Power Shortages and Sustainable Solutions in South Africa: The Role of Inga 3 Hydropower and Green Supply Chains

Abstract

The current energy crisis in South Africa, within the transformational context of the Inga 3 Hydropower Project and further through green supply chains, is the subject of this research. It fully describes how shortages of electricity have dire implications for key industries such as mining, manufacturing, and services, all exacerbated by aging infrastructure and dependence on coal. The Inga 3 project involves 4,215 MW of capacity and is discussed here as an example of how a renewable energy alternative could alleviate South Africa's energy deficit.This paper looks at the feasibility of integrating Inga 3 into the South African power grid from a technical, economic, and environmental point of view, considering how green supply chain management can help toward greater sustainability and efficiency. GSCM integrates sustainability within the supply chain for benefits to include reduced carbon footprints, resource optimization, and enhanced environmental performance.These are exciting economic, social, and environmental benefits related to the inclusion of renewable energy and green supply chains; they include job opportunities, reductions in energy costs, and enhancements of industrial efficiencies. The infrastructure improvement, political will, and financial commitments pose the challenges to attain these targets. Finally, this study concludes with policy recommendations toward the implementation of renewable energy and sustainability with a view to transforming the energy platform in South Africa.

Keywords: South Africa, Inga 3 Hydropower, Green Supply Chains, Renewable Energy, Energy Sustainability

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006399