The World Energy Council (WEC)'s latest Global Energy Trilemma Index ranks more than 100 countries on three key dimensions: energy security, equity and environmental sustainability, with South Africa ranked 6th in the rankings. He fell from 1st place to 69th place.
The index is included in the Global Energy Trilemma 2024 report released on April 16, with Denmark and Sweden at the top and Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the bottom.
South Africa, which has experienced extreme load shedding over the past three years, ranks below Lebanon in the overall index and eighth in the African regional index, behind Angola and Gabon, led by Mauritius and Egypt.
Entitled “Evolution through Resilience and Justice,” the WEC's latest report states that the world's first demand-driven energy shock, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the acceleration of the global energy transition, It says it exposes the profound changes that have been brought about in the world's energy system. region.
The report says Africa faces growing demand, security challenges and a transition to clean energy.
Due to strong population growth and increasing urbanization, energy demand across the continent is expected to increase by 30% between 2020 and 2030.
“Meeting growing demand while ensuring affordability and sustainability is a key aspect of Africa's energy security,” the report states.
He further added that Africa is at a critical juncture between two different energy models: the conventional extractive model of the past and the new twin transition to clean energy and digitalization.
The report also notes that in some African countries, the pursuit of export-driven income continues to take precedence over the need for universal access, with a significant proportion of the population lacking access to modern energy supplies. It warns that the situation remains unresolved.
However, the report described the emergence of increased private sector lending and investment as a positive signal, saying the trend is driven by supportive policies, rising demand, lower costs of renewable energy, and access to finance. It is claimed that
The report highlights South Africa's 2021 decision to ease licensing requirements for decentralized projects, resulting in a notable increase in renewable energy projects related to the commercial and industrial sectors, the report said. states.
WEC Secretary General Dr. angela wilkinson It confirmed that the Global Energy Trilemma framework itself has been redesigned to align with the ongoing changes in the energy sector, ensuring that the tool remains relevant for policymakers.
“This latest edition of the World Energy Trilemma Report finds that managing an orderly, inclusive and equitable global energy transition does not necessarily mean how we got ‘here’. This shows that it is not possible to reach “.
“The future of energy is literally going to get tougher. As we redesign energy for people and the planet, we are transforming the framework of the global energy trilemma and building on this performance management and wayfinding tool. We are extending practical applications beyond countries to regions and cities,” Wilkinson reported.
