO), whose mandate includes the management of renewable energy subsidies and provision of advice to developers and other stakeholders on renewable energy finance and subsidies, (including size of awards, eligibility, procedural requirements, etc). A Departmental Renewable Energy Subsidy Governance Committee (SGC), which will meet three times a year.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
Funding Information: The subsidy can not exceed 20% of the total capital cost, and minimum project size is 1 MW (for electricity), implying a subsidy amount of R250,000.
Targets: Reduced capital costs for RETs for 2005-2008. Assume technology learning rates thereafter. The subsidies for 2005/6 are R250 / kW capacity for electricity; R 273 / kl capacity / year for biodiesel and R 167 / kl capacity / year for bio-ethanol or equivalents for other RE technologies.
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pamsdb/detail.aspx?mode=weo&id=3455
South Africa: Clean Commute project
The project promotes energy conservation options such as pooling schemes for cars and vans, flexible work hours and telecommuting to reduce the numbers of single occupancy vehicles on the roads. A business plan is also being developed for the establishment of a Commuter Information Centre.
Status: Voluntary
Funding Information: The Dept of Minerals and Energy in conjunction with the International Institute of Energy Conservation - Africa
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
http://www.transport.gov.za/index.html
South Africa: Draft Biofuels Industry Strategy
The Draft Strategy proposes: a 4,5% biofuels industry development in South Africa and this will achieve 75% of the country’s renewable energy target - the strategy is based on the national blending specifications of 8% for ethanol (E8) and 2 % for Biodiesel (B2); a mandatory blending of biofuels with petroleum based fuels, by fuel producers and refiners, to allow for market development; that the existing fuel levy exemption for Biodiesel be extended to Bioethanol, and this be based on the energy content.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: In Force; Framework Policies
References: http://www.dme.gov.za/
South Africa: Electricity Pricing Policy
This legislation seeks to liberalize the electricity sector in South Africa. Contending that electricity supply should be available to everyone at affordable prices, the government aims to create a regulatory framework from which everyone can benefit. Energy pricing will be transparent and cost-reflective. In order to promote an energy efficient and environmentally friendly electricity industry, the NER will develop incentive-based tariff structures and other instruments.
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: Mandatory
References: Draft of the Electricity Pricing Policy
South Africa: State Utility Offers Energy Audits to Reduce Peak Load
The South African utility Eskom has launched a national Demand-Side Management (DSM) initiative to audit energy use in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. The DSM audits support Eskom’s long-term strategy to reduce South Africa?s electricity demand during peak periods. Wholly-owned by the South African government and generator of 95% of the state’s electricity, Eskom states its Energy Audits mission statement as: "Demand-side management and the encouragement of energy efficiency…To independently evaluate, audit and report on the status of energy efficiency and load management activities.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: In Force; Multi-sectoral Framework Policy
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pamsdb/detail.aspx?mode=pm&id=2549
South Africa: Energy Efficiency Accord
With the Energy Efficiency Accord, the government pairs with industry leaders to take voluntary measures to increase their energy efficiency. Recognizing the benefits of increased efficiency for economic competitiveness and national security, industries and the government agree to engage each other and work cooperatively to realize their commitment. Measures proposed include the use of Demand Side Management contracts, the provision of fiscal and other incentives, the enabling of information sharing and networking, the identification of Best Practices, the promotion of CDM projects, and the devleopment of common reporting requirements, an energy auditing protocol, and training material.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Targets: The Accord aims for a 12% reduction in national final energy demand by 2015 (%reduction fromprojection use in 2015)
References: Energy Efficiency Accord 2005
South Africa: Energy Efficiency Strategy
The National Strategy lays out the guidelines, goals and means for implementing energy efficient practices nationwide and across all sectors. The key features of the strategy include efficiency standards and labeling for vehicles, appliances and buildings (adopting EU vehicle and appliance standards has been proposed and is under consideration). The Strategy mentions possible fiscal measures in later phases of the plan, including rebates and incentives. It also proposes support of R&D for adaptation of internationally available technology for energy efficiency, but proposes no specific means or budget for this effort. Finally, increasing awarness of the costs and harmful effects of inefficient consumption through education and awareness programs is one way the government hopes to make a difference in public behavior. Fiscal incentives are under consideration, but there is currently no budget for these measures.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
Funding Information: All short-terms measures are low-cost energy efficiency measures because there are other important items on the government’s budget at this point. No specific budget allocations are made in this document. In fact, the government of South Africa has plans to save money with this strategy rather than spending any.
