Green technology readiness: A praxis for climate action in fresh pursuit of a net zero economy

IF SOUTH Africa is to realise its growth and development ambitions towards and achieve a just transition and inclusive economy, we must consider a critical aspect — and that is the green technology landscape.

- CHRISTELLE BEYER

Technology will remain a key driver for developing green energy solutions, optimizing renewable energy sources, advancing climate adaptation, and improving sustainable practices in agriculture and waste management.

Innovative, green technologies will allow South Africa to follow slow and fast paced transitions, where every innovative, market ready technologies jettison business-as-usual and outdated practices that lock South Africans into unsustainable futures, whilst allowing for the incubation and emergence of novel technologies.

Green and innovative technologies provide a concrete geo-spatial, technical and outcome directed pathway with direct links to the finance and investment ecosystem, project development and the creation of bankable portfolios to attract climate finance.

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is laying a solid foundation for empirical, evidence-based research and acts as a central platform for socializing research that underpins our transition pathways.

Mapping the technology landscape at an economy-wide level provides a critical layer of understanding that is required to implement Just Transition hence, the Green Technology Stocktake commissioned by the PCC and the Technology Innovation Agency examines the role of green technologies in Just Transition.

The Stocktake maps and prioritises low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies across key sectors - energy, transport, industry, agriculture, water and waste. It further positions technologies based on climate impact, environmental benefits, readiness, policy alignment, commercial viability, infrastructure needs and adoption risks.

Green technology