Illustrates how a development-focused approach to energy and climate policy might work in South Africa. This book also explores the question of whether there is a locally sustainable path of energy development in the South African residential and electricity sectors that also reduces Green House Gas emissions.

Energy, sustainable development and climate change in South Africa; outline of the book. Sustainable development, energy and climate change: Working definition of sustainable development; energy for sustainable development; sustainable development and climate change; sustainable development paths as an approach to mitigation; conclusion. Starting from development objectives: The broader context: The policy environment in the energy sector; the role of electricity in development; economic and institutional aspects; social dimensions and the residential sector; environmental impacts; conclusions - comparing and assessing. Options for energy policy: Affordable access to electricity; energy governance - to privatise or not?; managing energy-related environmental impacts; economic development and instruments; securing electricity supply through diversity; conclusion. Modelling energy policies: Focus of policy modelling; drivers of future trends and key assumptions; the base case; overview of policy cases; residential energy policies; electricity supply options; conclusion. Assessing the implications of policies: Residential energy policies; electricity supply options; conclusion. Indicators of sustainable development: Sustainable development indicators; economic; environmental; social; comparisons and conclusions. Developing sustainable energy for national climate policy: Implementing sustainable residential energy policies; choosing electricity supply options for sustainability; options for South Africa's mitigation policy. Implications for international climate change negotiations: Proposals on the future of the climate regime; sustainable development policies and measures; would sd-pams make a difference?; the future of the climate change framework.