Targets: This national strategy designates a target of 12% improvement in national energy efficiency by 2015
References: Energy Efficiency Strategy of the Republic of South Africa
South Africa: Energy efficiency strategy for industry
Energy savings of 14% by 2014 for industry. Specific measures include variable speed drives; efficient motors; compressed air management; efficient lighting; heating, ventilation and cooling; and thermal savings (more efficient use and production of heat).
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information:
Targets: Industrial energy demand reduced 14% from reference case by 2014.
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pamsdb/detail.aspx?mode=weo&id=3462
South Africa: India-Brazil-South Africa Declaration on Clean Energy
The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) trilateral development initiative began in 2003 to promote South-South initiatives on development, trade/investment, information exchange and cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, health, and climate change. The second IBSA summit was held in October 2007. At this summit, the three countries reached agreement to work together in the promotion of nuclear energy, clean energy technologies and other renewable energies and in the endorsement of climate change mitigation. The countries agreed to pool resources to ensure a secure supply of safe, sustainable and non-polluting energy to meet global demand, particularly in developing countries. The declaration indicated that cooperation would include clean coal technologies and renewable energies such as biomass and innovative ways to transfer, develop and commercialise clean energy.
Date Implemented: 2003
Status: In Force
References: International Energy Agency http://www.iea.org/Textbase/pm/?mode=re&id=3767&action=detail
South Africa: Integrated Energy Plan (IEP)
The Integrated Energy Plan outlines the direction and steps to be taken by South Africa to meet energy needs. The plan declares South Africa’s continued reliance on coal, but also uses modeling to forecast which energy sources can be used most effectively to meet demand under four different scenarios. The plan advocates diversification of energy sources, including renewables, as well as fuel switching to improve energy efficiency.
Date Implemented: 2003
Status: In Force; Framework policy
References: http://www.dme.gov.za/pdfs/energy/planning/integratedenergyplan_dec03.pdf
South Africa: International Action Programme (IAP) Cape Town
To introduce a stated target of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of Cape Town, thereby moving towards a greater mix of cleaner and more efficient energy forms. The City hopes to finalise these targets within its Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is the legislative long-term planning document, as well as to finalise these targets in the Cape Town Energy Strategy.
Status: Voluntary
Funding Information: The City is already in liaison with various international development funding agencies, calling for funding mechanisms to be established. The City has already committed itself to the provision of renewable energy, depending on the outcome of an environmental impact assessment in this regard
Targets: 10% Target for Renewable Energy by the Year 2020; 10% of Households to have Solar Water Heaters by 2010
References: http://www.ren21.net/iap/commitment.asp?id=174
South Africa: International Action Programme (IAP) R&D on Renewable Energy
New programmes were initiated to support the objectives of the White paper on Renewable Energy
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force
Funding Information: Department of Science and Technology through the Innovation Fund Renewable Energy R&D.
References: http://www.ren21.net/iap/commitment.asp?id=115
South Africa: IAP (International Action Programme): Regulatory Framework for Renewable Energy
To ensure the integrity and fundamentals of renewable energy market development by facilitating market access, fair return on investment, quality of supply, concessions / subsidies and their compliance, technical and customer standards, monitoring and evaluation, dispute management, etc. Obligation, Renewable Energy Certificates and partnerships with banking institutions and other agencies to attract private financing for renewable energy development.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
Funding Information: Donor support for study tours / training / capacity building in countries with advanced renewable energy regulatory framework is proposed.
Targets: Regulatory instruments and funding to ensure the target beyond the government’s cumulative target of 10 000 GWh
References: http://www.ren21.net/iap/commitment.asp?id=115
South Africa: Joint implementation strategy for the control of exhaust emissions from road-going vehicles.
