Introduction

The project seeks to contribute new analytical perspectives to the net zero decarbonisation challenge, with particular objectives in terms of content, method and communication.


1. Content – Secunda and Sasolburg are high emitting facilities that are inextricably interconnected and deliver closely linked products to the economy, mostly in the transport and chemicals space. Yet the opportunities and risks associated with the decarbonisation of these facilities and their closely linked value chains are not well understood. The project aims to enable a greater understanding of the multiple dimensions of this complex area, primarily for the South African decarbonisation policy community.
2. Method – The project seeks to innovate in the area of understanding and communicating implementable decarbonisation strategies at the national policy level, drawing on complex systems thinking, multi-criteria analysis and scenario planning. It focuses on the question: “What do we need to understand about decarbonization of Secunda, Sasolburg and their value chains to make optimal decisions as a country over the coming years?”
3. Communication – During preparatory work for this project, it was highlighted that South Africa’s leadership finds it difficult to understand the climate change challenge. Communicating highly complex and technical information is difficult. The project explores ways of increasing accessibility and transparency on this topic.