Sustainable energy systems for urban-industrial development in South Africa Reducing GHG emissions and other environmental and social impacts by accelerating the decarbonization of industrial parks addressing both the energy supply and demand side Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. Social benefits  In terms of social benefits, through the introduction and expansion of sustainable energy sources, the project will contribute to South Africa`s transition to a low-carbon environment, reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions and thus improving air quality for the citizens of the country. This has the co-benefit of improving citizen’s health and lowering associated health care costs and potential death rates. In South Africa, up to 44 million people are exposed to air pollution from coal power plants.[1] The extraction, storage, transportation, and utilization of coal produces fugitive dust, which has been linked to pulmonary diseases. Health costs related to coal emissions will peak in 2022, at up to R45 billion in that year alone. As many as 2080 premature deaths annually were predicted due to air pollution from power plants in South Africa. Health costs can be reduced significantly by increasing the share of renewable energy utilization.   From the point of view of gender mainstreaming benefits, the project will provide social benefits to the women in industrial parks in terms of new job, investment (e.g., gender lens investment principles under output 3.1.) and skill development opportunities. In addition, the project will enhance workplace conditions such as access to safer and cleaner indoor air due to integration of renewable energy.  Environmental benefits  In terms of environmental benefits, use of fossil fuel-based energy generation is reduced and shifts to sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energies, which decreases the demand for fossil fuels. Eventually, this leads to a reduced environmental footprint of the industry sector, which is expressed in mitigated GHG emissions (tCO2e/a) and renewable energy capacity installed (MW). In the case of water, the continuous release of various chemicals from coal mines has drastically affected water quality. This has further resulted in acidification and degradation of the water, affecting the aquatic bodies and human health[2].  At the same time a shift to sustainable energy solutions furthers resource efficiency and circular economy practices. This may also include reduced levels of pollution due to more efficient use of resources, which can have co-benefits for preservation and protection of local biodiversity.Economic benefitsSouth Africa has an abundance of renewable energy resources. Investing into renewable energy sources opens new opportunities for current coal sector employees and other job seekers. South Africa can significantly boost employment by increasing the share of renewables. Indirect benefits also include employment creation through skills upgrading and training, technology transfer, improved reputation and increased incidence of the “demonstration effect” arising from the application of best practice for sustainable energy sources in IPs / SEZs, leading to wider uptake of more efficient practices        [1] ASS/UfU/IET/CSIR. 2020. Making the Paris Agreement a success for the planet and the people of South Africa. Unlocking the co-benefits of decarbonising South Africa’s power sector. COBENEFITS Policy Report. Potsdam/Pretoria. www.cobenefits.info      [2] See https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/conflict-implications-of-coal-mining-and-environmental-pollution-in-south-africa/