Evaluating economic impacts of utility scale solar photovoltaic localisation in South Africa

Stanley Semelane, Nnamdi Nwulu, Njabulo Kambule, Henerica Tazvinga

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The localization process seeks to ensure that the production of particular components occurs from local companies, thus restricting manufacturing to local firms. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels localization can stimulate regional economic development in coal phase-out regions. This paper uses the Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) model to assess the economic impact of enhanced solar PV localization and further analyses enhanced solar PV Local Content Requirements (LCRs) scenarios. The study determined that the optimization of LCRs has a positive influence on employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under the considered timeframes (2020−2030). Specifically, the study found that a total of Full-Time-Equivalent (FTE) jobs that would be created by a 100% LCRs will be 249 315 over 10 years. An 80% LCRs scenario projected that a total of 219 513 jobs will be created while the overall economic impact is estimated to be USD 74 975, 248.43 over 10 years.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)324-344
Number of pages21
JournalEnergy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Employment
  • coal phase-out
  • energy transition
  • local content
  • localization
  • solar PV

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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