SAWEA 2024 AGM marks significant progress in SA’s wind energy sector
The South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 February 2024, heralding a pivotal moment for the future of wind energy in South Africa.
The event was marked by the unveiling of SAWEA’s first annual report, which underscored the sector's vital contributions to the nation’s wind energy landscape in 2023, as well as the appointment of a new Chairperson and elected board members for 2024.
SAWEA 2023 Annual Report
Delving into the various activities in the wind energy sector through the 2023 financial year, SAWEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Niveshen Govender, delivered a comprehensive analysis of the wind energy market, addressing various facets crucial to the industry's growth. Emphasising global ambitions, Govender spoke about the continent's vast potential in renewable energy, particularly wind power.
“The report focuses heavily on SAWEA’s objectives, including the need to enhance grid capacity, the promotion of supportive government policies such as IRP2023, and the fostering of stakeholder relationships,” says Govender.
Internationally, the role of wind energy is increasingly critical, with global capacity reaching 1TW. Africa is emerging as a key player, led by South Africa’s 30% share of the continent’s 9GW capacity.
Domestically, the wind energy sector foresees the production of 3,200MW through Bid Window 7. Furthermore, ongoing negotiations with PPAs suggest the potential for an additional 3,000MW of energy to be produced in the coming years.
Discussing the local landscape, Govender meticulously unpacked the regulatory environment, shedding light on the shortcomings of the draft IRP2023 and outlining the association's strategic advocacy plan aimed at fostering a more consistent and ambitious national energy agenda.
Addressing the pressing issue of grid access challenges, he provided insights into the progress made thus far through collaborative efforts with NECOM, signalling a collective commitment towards overcoming obstacles and propelling the wind energy sector towards a sustainable future.
The report also highlights several notable achievements made by the association, including the groundbreaking Renewable Energy Grid Survey, conducted in partnership with Eskom, which revealed that 64GW of renewable energy projects are currently in development, with half of these comprising wind energy projects.
Other notable achievements include Windaba Conference & Exhibition that saw 1,000 attendees over the three conference days, where the Community Engagement Guidelines were launched. In addition, the Blade Painting/ Patterning Briefing Note was launched, the CAA Blanket Application for Alternative Means of Compliance (AMoC) for industry was approved, and the Gender Diversity Study concluded, which gave rise to the need to develop a gender diversity charter for the sector.
“The report further emphasises how the association's influence extends to pivotal regulatory and policy engagements, making substantial contributions to discussions on grid capacity, environmental norms, and the regulatory landscape,” says Govender.
Election of a new board for 2024
An integral part of the AGM involved the election of a new board for the 2024 financial year. Here, three new board members were elected, namely Lena Chirwa, Lance Blaine, and Nontokozo Nkosi (Treasurer); while previous members, Sunette Smith, Titania Zincke, Jose Rodrigues, and Niveshen Govender will continue in their respective roles. From this board, Smith steps in as the new Chairperson, succeeding Dhesen Moodley, whose tenure with the association marked several critical advances in the sector.
More details about the 2024 board of governance can be found here.
“I’d like to thank the former Chairperson, Dhesen Moodley for diligently leading SAWEA through a turbulent start for the industry in 2023. The interventions he introduced have reassured us that under the leadership of the incoming Chairperson, Sunette Smith, the association will achieve even greater levels of success and impact in advancing the renewable energy agenda in South Africa," concludes Govender.
Smith served as a board member in 2023 and is well versed with the association’s 2024 strategic priorities, with grid capacity being a key focus area. Bringing a wealth of experience to her new role, Smith is well-poised to propel SAWEA forward in its mission to promote and advance the wind energy sector in South Africa.
As Business Development Executive at Reatile Group (Pty) Limited, a South African investment holding company with a 21-year track record focused on energy solutions, Smith embodies SAWEA’s shared vision for a sustainable energy future. Smith's leadership is expected to further elevate SAWEA's impact in the renewable energy landscape.
"I am honoured to have been chosen to lead SAWEA at this pivotal time,” says Smith. “I look forward to building on the foundation laid by Dhesan Moodley and working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance the association’s goals."
Despite the grid capacity and industry-wide challenges, SAWEA remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering positive transformation and pioneering innovation within the renewable energy landscape. By championing wind energy as the bedrock of South Africa's sustainable energy future, SAWEA continues to lead the charge towards a greener, more resilient, sustainable future.
