CEO Voice - February 2024
Dear SAWEA Members
As we settle in the year, on course to advocate the benefits of increased and accelerated wind energy deployment, to contribute towards the country's energy security, we are administratively preparing the Association in good governance to represent the industry for the best results.
On the 20th of February, we convened our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with great success, during which we unveiled our inaugural annual report. This document serves as a comprehensive overview of our sector's significant contributions to the nation’s energy landscape throughout 2023.
The AGM saw the appointment of three industry leaders to the SAWEA board; Lena Chirwa, Lance Blaine, and Nontokozo Nkosi who will join the remaining board members Sunette Smith, Titania Zincke and Jose Rodrigues. From the 2024 SAWEA board, post the AGM, Ms. Sunette Smith was elected as the new Chairperson of the Association.
While I extend my best wishes to the SAWEA 2024 board, and the incoming Chairperson, confident in their ability to lead us forward, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our outgoing Chairperson, Mr. Dhesen Moodley, for his leadership and contribution to the Association.
With only two weeks under the new SAWEA board, the Association continues to advance critical industry conversations, unpack market dynamic impacts on the wind industry and support the integration of wind energy as part of the South African energy mix.
• Success of REIPPPP BW7: In advocating for more wind on the grid, SAWEA, registered the industry’s concerns on the success of REIPPPP BW7 through NECOM’s WK 10 Business Committee and key relevant government stakeholders directly.
Reflecting on the devastating impact of REIPPPP Bid Window 6 on the industry, SAWEA’s engagements prompted stakeholders to investigate the various possibilities to clarify the grid allocation framework and ensure a successful BW7.
It's important to note that matters pertaining to grid allocation are actively discussed within the Project Development and Market Development Standing Committees. We strongly encourage members to participate in these discussions to ensure that our industry's voice is adequately represented.
• Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 1023): SAWEA noted the recent extension of the deadline for responses to the revised IRP 2023. In this respect and in line with one of our main priorities – to strategically engage members on industry-related matters – we look forward to discussing the proposed IRP 2023 with members on the 13th of March 2024. We urge you to critically analyse the plan with a view to providing constructive inputs that will improve our energy future. Members are also reminded to submit their comments to SAWEA’s secretariat by 06 March 2024.
• President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA): SAWEA recognised Government’s ongoing commitment to the renewable energy programme, as evidenced by its regulatory reforms and intention to build more than 14,000kms of new transmission lines to accommodate renewable energy. We view these as positive measures aimed at stabilising the energy supply, bringing load shedding to an end and boosting the economy.
The focus now needs to be on the urgent and immediate practical implementation of renewable energy, noting that the industry is ready to do more, but that local market conditions led by grid constraints continue to hinder the progression of projects.
I thank you for your ongoing support and input and I look forward to engaging with you in the upcoming weeks.
Regards,
Niveshen Govender
CEO, SAWEA