The strategy sets out a road map for government, the oil industry and the vehicle manufacturing industry to achieve improved air quality through the control of vehicle emissions. The legislation applies a clearly defined timetable for the implementation of European standards for vehicle exhaust emissions and appropriate fuel specifications. Initial vehicle emissions limits began in 2005 for newly homologated vehicles and will come into full effect in 2006 when all new vehicles will be subjected to Euro-2 emissions controls. The fuel specification will change in 2006 when a total ban of the use of lead in petrol will come into effect.
Date Implemented: 2004 for vehicle standard, 2006 for fuel specifications
Status: In Force; Mandatory
Targets: All newly manufactured vehicles will meet Euro-4 emissions limitations by Jan 2012
References: Joint implementation strategy for the control of exhaust emissions from road-going vehicles in South Africa, Final Draft
South Africa: LandCare
LandCare is an initiative to promote sustainable land management by supporting activities which encourage individuals and communities to adopt ethical agricultural practices. There are five major elements: a major works programs for resource conservation; capacity building; awareness programs; policy and legislation; research and evaluation.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; Implementation Framework for the LandCare Program
http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Landcare/landcare.htm#INTRODUCTION
South Africa: National Electrification Programme
Under this policy, the government is encorporating electrification and energy into its development programs. Photovoltaic-based solar home systems have been integrated into the National Electrification Programme to provide a basic energy source to those households that cannot be grid-connected within acceptable cost parameters.
Date Implemented: 1994-2001
Status: Government Initiative
Milestones: In the period 1994 to 1999 about 2.8 million households were connected to the national electricity grid, increasing the electrification level from about 36% in 1994 to about 75% at the end of 1998. A total of 400 000 connections were planned for the 2000 with rural connections accounting for 55% of these. The number of households electrified by the year 2030 is expected to increase to 84%, which is equivalent to 12.2 million households
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
South Africa: National Energy Act
Establishes a National Energy Advisory Committee and a National Energy Database and Information System to assist with monitoring national energy issues and to provide accurate information for the development of national energy plans and strategies. Mandates the establishment of an integrated energy plan every five years that incorporates sustainable development, effective management and use of natural resources and balancing energy supply and demand. It also charges the Minister with the creation of a program to promote renewable energy technologies, an energy efficiency program, and an energy research and technology development program.
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: Mandatory
References: Draft of the Energy Bill
South Africa: National Forest Act
This act recognizes that everyone in South Africa has a constitutional right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations and acknowledges that natural forests and woodlands need to be conserved and developed according to the principles of sustainable management. The Act legislates the sustainable use of forests for environmental, economic, educational, health, recreational, cultural and spiritual purposes, and includes special measures for the protection of certain forests and trees.
Date Implemented: 1984; 1998
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
South Africa: National Land Transport Transition Act
This Act describes the measures required to transform and restructure the land transport system. Priority to public transport services over private by ensuring adequate public transport services and applying demand-management strategies to discourage private transport. It also advocates conducting public awareness programs to foster energy awareness in the users of land transport systems.
Date Implemented: 2000
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; National Land Transport Transition Bill, Department of Transport
http://www.transport.gov.za/index.html
South Africa: National Waste Management Strategy
This policy outlines the strategy for practical implementation of the waste management. The strategy follows the waste hierarchy approach and gives priority to pollution prevention, waste minimization and recycling before resorting to treatment and disposal of waste.
Date Implemented: 1999
Status: In Force
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; National Waste Management Strategy
http://www.environment.gov.za/ProjProg/WasteMgmt/waste.html
South Africa: Regulations regarding Fuel Specifications and Standards
Prohibition of the addition of lead-based additives into petrol and the reduction of the sulphur content of diesel from 1 January 2006, and further set out:
Permitted petrol and diesel grades, inclusive of bio-diesel and bio-diesel blend;
Prohibition of certain activities (such as offering for sale, selling or providing one grade of petrol or diesel as another grade of petrol or diesel, as the case may be);
Inspection and testing of petroleum products;
Strict labelling specifications for petroleum products to enable motorists to make an informed choice as to the fuel they prefer to use; and
The keeping and disclosure of records of purchase and sale transactions of petroleum products.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: www.dme.gov.za/
South Africa: Rural Transport Strategy
This policy aims to improve public transport services in rural areas and to provide rural populations with roads and access lanes to facilitate inter-village/farm transport options.
