Alison Hughes

Greenhouse gas reduction impacts of energy efficiency policies

Publisher Summary Energy efficiency in South Africa has received little attention in the past, largely because of the low cost of energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy recognizing the benefits of focus on energy efficiency, including improved industrial competitiveness and lower levels of indoor air pollution in low cost housing, has developed a draft energy strategy which includes policies and measures (PAMS) that are used to encourage energy efficiency. The PAMS suggests focus on implementing standards and promoting awareness. In this chapter an attempt is made to quantify the effects these PAMS have on the final energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions of the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. The greenhouse gas emissions of fuels burnt on site as well as those used to generate electricity are included in the analysis. The Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system tool is used to model the measures and quantify their impact on energy demand between 2003 and 2013. The industrial (including mining), commercial, residential, and transformation sectors are modeled to quantify the impact on final energy demand and account for the greenhouse gases emitted during electricity generation. Three scenarios are modeled: A baseline, theoretical potential and likely savings scenario. These different scenarios are used to complete a comparative analysis of the effects the PAMS have on energy demand and greenhouse gas reduction.