Power Futures Lab

Power Futures Lab is a research and policy initiative based at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business that focuses on electricity sector reform and energy transition in South Africa and the broader African context. The organisation conducts applied research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement on issues related to power system transformation, renewable energy integration and electricity market design. Its work addresses critical challenges facing the South African electricity sector, including the restructuring of Eskom, the development of independent power producer programmes and the establishment of new institutional arrangements such as transmission system operators. The lab provides evidence-based analysis and recommendations to inform policy decisions by government, regulators such as Nersa and industry stakeholders. It engages with questions of electricity wheeling, grid access and the regulatory frameworks needed to support renewable energy deployment, including solar and other clean energy technologies. Power Futures Lab collaborates with industry bodies, energy sector participants and academic institutions to advance understanding of electricity market reform and the technical and commercial arrangements required to support a reliable, affordable and sustainable power system. The initiative is led by energy sector experts and contributes to public debate on loadshedding, grid modernisation and the transition away from coal-based generation. Through its research outputs, workshops and policy briefs, Power Futures Lab seeks to support South Africa's energy transition and the development of a competitive, decarbonised electricity sector.