PhD candidates and master’s students from the Economics and Energy Economics Research Unit (EERU) in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of Pretoria (UP), recently participated in the 45^th Annual International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) Conference. The event took place between 25 and 29 June at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Türkiye, and brought together diverse minds from the Global South and Global North to explore pressing issues in energy economics.

Themed, ‘Energy Sustainability, Security, Efficiency and Accessibility in a Time of Transition’, the 2024 IAEE Conference is widely considered to be the most influential and significant gatherings in energy economics research this year. It provides a platform for professionals from various sectors to address challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as adopted by the United Nations.

The conference attracted nearly 500 participants, including UP postgraduates who presented their work. UP’s EERU seeks to advance research in energy economics and contribute to global discussions on sustainable energy solutions. This commitment is exemplified by the participation of its students at international conferences like the IAEE. Their participation not only highlights the University’s dedication to addressing global challenges through rigorous research, but also emphasises the vital role of academic diversity and collaboration in driving solutions.

UP PhD candidates Alanda Venter, Nancy Mukalayi and Anneri Oosthuizen delivered research presentations at the event.

From left to right: Nancy Mukalayi, WiZelle Kritzinger, Anna Maria Oosthuizen, Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Alana Venter, and Mattheu van Aswegen. 

During a session titled ‘Energy and environment’, Venter presented her work on the impact of institutional quality in mitigating the effects of carbon dioxide emissions on human development. She highlighted that effective institutional quality is crucial for governments to modulate the impact of carbon dioxide emissions, thus contributing to both human development and climate change targets.

“This research aims to guide policymakers on the critical role of institutional quality in achieving the SDGs,” Venter said.

Mukalayi presented a paper on the impact of digital financial inclusion on carbon emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa. He outlined how it encourages manufacturing and industrial activity, potentially increasing carbon dioxide emissions, and how it facilitates access to beneficial and affordable financial plans, promoting investments in green technologies and reducing reliance on heavy-polluting industries. Mukalayi highlighted the financial sector’s role in supporting renewable energy investments.

Oosthuizen’s study, titled ‘Does climate change affect female empowerment in East Africa?’, examines how climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities for women and girls, linking these impacts to lower socio-economic status and cultural norms. By constructing a Female Empowerment Index and analysing its relationship to climate change, her research highlights the differential effects of climate change on gender inequality. Her presentation received valuable feedback and sparked engaging discussions, showcasing the diversity of perspectives and providing a platform for PhD students to network and gain insights from experts.

EMS master’s students – Mattheu van Aswegen and WiZelle Kritzinger – also presented their research on energy and environmental economics, supervised by Professor Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Head of the EERU in UP’s Department of Economics.

Prof Inglesi-Lotz says exposing students to conferences such as the IAEE provides them an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with other global scholars in the same field and obtain valuable feedback on their research.

“This experience not only enhances their academic growth but also equips them with a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field of energy economics. The networking opportunities and insights gained from these interactions are crucial for their professional development and for contributing to global solutions in sustainable energy,” she says.

Kritzinger presented her research on how climate change, specifically the increase in observed annual mean temperature, has had an impact on energy poverty in South Africa. She highlighted how the country’s climatology and geography might turn increasing temperatures into an advantage, potentially alleviating energy poverty.

“Understanding the connection between energy and climate change is crucial for making informed policy decisions and for effective resource allocation,” Kritzinger said.

Van Aswegen’s presentation on his study of the demand and supply of electric vehicles (EVs) between EV-manufacturing and EV-importing countries within the European Union was acknowledged with valuable insights and discussions. He detailed the factors driving EV adoption and emphasised that carbon dioxide emissions are a global problem, affecting all corners of the globe regardless of their origin. This highlights the importance of revolutionising the global transport sector alongside the just energy transition in the energy sector, he posited.

Through fostering academic excellence and providing opportunities for global networking, UP’s Department of Economics equips its students with the knowledge and experience needed to address pressing energy challenges worldwide. The department’s support, including sponsoring the conference costs for the students, enhances their academic growth and reinforces UP’s role in shaping the future of sustainable energy practices.