Date Implemented: 2003
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
Funding Information:
Milestones:
References: Executive Summary of the Rural Transport Strategy, Department of Transport
http://www.transport.gov.za/index.html
South Africa: SAEDES (The South Africa Energy and Demand Efficiency Standard)
SAEDES aims to improve energy efficiency in new and retrofitted commercial buildings while maintaining cost-efficiency. It promotes good design, innovation and the use of renewables.
Status: Mandatory
References: http://unfccc.int/files/meetings/seminar/application/pdf/semsup2south_africa.pdf
South Africa: Solar Traffic Lights
South Africa has begun a pilot program for solar power traffic lights. Four pairs of lights have been installed in Cape Town to test their success. Due to power interruptions, officers often have to direct traffic when lights are out. If the project is a success, South Africa hopes to expand the program for more solar traffic lights.
Date Implemented: 2008
Status: Planned; Pilot phase
Funding Information: partnership with SA energy provider Eskom
References: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7073580.stm
http://www.southafrica.info/essinfo/saglance/sustainable/ctgreen-021007.htm
South Africa: State Utility Distributes Free and Subsidized CFLs
During 2006, the South African national utility Eskom will distribute more than 7 million CFLs to replace incandescent bulbs. Generator of 95% of South Africa’s electricity, Eskom initially procured 300,000 CFLs for free distribution near Johannesburg to test the feasibility, cost-of-distribution and actual load reductions of the measure. Encouraged by the energy savings, the utility procured a further 2.7 million CFLs for distribution to low-cost housing areas in South Africa. These areas were identified by the Network Planning Department as areas with existing or impending capacity problems, and the distribution is still being carried out by various ESCOs in the country, with the help of unemployed local residents. To address the rolling black-outs disrupting Cape Town during 2006, Eskom is sourcing an additional 5 million CFLs for distribution in the Western Cape area. Approximately 50% will be distributed on the same basis as the 3-million project referred to above, and the remaining 50% will be offered to middle-and-high income consumers, through traditional retail outlets, but at a greatly reduced (i.e. subsidised) price. Normal retail prices at present are about USD 1.40 and the subsidised price will probably be around USD 0.80 cents. Eskom is wholly owned by the South African government.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pamsdb/detail.aspx?mode=pm&id=2548
South Africa: Taxi Recapitalisation Programme
The government is offering to pay taxi drivers to scrap their old, unsafe, polluting vehicles in an attempt to clean up and regulate the taxi fleet. If drivers fail to turn in their vehicles during the window of opportunity, within which they would receive a scrapping allowance of R50 000,00, their vehicles will be impounded. The renewal of the taxi system and its management will then be taken over by the municipalities. The plan for this process is being finalized.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: Mandatory
Targets: Government intends to remove 10,000 old and unroadworthy vehicles from the roads by December 2006
References: http://www.transport.gov.za/
South Africa: The Central Energy Fund Act
This Act provides for a levy on fuel. The use of the money held by the fund is limited to certain specific purposes which include research and the promotion of renewables.
Date Implemented: 1977, ammended 1994
Status: Mandatory
References: http://www.cef.org.za/content/view/3/10/
South Africa: Moving South Africa Project/The Moving South Africa Action Agenda
This project outlines the strategic framework for the South African transport sector through 2020. It addresses urban, rural, freight and special transport needs, analyzes the sustainability of the present transport system and presents possible solutions to the problems facing the industry. Implementation of government planning policy and legislation to improve spatial development and road planning would reduce commuter distances and traffic jams. The aim is to implement of some form of travel-demand management, such as parking and access control or incentives, in conjunction with developing an improved public transport system, rather than simply construct more roads which would increase automobile use.
