Headline: South Africa: Carbon-Intensive Economy and a Regional Renewable Energy Frontrunner

Due to its strong reliance on coal, South Africa is a middle-income country with veryhigh per capita emissions. As host of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in 2011, thecountry has embarked on a significant change of trajectory for its energy sector. In itsclimate mitigation efforts, it has introduced renewable energy auctions and furthermorefocuses on carbon capture and storage as well as energy efficiency. South Africa’sregional activities concentrate on renewables, grid integration and energy accessin Southern Africa.