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Associations
PANEL DISCUSSES THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ASSISTING SA TO OVERCOME LOADSHEDDING
By Eamonn Ryan
Last year , Creamer Media hosted a panel discussion on the subject Renewable Energy : What is the role of renewable energy in assisting South Africa to overcome loadshedding ? The associations , Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority ( EWSETA ) and South African Wind Energy Association ( SAWEA ) participated .
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SAWEA
The discussion unpacked the following questions :
• What reforms have sparked the current rapid expansion in renewable energy and how rapidly are renewable energy solutions growing in South Africa ?
• What is the breakdown of the major demand drivers for renewable energy solutions among businesses , households and small and large-scale investments ?
• What technology platforms deal best with the variable nature of wind and solar energy sources ? Is there potential for upstream manufacturing of renewable energy components in South Africa ?
• What downstream advantage will increased renewable energy use have for the South African industry ?
The panel consisted of :
• Mpho Mookapele , CEO of EWSETA
• Santosh Sukhram , Senior Technical Advisor at the South African Wind Energy Association ( SAWEA )
• Dr Rethabile Melamu , CEO of SAPVIA
• James Beatty , CEO of Enpower Trading
HARNESSING SOUTH AFRICA ' S RENEWABLE RESOURCES South Africa possesses abundant untapped renewable resources , presenting a valuable asset for our nation ' s energy security and economic growth . Grid capacity constraints have impacted renewable energy trading but focusing on ‘ Power Purchase Agreement ( PPA ) ready ’ projects ensures a reliable energy supply . Expanding the pool of projects with grid capacity , streamlining
RACA Journal I May 2024
EWSETA
processes and embracing aggregation models can drive a vibrant and sustainable renewable energy market . As the market evolves , additional value propositions such as hedging and balancing services can be explored , positioning South Africa ' s renewable energy sector at the forefront of global trends .
CREATING CERTAINTY FOR INVESTMENT AND LOCALISATION Certainty is crucial for developing strong renewable energy value chains . Finalising capacity allocation rules , such as Eskom ' s queuing rules , will provide clarity and unlock pending projects . Policy certainty , exemplified by the Integrated Resource Plan ( IRP ), drives long-term energy needs and fosters an investmentfriendly environment . Localisation and local manufacturing are vital for economic transformation and job creation . By embracing manufacturing and conducting research and development ( R & D ), South Africa can enhance exports , reduce imports and promote economic resilience . Collaborative efforts between stakeholders , government and financing institutions are key to supporting local manufacturing and R & D . Clear government targets and commitments , such as procuring 15 000Mw of renewable energy , drive sector growth and stability .
LEARNING FROM INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES South Africa must strike a balance between a just energy transition and addressing the energy crisis . Swift deployment of costcompetitive energy solutions is key for economic development . By tailoring strategies to local needs and drawing inspiration from global experiences , South Africa can lead in renewable energy , while meeting immediate energy demands .
POLICY CERTAINTY FOR INVESTMENT Providing clarity in government policies and their co-existence with traditional sectors is crucial for investment . Policymakers should develop a clear framework supporting renewable energy technologies and international climate commitments , enabling renewables to work alongside other resources .
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