The Optimum Energy Future debate hosted by EPRU the 16th of August at the UCT School Economics was the opportunity to discuss with policy decision makers, academics and other relevant stakeholders the future of the City of Cape Town Energy and Climate Action Plan (ECAP). Anthony Black, EfD research associate is particularly involved in the project.
The Cape Town Optimum Energy Future proposes a mix of low carbon energy supply and energy efficiency interventions to achieve a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trajectory aligned with national and
international aspirations and also to achieve co-benefits including less-costly and improved services, local
economic development, job creation, environmental protection and a more competitive and liveable city.
A detailed draft of the Optimum Energy Future (OEF) has been developed by Sustainable Energy Africa, the
UCT Energy Research Centre and the City. It has reached a stage where it is required to debate it with
academics and people working in energy sector policy and planning, especially those interested in climate
change, city services, local economic and social development, sustainability and the natural environment.
In conjunction with the Optimum Energy Future the City of Cape Town has developed a detailed Energy and
Climate Action Plan (ECAP): a plan with ten clear targeted objectives, 50 programme areas and 130+
projects many of which are already underway, some of which have been completed. The ECAP is the main
City of Cape Town vehicle for actualising the Optimum Energy Future.