Date Implemented: 1999
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
South Africa: The National Veld and Forest Fire Act
Sets up regulations to help prevent veld, forest and mountain fires, and to minimize the damage they cause by developing a national fire danger rating, collecting fire related statistics and campaigning awareness of the dangers of fires and by outlining the responsabilities of property owners in the case of fire, transfering the burden to the property owner. (measures prevent deforestation by fire)
Date Implemented: 1998
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; Republic of South Africa Government Gazette; The National Veld and Forest Fire Act: Act 101 of 1998 of the Republic of South Africa
http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/iffn/country/za/za_10.htm
http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Documents/Forestry/Tact101.pdf
South Africa: White Paper on Energy Policy
The White Paper sets out five policy objectives: increasing access to affordable energy services; improving energy governance; stimulating economic development; managing energy-related environmental and health impacts; and securing supply through diversity. The policy intends to minimize the environmental impact cost-effectively, managing supply and demand. The National Electricity Regulator has initiated a process to develop an appropriate regulatory framework for non-grid electrification when the restructuring of the electrical distribution industry has been completed and independent power producers have been established (National Electricity Regulator, 2000). The Paper also indicates the government’s inclination to support renewable energy technologies and to work towards establishing national targets for reducing emissions.
Date Implemented: 1998
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; Energy White Paper, Empowerment for African Sustainable Development
http://easd.org.za/sapol/energywp98-01.html#Part%201:%20Context
South Africa: The White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management
This policy represents a paradigm shift in South African Policy. Rather than focusing on impact management and remedial solutions to the problem of pollution, it centers on waste prevention.
Date Implemented: 2000
Status: In Force
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
South Africa: The White Paper on National Transport Policy
This policy aims to achieve sustainable development in the transport sector by minimizing the energy usage and environmental impact of the sector while aiming to cost-efficiently meet the customers’ needs. The White Paper promotes the use of more energy efficient and less polluting modes of transport. The Paper is also explicit about its aims to improve passenger safety and make more transport options available to the less fortunate sectors of the population. It promotes a user-focused transport system, prioritizing public transit over private.
Date Implemented: 1996
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000
http://www.transport.gov.za/search/index.html
South Africa: White Paper on Renewable Energy
Formerly known as the White Paper on the Promotion of Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Development, this paper aims at informing the public and the international community of the Government’s goals and objectives for the optimal use of renewable energy. Recognizing the importance of reducing the damage done to the environment by South Africa’s reliance on electricity from coal and the need for diversification fo energy resources, it commits the Government to a number of actions to ensure that renewable energy becomes a significant part of South Africa’s energy portfolio over the next ten years. These measures include fiscal mechanisms, regulatory instruments, and standards to promote R&D and investment in renewables and educational programs to raise public awareness.
Date Implemented: 2003
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
Targets: The government aims to integrate renewable energy technologies into the mainstream energy economy. To achieve this aim it is setting as its target 10 000 GWh (0.8 Mtoe) renewable energy contribution to final energy consumption by 2013.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; IEA, http://www.iea.org/textbase/pamsdb/detail.aspx?mode=jr&id=1450; DME’s White Paper on Renewable Energy (2003)
South Africa: The White Paper on Sustainable Forest Development in South Africa: Policy of the Government of National Unity
The overall goal is to promote a thriving forest sector, to be utilised for the lasting benefit of the nation, and developed and managed to protect the environment. Measures include the demarcation of State Forests; promotion of the rehabilitation of natural forests and woodlands; fire protection in districts where forestry is important, and protection against pests and diseases; management and control of invasive alien plants in forestry areas to augment current legislation on the control of weeds; monitoring and evaluation of the state of all of the country’s forests, forest inventories and statistics; accreditation of sustainable forest management and certification of products, according to nationally and internationally acceptable indicators of sustainability; establishment of standards for traded forest products and certification of standards; protection of biodiversity, habitats, soil, cultural assets, in industrial forests; incentives to and financing of smallscale afforestation (such as woodlots), conservation, restoration and related matters; levies for such purposes as research and training.
Date Implemented: 1997
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC, 2000; The White Paper on Sustainable Forest Development in South Africa: Policy of the Government of National Unity
http://easd.org.za/sapol/forestry.html