INVESTIGATING A GREEN ECONOMY TRANSITION OF THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA: A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH

Authors

  • Juan Oosthuizen Stellenbosch University
  • Alan Colin Brent Stellenbosch University
  • Josephine Kaviti Musango Stellenbosch University
  • imke H de Kock Stellenbosch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/27-4-1522

Keywords:

sustainable development, green economy, Western Cape Province, South Africa, system dynamics

Abstract

The Western Cape Government in South Africa has identified the concept of a green economy as a way to transform the Province’s economy to one that is more sustainable from an economic, social, and environmental perspective. System dynamics modelling was used to develop a better understanding of the implications of different green economy policies and investments in the electricity sector of the Western Cape Province. The results suggest that continuing on the current policy path would increase the gap between demand and supply, increase the carbon footprint of the electricity sector, and not provide growth in employment in the sector. Strategic green economy investments are therefore expected to impact positively on a number of indicators across a number of sectors. 

Author Biographies

Juan Oosthuizen, Stellenbosch University

Masters student in the Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

Alan Colin Brent, Stellenbosch University

Professor of Engineering Management and Sustainable Systems in the Department of Industrial Engineering, and the Associate Director of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, at Stellenbosch University

Josephine Kaviti Musango, Stellenbosch University

Senior lecturer and co-programme coordinator - sustainable development - in the School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University

imke H de Kock, Stellenbosch University

PhD student and lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

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Published

2016-12-06

How to Cite

Oosthuizen, J., Brent, A. C., Musango, J. K., & de Kock, imke H. (2016). INVESTIGATING A GREEN ECONOMY TRANSITION OF THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA: A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 27(4), 166–181. https://doi.org/10.7166/27-4-1522

Issue

Section

General Articles