CEO VOICE
"The journey ahead for South Africa’s wind sector is significant. To reach new frontiers, we must maximize our standing committees as coordinated, strategic platforms to advance the wind energy agenda in South Africa."
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Dear SAWEA Members,
As we conclude the third quarter, we reflect on notable regulatory and policy advancements, including the ERA Amendment Bill being signed into law, consultations on NERSA’s wheeling framework, submissions for BESIPPPP BW2 and Bid Window 7, Public forums on NTCSA’s Transmission Development Plan and the SA Wholesale Electricity Market Code being advanced.
Public Procurement Programme Reform With the announcement of prefeered bidders for Bid Window 7 on the horizon, the public procurement programme has come into focus. Given the critical role of the REIPPP in shaping South Africa’s energy future, SAWEA was honoured to have industry leaders, including Minister of Electricity & Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, NTCSA Chairperson Priscillah Mabelane, and IPPO Head Bernard Magoro, address the industry at Windaba 2024.
Together with the board, we engaged extensively with these stakeholders, highlighting critical industry challenges and areas where we urgently seek their intervention. They shared insights into strategic initiatives on the horizon. Central to our discussions with the IPPO were acceleration plans for public procurement aligned with the IRP2019—particularly for wind energy—and strategic measures to enhance the REIPPP. We are encouraged that our advocacy efforts are both recognised and prioritised. This was resounded by Minister Ramokgopa’s recent media briefing, which outlined key interventions to reform the public procurement programme, resonating with discussions held at Windaba and stakeholder consultations led by the Minister. As an industry, we look to the Government to ensure that public procurement is able to work synchronously with private procurement of renewable energy and this remains aligned with ongoing power sector reforms, addresses current challenges, and accelerates renewable energy integration—particularly wind—into the grid.
Strengthening and Expanding NTCSA’s Transmission Infrastructure NTCSA's recent public forum on the Transmission Development Plan (TDP 2025-2034) has provided an insightful roadmap for strengthening and expanding South Africa’s transmission infrastructure. The NTCSA outlined well-defined strategies for enhancing grid capacity through extensive transmission network expansion and refurbishment. This plan arrives at a crucial time, with a pressing need to accommodate an additional 5.2 GW of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) currently in execution, which will complement the existing 8 GW already connected to the grid. The TDP emphasises urgent upgrades to the central transmission corridor and introduces two new corridors—Eastern and Western—to facilitate energy flow from the resource-abundant South to the demand-heavy Northern areas. These objectives align closely with the South African Renewable Energy Grid Studies (SAREGS), reflecting a structured, data-driven influence from industry stakeholders. Over the next decade, NTCSA aims to construct 14,000 kilometres of transmission lines, supported by dedicated budget allocations. However, accelerating this ambitious build-out will necessitate robust public-private partnerships. The plan’s commitment to grid stability and renewable integration marks a significant step forward, though its success will ultimately depend on effective execution and partnership-driven momentum.
Wind in Africa – Strengthening Policy Frameworks Forming part of the Global Wind Energy Council’s Task Force that supports growth opportunities for wind energy on the African continent, we welcome the establishment of the Nigeria Wind Energy Council (NWEC). Lobbying tools for African markets such as the GWEC Africa Wind Energy Handbook are increasingly becoming more important for the growth of the sector on the continent. Our sector is better equipped to attract investments and support project viability across the continent. A critical chapter in this handbook is the Policy Frameworks, which emphasises that a solid policy framework helps to attract domestic and foreign investments and ensure steady rates of returns on projects. At SAWEA, strengthening wind investment is a priority, and GWEC has advanced our efforts by supporting the appointment of our new Policy Advisor, Clifford Rikhotso, who joined us on the 1st of October 2024, hitting the ground running at Windaba.
