Conference Agenda

Energy innovation is a critical impetus for developing an economy. Furthermore, South Africa, in particular, aspires to inclusive and sustainable development through the lens of science, technology and innovation (STI). It is intended to be inclusive in that participation in the supply and demand side is demographically representative. It is also to be sustainable in that consideration should be given to a balance among economic, social, and environmental factors. However, while the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has long identified energy innovation among its STI priorities for growing the South African economy, the whole-of-government approach advocated for in its Decadal Plan requires that the innovation imperative be robustly adopted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). To inform a much-needed synthesis between the policies of both agencies, which intersects around energy innovation, we conceptualise a value chain-informed energy innovation system framework based on input, output, and outcome indicators. By considering and applying this framework as part of the implementation of the Decadal Plan, energy innovation could contribute more meaningfully to the National Development Plan (NDP), and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as some of the perennial challenges associated with the sustainable production, widespread distribution, equitable and efficient use of energy in South Africa.

This study examined the adoption and efficiency level of improved charcoal stoves among peri-urban households, using data from randomly selected 143 sampled households in Osun State, Nigeria. The result revealed Improved Charcoal stoves had some level of awareness and satisfaction compared to traditional charcoal stove. The age of the household head was a marginally significant factor (P is slightly < 0.05) influencing the probability of the adoption of ICS. The years spent in school (P < 0.05) was found as a factor that significantly influenced the adoption of ICS, as household heads with more years of schooling were significantly more likely to adopt or use ICS. The monthly energy expenditure (P < 0.05) was also strongly and significantly associated with higher likelihood of ICS adoption or efficiency. This suggests that households willing to invest more in energy-saving technologies are more likely to adopt ICS and find it efficient. Being a member of a cooperative society was also found to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of ICS adoption or efficiency as cooperative membership provides access to information and resources that promote ICS adoption. Promoting education, financial incentives, cooperative membership and charcoal availability become necessary for using clean cooking technologies among households.