Posted in Blog on Sep 25, 2024.
Author: Professor James A. Ogude
Introduction
Addressing the multifaceted challenges of achieving a just transition to sustainable energy systems in Africa necessitates a strategic focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. The integration of diverse academic perspectives and expertise is essential for addressing the complex socio-economic, environmental, and policy-related issues inherent in energy transitions. Such collaboration enriches the research landscape and fosters the development of innovative, equitable, and inclusive solutions. In light of escalating climate change, the transition to sustainable energy systems has become a critical global priority. This shift requires not only a transformation of energy infrastructures but also an inclusive approach that ensures fair outcomes for all stakeholders.
The Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria exemplifies this approach through its leadership in the "Operationalising a Just Transition in Africa" (OJTA) project. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and executed in partnership with the African Research Impact Network (ARIN) and SouthSouthNorth, the OJTA project employs a holistic framework. It aims to enhance understanding of the essential factors for implementing just transitions across African nations, focusing on energy access, justice, and the socioeconomic impacts of renewable energy investments. By synthesizing insights from various disciplines—such as environmental science, social justice, economics, and technology—the project addresses the nuanced requirements of a just transition, ensuring that sustainable energy solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of all communities.
The OJTA Project: Objectives and Scope
The OJTA project began with a focus on financing just transitions and their integration into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, its scope soon expanded to encompass broader foundational aspects crucial for effective implementation, including energy, climate change, and justice considerations. The central research question of the OJTA Programme involves identifying key enablers for operationalising just transitions in African states. This includes achieving ambitious clean energy access targets and increasing renewable energy capacity. Unlike just transitions in the Global North, which often prioritize mitigating negative socioeconomic impacts, Africa's focus aligns with broader development goals such as eliminating energy poverty and supporting new industries.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The OJTA project is fundamentally rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, which is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges of just transitions to sustainable energy systems. By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise from academia, civil society, activist networks, the public sector, and non-governmental organizations, the project aims to build bridges between different disciplines and enhance the capacity of stakeholders and early-career researchers. This collaborative framework not only supports African perspectives on just transitions but also provides practical insights for policymakers by incorporating just transition considerations into financing mechanisms and policies.
The University of Pretoria's Contribution
The University of Pretoria's (UP) role in the OJTA project is pivotal. The UP team, including Prof Noëleen Murray, Dr Tamuka Chekero, and Dr Tafadzwa Mushonga, is leading Work Package 1 (WP1), which focuses on conducting case studies and literature reviews. This effort is supported by a continuously updated evidence database that highlights existing knowledge and identifies research gaps.
Key Activities and Collaborative Efforts: Building Bridges and Enhancing Capacity
The UP team, comprising Prof Noëleen Murray, Dr Tamuka Chekero, and Dr Tafadzwa Mushonga, is currently developing an edited volume provisionally titled Operationalising Just Energy Transition in Africa: Possibilities and Pathways in an Uneven Global Context. This forthcoming volume is grounded in research emerging from the OJTA project and features contributions from a diverse array of authors across multiple sectors. Its central aim is to address the social and economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, with a focus on ensuring that this shift is equitable and inclusive.
One of the significant activities under the OJTA project was a symposium held from February 19-20, 2024, titled "Exploring Research Synergies and Collaborations for Impact." The symposium took place at SouthSouthNorth's offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and brought together scholars, professionals, and organizations to foster collaboration, and dialogue, and uncover synergies within the extensive IDRC research portfolio. The central themes revolved around the comprehensive nature of just transition, highlighting the inclusion of crucial aspects such as artificial intelligence (AI), gender, health, local contexts, and agriculture.
In addition, we are attending seminars and building bridges necessary for the project and beyond. The UP team, consisting of Drs. Tafadzwa Mushonga and Tamuka Chekero participated in and presented at the Fulbright-Hays Seminar hosted at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship on 20 June 2024. The Fulbright-Hays Program supports research and training efforts overseas, focusing on non-Western foreign languages and area studies, funded by a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Education. The theme of the event was "Sustainable Development in South Africa: History, Environmental Justice, and Social Equity."
On 14 May 2024, Dr. Chekero and Dr. Mushonga attended and participated in a seminar titled "Preserving Cultural Diversity in Rural Africa Using Renewable Energy," hosted by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship (CAS). The lecture featured Professor Emil Roduner from the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart and the Chemistry Department at UP, as well as Professor Egmont Rohwer from the Chemistry Department at UP.
Dr. Chekero has been participating in weekly meetings with the SSN team, to provide progress reports. These meetings have facilitated the exchange of ideas and cross-pollination of strategies for moving forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Pretoria's (UP) contributions to the Operationalising a Just Transition in Africa (OJTA) project underscore the critical importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing equitable and sustainable energy transitions. UP's active engagement in symposia, seminars, and collaborative research, alongside key partners such as the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), SouthSouthNorth (SSN), and the African Research Impact Network (ARIN), highlights its pivotal role in bridging disciplines and integrating diverse perspectives. This collaborative framework is essential for addressing the multifaceted socio-economic, environmental, and justice-related challenges inherent in transitioning to sustainable energy systems. By fostering dialogue and cross-pollination of ideas, UP not only enriches the research landscape but also ensures that African perspectives and local contexts are effectively incorporated into global strategies. This approach enhances the project's capacity to provide actionable insights for policymakers and drive impactful change, ultimately supporting the development of just and inclusive energy solutions across Africa.
