Eskom and energy: Large-scale renewables programme the only way to keep the lights on

Abstract

Professor Mark Swilling is Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Development and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST). He is a member of the International Resource Panel, fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, a member of the Board of the Development Bank of Southern Africa since 2014 and Chairperson of the Board from January 2019–September 2019 and from November 2021 to the present. He was appointed by President Ramaphosa as a Commissioner on the National Planning Commission.

Taking account of current actual empirical conditions and the balance of power in South Africa, MARK SWILLING traces the prolonged discursive process through which South Africa arrived at its – precarious and contested – decision in favour of a largescale renewables build programme. This article is based on a paper presented in July at a panel discussion on ‘What constitutes a progressive perspective on our energy crisis?” organised by the Progressive Citizenship Initiative.