Extractive legacies, local struggles, and the pursuit of social justice Green energy development in South Africa’s semi-arid Northern Cape

Abstract

South Africa’s transition to renewable energy, including green hydrogen development, is positioned as a pathway to sustainability and economic growth. However, this transition is characterised by persistent socio-economic inequalities, infrastructural limitations, and unevenly distributed benefits. This article critically examines the socio-political implications of large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly in historically marginalised regions such as the Northern Cape province. Employing an energy justice framework, the study explores how corporate-led energy transitions risk reinforcing patterns of resource dispossession and exclusion, rather than fostering equitable development. By interrogating the tensions between national energy ambitions and local realities, the paper highlights the need for greater institutional capacity, meaningful community engagement, and policy interventions that prioritise energy justice. The findings stress the importance of moving beyond extractivist paradigms to ensure a just and inclusive energy transition.