Case Study

Enabling Low-Emissions Development in South Africa

Unlocking Clean Energy Potential Across South Africa
Sustainable Energy Transition

The Challenge

Public and private sector actors aiming to advance low emissions development (LED) in South Africa face a range of obstacles and disincentives. Many sub-national LED projects have stalled due to limited municipal capacity, a lack of technical expertise, financial constraints, and insufficient institutional support. At the same time, regulatory and policy barriers have created an unsupportive enabling environment, making it difficult for municipalities to implement effective climate mitigation strategies. Investor hesitation further compounds the challenge, as green investments are often seen as risky due to limited familiarity with LED technologies and frameworks.

Our Solution

Powering Green Growth through Data, Policy, and People

Chemonics worked with diverse clients and energy system actors to offer a holistic combination of solutions:

  • Targeted advisory services: We directly supported 31 LED projects with feasibility studies, procurement support, and engineering expertise.
  • Institutional strengthening: We trained 793 individuals and improved capacity in 28 institutions by embedding advisors helped municipalities develop climate strategies and secure funding.
  • Enabling data-driven decision-making: We developed and tailored 12 technical tools for stakeholders to make more informed decisions, including the adoption of the Clean Energy Emission Reduction Greenhouse Gas calculator to support evidence-based planning of clean energy initiatives, and the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LOCE) model for solar PV procurement to ensure high-quality and cost-efficient solar energy integration.
  • Policy support: Advised on 12 laws, policies, and standards including climate mitigation strategies and building regulations.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Fostered collaboration with national and provincial governments, funders, and community actors to ensure system-wide knowledge sharing and sustainability.

The Impact:

$200M Mobilized and 850K tons CO₂e Avoided

The impact by the numbers of our holistic approach was significant:

  • GHG reduction: Achieved projected reductions of 858,000 metric tons of CO₂e by 2030
  • Clean energy capacity: Developed 12.95 MW of renewable energy capacity across municipalities
  • Proving energy finance works Mobilized over $200 million in financing for LED projects