The spread of the Internet combined with the emergence of open access platforms allows for the wide and rapid diffusion of technical design specifications and codified engineering knowledge, e.g., through open designs, discussion forums, free online courses, and instructional text and videos.

As the global transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy (RE) gathers pace, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in South Africa (SA) has been a game changer in terms of stimulating the deployment of large scale RE and unlocking possible pathways towards more sustainable economic, industrial, environmental and social development.