Comparative Sustainability Assessment of Electricity Industries in Sadc Region: The Role of Renewable Energy in Regional and National Energy Diversification

Energy is a one of regional's critical area of Priority B in the new revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2015-2020 which provide advises to ensure that the regional and national policies are in accordance with achieving the security, reliability, and sustainability of the energy industry of the region. Therefore, the provision of reliable and sustainable energy for the region has continued to be a priority for SADC member states' development agenda. Therefore, this paper assesses the progress and sustainability of electricity sectors in SADC member countries using the three pillars of sustainability. These three aspects are particularly key principles of achieving electricity sustainability, in a way that is socially, environmentally acceptable and economically viable. The study is based on the secondary data from various sources and literatures. The identification of the country practicing more sustainability in its electricity sector will be based on 4EA's based on the three key pillars of sustainability. The results of sustainability assessment will play vital role in providing guidance in policy making by better understanding of the current and future challenges emerging in the region electricity sector and alternatives in addressing these issues. This will further help in making informed investment plans and decisions towards achieving regional electricity sustainability. Hence, the study is important for sustainable electricity sector development in the region and tracing the progress made by SADC member countries towards achieving sustainable electricity sector development.