Energy Transition Institute to Host Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Energy Crisis in South Africa on Sept. 25

The Energy Transition Institute (ETI) at UMass Amherst will host a roundtable discussion featuring an interdisciplinary panel of experts to discuss the energy crisis facing South Africa on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 2:45 to 4 p.m. in Room 145 of the Integrated Sciences Building. The event is free and open to the public.<_o3a_p>

"South African Energy: A System in Crisis and Challenges to a Just Energy Transition" will explore how significant resource wealth coupled with post-apartheid inequality and conflict have perpetuated an electricity system still heavily reliant on coal where power disruptions are the norm. This landscape exacerbates other challenges such as high unemployment, racialized inequality and capital flight, which have stymied South Africa's move toward more sustainable energy sources.<_o3a_p>

Faculty members from across campus will engage in discussion about South Africa's history, lived experience, legal, technical and economic challenges, and potential paths forward to achieve a greener future.<_o3a_p>

"Our objective is to inform the UMass community about the severe electricity crisis gripping South Africa and how it is hindering a just energy transition in Africa's most industrialized economy," says Jared Starr, ETI associate director. "We hope this roundtable will inspire thought and discussion and forge connections that will encourage collaborative research."<_o3a_p>

The panel will be composed of John Higginson, professor emeritus of history; Sindiso Mnisi Weeks, associate professor of political science and legal studies; Erin Baker, distinguished professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and ETI's faculty director; and Léonce Ndikumana, distinguished professor of economics. The discussion, moderated by James Boyce, professor emeritus of economics, will include an opportunity for questions and discussion with the audience.