Creating an enabling environment to make Mpumalanga a clean energy hub in South Africa

This Policy Brief depicts the opportunities for Mpumalanga in becoming a clean energy hub. The jobs that will be lost in the coal sector can be partially replaced by jobs in the renewable energy sector. To fully replace the lost coal sector jobs, industrialisation of the renewable energy value chain is required, while also maximising the associated opportunities in related industries (water, agriculture, tourism). To make this happen, and to achieve local value-creation opportunities, massive investment in renewable energy capacity is required. The investment should be in combination with initiatives to build associated local industries. In addition, the transition from fossil-based to renewable energy sources presents an opportunity to improve conditions for women working in the energy sector in Mpumalanga.