The Final Stretch As we approach year-end, we’re gearing up for strategic planning to lay a solid foundation for 2025. The journey ahead for South Africa’s wind sector is significant. To reach new frontiers, we must maximize our standing committees as coordinated, strategic platforms to advance the wind energy agenda in South Africa. Regards, Niveshen Govender CEO |
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STANDING COMMITTEES
All standing committees task teams continue to tackle the focus areas identified and have been active in doing the necessary work to achieve the deliverables envisioned for each of the Standing Committees. For a detailed update on the progress, please click the button below. |
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Quarter 4 Standing Committee Meeting Schedule: The last round of quarterly Standing Committee meetings are underway. Quarterly Standing Committee meetings are open to all SAWEA members in good standing, provided they have registered to be a part of the Standing Committee. Should you wish to join any of the meetings virtually, please register to participate in the Standing Committee here. |
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Project Development SC Date: 07 November 2024 Time:14H00-16H00 |
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Social Impact SC Date: 11 November 2024 Time:10H00-12H00 |
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General Policy and Regulatory framework response SAWEA is continuing in its advocacy efforts by engagement of key stakeholders for policies such as the revised IRP, Eskom’s Curtailment framework, the Interim Grid Capacity Allocation Rules and the Proposed Gated Process (PGP or Gated Generators Connection Process). Additionally, SAWEA is a social partner in the development of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan which is in its final stages following rounds of public engagement in 2023. SAWEA is also in the process of engagement with the dtic through the Energy One Stop Shop to provide inputs for the development of the Single Window Application Portal for renewable energy projects. |
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NERSA Consultation on Wheeling Framework The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) released a consultation paper on 09 August 2024, detailing draft Wheeling Rules, made in terms of Sections 21(2) and (3), read with section 35(1), 35(2)(c) and (e) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006) as well as the Electricity Pricing Policy Position 5.
SAWEA subsequently consolidated the industry comments in consultation with the relevant Standing Committee chairpersons and submitted to NERSA on Monday, 09 September 2024. Members can access this submission.
Following on these developments, NERSA has issued a public notice inviting all interested stakeholders to attend the public hearing on Network Charges for Third Party Transportation of Energy. The public hearing will be held virtually (Microsoft Teams) on 14 November 2024. Members wishing to attend the public hearing must submit their requests to publichearings@nersa.org.za by no later than 16:30 on 05 November 2024. Please find the notice as issued by the Regulator here. |
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South African Wholesale Electricity Market Code (SAWEM) In conjunction with the official independence of NTCSA, South Africa will migrate to a liberalised market where multi-lateral power purchasing can take place. The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) released the SAWEM (South African Wholesale Electricity Market) Market Code draft in April 2024. Since inception, multiple workshops with industry took place to support the comprehension and application of the said Code. The Market Code outlines the methodologies around the sale and purchase of electrical energy by participating generators, traders and retailers and forms part of a greater framework for a more sustainable and secure supply. SAWEA submitted comments on the said Code on 15 October (when NTCSA extended the submission date, originally 01 October). |
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SAWEA Call for Input on Challenges and from Municipalities with respect to application and permitting processes SAWEA is working closely with the dtic's Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) to provide inputs to streamline permitting and application processes for developers. The EOSS is currently mapping municipal application processes as part of the initiative to create a supportive regulatory environment for Independent Power Producers (IPPs). To ensure that the selected municipalities and permitting processes are most relevant and stand to benefit the most from this process, SAWEA are seeking member input. Please take a few minutes to complete the short questionnaire of 5 questions in the form linked here. Your insights are valuable in shaping this effort to streamline and improve processes at the municipal level for energy-related projects. |
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Importance of the TDP for Wind in South Africa The TDP is vital illustration from Eskom/ NTCSA to reflect on the progress made and the forecast required on network expansion and maintenance. This is in an effort to ensure that South Africa can meet its energy demands sustainably and efficiently over the next decade, addressing both current needs and future challenges. Similarly, by addressing transmission limitations, optimizing infrastructure, and aligning with broader energy goals, it supports the successful integration of renewable energy sources into South Africa's electricity grid which enables economic growth.
By optimizing the transmission network, the TDP can help minimize energy losses during transmission, improving overall efficiency, reliability, availability and alleviate congestion in over-committed transmission zones. For more info, please download the presentation below. |
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WINDABA 2024 Thank you for attending the 13th Annual Windaba Conference and Exhibition took place from 1–3 October 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with the theme Building Resilience through Wind Power.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2025! |
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WINDAC AFRICA ACADEMIC CONFERENCE To all who joined us for the WindAc Africa 2024 took place from 1–3 October 2024 in Cape Town, Thank you. Running alongside the Windaba Conference and Exhibition under the theme Building Resilience Through Wind Power, we heard from experts who delivered cutting-edge research and innovative solutions for the wind energy industry, focusing on: Emerging technologies (quantum computing), Advanced design and analysis techniques, Energy transition strategies, Environmental impact mitigation. |
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The event featured insightful site visits to Hopefield Wind Farm and the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC). Participants enjoyed a guided tour and presentation by SARETEC training officials, showcasing the centre’s various training programmes. The research papers presented by researchers and expert speakers at CTICC on Days 2-3, showcased a diverse range of wind energy studies, encompassing technical innovations, environmental impact assessments, resource evaluations, and offshore wind explorations. These studies demonstrate the breadth of ongoing research in wind energy, addressing technical, environmental, and economic challenges to advance South Africa's renewable energy landscape. |
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energyDRIVE CAPE ROUTE 2024 In partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Green Youth Network, the energyDrive Cape Route, now in its seventh year, concluded on 31 October 2024. This initiative promotes renewable energy awareness and education, engaging learners across various regions and fostering a sense of responsibility for a sustainable, clean-energy future. To date, 17 schools have been visited, reaching over 1,500 learners.
