Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 9-25-2025
Abstract
Tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 are now global priorities. These targets were formalised in the COP28 Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge (European Commission, 2023, para. 2) and will be central to COP30 implementation discussions in Brazil in November 2025. Despite committing to ambitious emission reduction targets in its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by 2030, the country’s current pace of energy transition is insufficient to meet the 1.5 °C goal (Climate Action Tracker, 2025). Various barriers, including Eskom’s debt and inconsistent policy implementation, have slowed progress (OECD, 2025). The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that it is essential to accelerate permitting capacity to achieve the goals within this decade (IEA, 2024). This paper examines South Africa’s energy transition challenges through comparative analysis with Denmark, a country that has achieved rapid renewable integration through policy implementations and grid investments. By analysing the fundamental issues in South Africa’s energy transition pathway, the paper proposes the recommendations: implementing competitive auction mechanisms, applying Morocco’s MASEN institutional frameworks and adopting legally binding energy policies. These recommendations aim to aid negotiators and stakeholders in closing South Africa’s Implementation gap, ensuring its energy transition aligns with ambitious targets.
Recommended Citation
Umarova, Yelyzaveta, "From Policy to Power: How Denmark’s and Morocco’s Energy Successes Can Shape South Africa’s 2030 Transition" (2025). COP30. 29.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/cop30/29
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