News

In advocating for the implementation of ambitious, consistent South African energy policy that harnesses the country’s immense wind resource and results in the streamlined growth of a wind power asset base, I had the opportunity to speak at the Annual Green Youth Indaba themed ‘Promoting Youth Participation and Sustainable Skills Development For A Just Transition.’

This year, we celebrate having passed the landmark of 1TW of Wind Power globally. 3.4GWs of that 1TW is provided for by 34 South African wind farms located across the country, contributing to the national power grid.

I am happy to report that we had a meaningful and robust engagement with the Ministry of Electricity on Tuesday, 24 April 2023 at the Union Buildings. SAWEA was represented by some members of the board, as well as the Executive Management.

The country has witnessed interesting positive development in the energy sector during the first quarter of 2023. The highlight being the significant appointment of Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

We are living in unprecedented times with our country’s electricity crisis being declared a National State of Disaster, our state utility has an interim CEO at the helm and we wait to find out who will be the new Minister of Electricity.

Reflecting on last year, it is clear that 2022 was a year of contrasts, with both successes and lost opportunities. We celebrated a number of regulatory changes namely the ERA amendments and ERA schedule 2, which have impacted our sector significantly, opening up opportunities in the private off-taker market and accelerating the liberalisation of the broader energy landscape.