South African Just Transition Pathway: Insights from the Komati Power Station Decommissioning and Repurposing Project | Chapter 4 | New Advances in Business, Management and Economics Vol. 10

 

The Komati power station, which resumed its operations in 1961, was constructed with nine coal-fired generators with the capacity to produce a total of 1 GW of power output. But by the late 1980s, after 20 years of operation, the plant was shut down because the South African electrical system had too much capacity, the cost of maintaining old infrastructure was going up, and it was possible to build more units that would be profitable. This study rigorously examines the intended and unintended effects of decommissioning and repurposing the Komati Power Station within the context of South Africa’s Just Transition policy. This study is crucial to addressing the gap between just transition policy frameworks and actual execution and providing valuable insights for the implementation of future decommissioning and repurposing programs. This study aims to clarify important institutional enablers and barriers, as well as evaluate the extent to which just transition principles have been achieved. The research used a qualitative ethnographic methodology to examine the complex linkages among policy processes, institutional dynamics, and community experiences that influence this development. Interviews, focus group discussions, and data were collected from 100 participants using qualitative data collection instruments, like interviews, focus groups, informal interactions, and observations. This approach ensured that a wide range of stakeholder groups' points of view were represented. The study found that, amongst others, the decommissioning was a consequence of economic considerations connected to the power station's operating lifespan. However, the process had major flaws that left the affected community and workers worried and suspicious. Key findings highlight the need for early, inclusive, and transparent planning processes that incorporate community assets, concerns, and local development goals. The closing of the Komati coal power station underscores the complexity of the energy transitions that are fair, especially when they are mostly caused by ageing infrastructure and the economy rather than clear decarbonisation plans. The Komati project is a good example for future just energy transition projects in South Africa because it focuses on using renewable energy to power a coal-fired plant and also works on social development. The study's recommendations contribute to policy discussions by underscoring the imperative of harmonising climate priorities with local socio-economic needs, so ensuring that the transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable for livelihoods. The study emphasises the importance of integrating regional economic diversification, infrastructure enhancements, and skill development to foster sustainable livelihoods.

 

Author(s) Details

Bongani June Mwale
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Cnr. Mirriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Mfanelo Ntsobi
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Cnr. Mirriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nabme/v10/6142

Covid-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Fiscal and Monetary Policies for Mitigating the Socio-economic Impact on Ghana’s Economy | Chapter 02 | New Innovations in Economics, Business and Management Vol. 9

 The Covid-19 epidemic has thrown the global economy into chaos. Countries are seeking to address the epidemic's economic and social consequences by implementing harsh market-stabilizing policies, including monetary interventions. Bans on social meetings have a harmful influence on society, interrupting social activities including education, sports, festivals, and religious activities. Financial losses and employment losses in the agriculture, hotel, trade, and industrial sectors, as well as a decline in foreign direct investments, are all part of the economic effect. In this research, we look at how governments might help mitigate COVID-19's socioeconomic effects. We also look at government fiscal and monetary policy measures, as well as how long they can be sustained. Using Ghana as an example, this study shows that integrated monetary and fiscal policies save lives by decreasing income and employment losses, averting company failures, and ultimately boosting economic recovery. We suggest the CCCRD Model, which might be used by nations as a worldwide approach in the battle against COVID-19. As a result, politicians must utilise this as a rallying cry, strategically connecting resources, people, the environment, and the economy while also giving adequate assistance in these trying times. However, in order to support such monetary and financial policies, laws must be in place to ensure their long-term viability.

Author(S) Details

Elijah Asante Boakye
School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China and Center of West African Studies, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China

Zhao Hongjiang
School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China and  Center of West African Studies, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China

Bright Nana Kwame Ahia
School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China and  Center of West African Studies, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China

Millicent Adu Damoah
School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/NIEBM-V9/article/view/6875