Ms. Pheladi Molepo | Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Pheladi Morufa Molepo is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg, specializing in engineering management and renewable energy transitions. Her work bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on inclusive and sustainable energy systems in South Africa. With a strong foundation in project management, sustainability, and systems thinking, Pheladi has developed frameworks like AKTESP to identify and address complex barriers to renewable energy integration. Passionate about just energy transitions, she actively collaborates with community stakeholders and young professionals to promote climate-smart practices. Her research aims to support national policy and planning with context-specific, data-driven insights. Pheladi’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to social equity, environmental stewardship, and innovation in energy reform. Through her interdisciplinary and impactful work, she contributes to shaping a future where energy systems are not only green and efficient but also socially resilient and inclusive.

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🎓 Education

Pheladi Molepo holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg, where her thesis investigated the complexity factors influencing the duration of R&D projects. Her academic training emphasizes systems thinking, sustainable development, and technical project oversight. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering Management at the same university, focusing on the integration of renewable energy into South Africa’s national energy framework. Her doctoral research addresses energy transition challenges and aims to develop inclusive, context-sensitive solutions for sustainable energy reform. With an emphasis on real-world applicability and policy relevance, her academic trajectory reflects a passion for resolving systemic and social obstacles in energy governance. Pheladi’s educational background equips her with a rare blend of managerial insight and technical rigor, supporting her contributions to both academia and sustainable development goals, particularly in underrepresented communities facing energy poverty and climate vulnerability.

🧪 Experience

Pheladi Molepo brings a blend of academic insight and real-world relevance to her research in energy transition and sustainable development. As a PhD candidate, she has led and contributed to multiple research efforts focused on energy system reform, including a major project on energy transition barriers using the AKTESP framework. Although her experience primarily lies in academia, she engages extensively with stakeholders across sectors to co-develop policies and frameworks that are contextually grounded. Her applied research efforts have culminated in journal publications and a pending patent, underscoring her commitment to innovation and impact. She also actively mentors younger researchers and professionals on sustainable energy practices. Her experience reflects not only scholarly depth but also strategic thinking and systems-level problem-solving, making her a key contributor to national conversations on renewable energy adoption. Through presentations, collaborative forums, and field engagement, she continues to shape inclusive and resilient energy systems.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Although still in the early stages of her academic career, Pheladi Molepo has already made significant strides in sustainability research. Her impactful contributions in engineering management and renewable energy integration have garnered recognition in academic forums. She has published in Scopus-indexed journals and holds a patent under process, reflecting her commitment to original, problem-solving research. Nominated for the Best Researcher Award by the International Cognitive Scientist Awards, Pheladi’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach and societal relevance. Her frameworks for understanding energy transition barriers are increasingly cited in discussions around equitable climate adaptation strategies. She is frequently invited to collaborate in academic and policy-related discussions on sustainability, and her leadership among young professionals in climate-related research is widely acknowledged. Her achievements demonstrate a trajectory of excellence, innovation, and community engagement, aligning her with global priorities for sustainable energy and earning her recognition as an emerging thought leader in the field.

🔬 Research Focus

Pheladi Molepo’s research focuses on advancing inclusive, sustainable energy systems by identifying and overcoming barriers to renewable energy integration in South Africa. Her PhD work utilizes a multidisciplinary methodology that combines engineering management principles, social science analysis, and stakeholder engagement to address the technical, institutional, and socio-political dimensions of energy transitions. Central to her work is the AKTESP framework, a tool she developed for systematically assessing the factors that hinder energy reform. Her research goes beyond theoretical modeling by applying grounded analysis and participatory approaches to ensure that energy policies are just, contextually relevant, and implementable. She is particularly concerned with the impact of energy transitions on vulnerable and underserved communities, ensuring their voices are integrated into the national planning process. Her work contributes significantly to the growing field of climate-smart development and supports the creation of resilient, inclusive energy systems aligned with global sustainable development goals.

✅ Conclusion