South Africa

Index rank 57

Energy Sustainability Index Rankings

 2010  2011  2012  Trend
Energy Performance  50  62  64 
Energy Security  45  59  78 
Social Equity  48  52  52 
Environmental Impact Mitigation  60  57  53 
       
Contextual Performance  35  34  35 
Political Strength  43  45  45 
Societal Strength  56  61  59 
Economic Strength  19  13  13 
       
Overall Rank  46  55  57 
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Fossil Fuel Resources

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Key Metrics

Industrial sector (% of GDP) 31.6
TPEP / TPEC  (net energy exporter) 1.11
Emission intensity (kg CO2 per USD) 3.97
Energy affordability (USD per kWh) 0.06
GDP / capita (PPP, USD); GDP Group 10,541 (C)
Energy intensity (million BTU per USD) 0.05
CO2 emissions (metric tons) / capita) 12.01
Population Access to Electricity (%) 75.0
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Index Commentary

South Africa’s drop by two places in the Index to rank 57 is mostly driven by a drop in energy security due to a decrease in the wholesale margin on gasoline, and a particular weak performance in diversification of electricity production. Even though a small upward trend was visible during the last year, South Africa still struggles with all environmental indicators and has very high levels of energy intensity per capita. Performance in social equity remains constant with only 75% of the population having access to electricity. Performance remains fairly constant in all contextual dimensions, among which societal strength remains the weakest one (rank 59).

Trends and Outlook

South Africa’s energy security dimension and Index ranking does not yet reflect the positive developments since 2008 which include no incidents of electricity load shedding or liquid fuel rationing. Most recently, independent power producers (IPPs) are being allowed into the electricity sector using renewable technologies. Once these are operational, the energy security and environmental performance dimensions will show an improvement. Issues policymakers should focus on are: 1) there is still much to be done on the social equity dimension, especially in terms of providing energy to rural communities; and 2) South Africa has abundant coal reserves but no natural gas or oil. The choice of technology for replacement and new electricity generation plant will be a very difficult one, especially since the issues of access and affordability are so critical to the social and economic development of the country.

Notes

1) Data for shale gas resources not available; 2) Data for shale oil is for resources in place