We’re proud to have seen growing participation from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and stakeholders each year since the programme’s launch in 2017. A special thank you to our project partners: Mainstream Renewable Power, Noblesfontein Wind Farm, Enel Green Power, Dorper Wind Farm, Scatec, and EDF Renewables. |
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Management Development Programme for Women in Renewable Energy (MDP) Congratulations to the Graduates of the Management Development Programme 2024.
With great pride, we extend our congratulations to this years pioneering MDP 2024 class, who successfully completed their Management Development Programme for Women in Renewable Energy course. |
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Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2025 - Applications Now OPEN! Applications for the Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2025 are now open!
For the 2025 intake, SAWEA aims to place 35 young professionals within the industry. We encourage all interested Host Companies to register here by no later than 14 November 2025 to ensure a smooth onboarding process for the next group of interns.
Don’t miss this chance to support the next generation of wind energy professionals! |
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SAWEA Welcomes Clifford Rikhotso as Policy Advisor
We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Clifford Rikhotso as SAWEA’s new Policy Advisor.
Clifford brings a wealth of expertise in Environmental Management and Geography, along with seven years of specialised experience in the energy sector. His recent role as Technical Advisor at GIZ focused on policy development, power sector reform, and the integration of renewable energy resources.
As Policy Advisor, Clifford will play a crucial role in advancing SAWEA’s strategic efforts to strengthen the wind energy sector across South Africa. We look forward to his valuable contributions as we continue building resilience through wind power. |
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Blade Patterning Guidelines for Avifaunal Specialists SAWEA and BirdLife SA are proud to announce the release of the Blade Patterning Guidelines for South Africa. As wind energy development rapidly expands across the country, wind developers are actively exploring additional avifaunal mitigation measures to support sustainable growth. |
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Following the release of the Blade Painting Briefing Note in 2023, the successful implementation of the blade patterning pilot project at Umoya Wind Farm in the Western Cape, and positive results from the related study, it is clear that blade patterning effectively reduces bird impacts on wind turbines and can be used as a mitigation option at any wind farm.
The Blade Patterning Guidelines offer guidance for avian specialists recommending blade patterning to reduce bird strikes – especially for raptors – at South African wind farms. We have also included a template for members to use when submitting an application to the SACAA for blade patterning approval. |
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OCTOBER 2024 EVENTS RECAP |
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Windaba 2024 Gala Dinner - Award Recipients Congratulations to the award recipients of the WINDABA 2024 Industry Awards!
Your outstanding contributions have made a significant impact on the wind industry and the broader community in South Africa. Your dedication and achievements continue to inspire progress and innovation in the sector. |
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Watt-A-Woman Award Chanda Nxumalo |
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Safety Net Award Mainstream Asset Management SA |
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Raising Communities Award Noupoort Wind Farm |
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Gender Diversity Transformation Enabler Award Scatec South Africa |
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Exceptional Service Provider Award ED Platform |
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Bright Spark Award Ightishaan Groenewald |
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Skills for a Just Climate Transition Indaba 2024 Our Social Impact Standing Committee Chairperson, Celiwe Mabaso participated in the ’Accelerating the Just Transition through Skills Research: Access and Pathways into Emerging Streams of Work’ panel. The event took place on 30 October 2024 at Protea Hotel by Marriott, Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton.
The event was hosted by the Presidential Climate Commission in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA). |
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Windaba Webinar: Offshore Wind Roadmap
South Africa's Offshore Wind Roadmap Team, comprising of the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), ESMAP, Carbon Trust, Meridian Economics, and the World Bank Group, in partnership with SAWEA, invites stakeholders to a webinar to present the draft Offshore Wind Roadmap for input and discussion.
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Wits Business School announces first South Africa-India Energy Conference 27 - 29 NOVEMBER 2024
Wits Business School is pleased to announce its upcoming energy conference in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Johannesburg. The three-day conference, dubbed Matla-Urja (meaning “energy” in Sesotho and Hindi) will bring together industry leaders and academics from South Africa and India to engage on both shared and divergent energy challenges as well as explore investment opportunities.
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