The world of mobility is rapidly changing. The market for electric vehicle (EVs), in all their forms, is growing exponentially. Combined with technological disruptions in the energy space, the rise of EVs puts battery technologies at the core of sustainable development. Multiple technologies and chemistries, with their respective advantages and shortcomings, are competing in a market currently dominated by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Both South Africa’s government and industry have indicated their intention to position the local value chain as a key player in the mobility of the future. This is critical to ensure a just transition to e-mobility which would…

With greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions coming to the fore of nations’ climate policy concerns, the wine industry faces a new challenge. Viniculture (grape cultivation for winemaking) is directly susceptible to climate change impacts due to grapevines being highly sensitive to the surrounding environment, such as changes in weather patterns. In addition, the industry is increasingly targeted by climate change response measures, aimed at reducing GHG emissions. Such measures are poised to significantly alter traditional methods of production. Trade-related climate change response measures, such as shifts in import-export patterns, border carbon adjustments or non-tariff barriers (such as standards), are also increasingly…

Official project name: Tracking Climate Finance Inflows to South Africa Client: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Funder: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Duration: 15 January 2013 - 21 March 2013 Summary TIPS was commissioned in 2013 by the OECD to carry out a case study focused on the state of the tracking of public and private climate-related inflows to South Africa. The study investigates South Africa’s strategy on climate finance (tracking). It then describes South Africa’s project-based approach for tracking and explores what data on public (domestic and foreign) and private climate finance inflows are available…

Official project name: Sharing technology in a low-carbon knowledge economy Client: South African Institute of International Affairs Funder: South African Institute of International Affairs Duration: 2012-2013 Summary In 2012, TIPS’s Sustainable Growth pillar worked for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on a research paper on intellectual property in climate negotiations, including a case study focused on concentrated solar power (CSP). The paper shows that the technological revolution required by climate action can be achieved by existing technology, but would benefit immensely from continued innovation to lower costs. The sheer scale of investment required necessitates the wholesale participation…

Official project name: Technical support on economic modelling of impacts of international policies and mechanisms on markets, sectors, climate finance and technology on South Africa / GIZ Project: DEA Climate Change Support Program Client: Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Chief Directorate - International Climate Change Relations and Negotiations Funder: Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Duration: 15 April 2012 - 31 March 2013     Summary   TIPS was contracted in 2012/2013 by GIZ to provide technical assistance to the DEA on three topics in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations: The use of (carbon) markets to improve the allocative…

Official project name: Facilitation of a Sectoral Workshop and Preparation of a Briefing Paper. Rio+20 Project / Research and Technical Cooperation Services Unit for the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement Facility Client: WWF and Department of Environmental Affairs Funder: Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (European Union) Duration: 22 March 2012 – 10 April 2012 Summary In 2012, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) engaged with civil society stakeholders to inform its response to the Rio+20 Zero Draft Outcome Document, The Future We Want. The DEA supported the organisation of four sectoral workshops with relevant stakeholders from the environmental movement, labour,…

Official project name: Trade and climate change: Policy and economic implications for South Africa Client: Energy Research Centre at the University of Cape Town Funder: Energy Research Centre at the University of Cape Town Duration: 2010-2011 Summary Climate and trade issues lie at the intersection of two of the world’s most contested, delayed and important multilateral negotiations: climate change, under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and international trade, as regulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO). In August 2010, TIPS was commissioned by the Energy Research Centre at the University of Cape Town,…

Official project name: Commercial Climate Change Risks and Opportunities in South Africa Client: Camco Funder: British High Commission Duration: May 2009 – November 2010 Summary TIPS participated in a research project led by Camco, an international consulting firm specialising in climate change solutions, and financed by the British High Commission. This considered the indirect effects that climate change could have on South Africa's economy, ranging from impacts on the tourism sector, aviation and food exports, to commercial opportunities in low carbon technologies and the promotion of alternative carbon markets. In addition to the main report, a series of 18 sectoral…