CEO VOICE
Dear SAWEA Members,
March has been another eventful month for SAWEA and our members. Following our online engagement on the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023, SAWEA consolidated all member responses and submitted these to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DRME) on 23 March 2024. |
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SAWEA has been leading the narrative on the draft IRP 2023, specifically questioning the modelling and assumptions used to determine the vastly diminished allocation for wind energy in the period leading up to 2030. This has been picked up by the media, further driving conversations around the proposed plan (see article links below). |
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SAWEA is proud to announce the standing committee leadership for the coming year, who are tasked with driving engagement and progress towards achieving the goals set forth by each committee.
The five SAWEA Standing Committees form the cornerstone of our member engagement efforts, serving as platforms for robust discussions and collaborative problem-solving to address industry issues.
Welcome to our leadership, we are excited for the year ahead and can't wait to achieve milestones together! |
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REGULATORY AND INDUSTRY UPDATES |
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While the draft IRP 2023 - and our official response to it on 23 March - has been top of mind for many in our industry, a few other notable regulatory issues were addressed this month.
CAA AMoC Application The approval of SAWEA's Alternative Means of Compliance (AMoC) application to the SACAA in January 2024 indicates that "the final designs of the alternative markings must be submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for consideration and approval prior to implementation”.
The SACAA has subsequently advised SAWEA that such submissions of "final designs of the alternative markings" be accompanied by a full motivation and endorsement of such alternative marking / pattern design from a South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)-registered avifaunal specialist.
In addition, SAWEA is in the process of assisting with inputs towards developing a set of blade patterning guidelines to assist developers in implementing designs based on best available science. The idea is to maximise the chances of success of this, as yet, unproven mitigation measure. This, however, is yet to be adopted and we will advise further in due course.
Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) released the Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures on 18 March 2024, which members can peruse for their reference.
South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) – Call to Action SAWEA is proud to announce the call for submissions for the 3rd annual South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey. In collaboration with Eskom and SAPVIA, this annual survey provides the renewable energy industry an important opportunity to inform and influence grid expansion and planning. This will benefit REIPPPP, private generation, wheeling, and investment in new generation capacity. The survey submissions will be utilised by Eskom Transmission Planning to enhance and inform the Grid Capacity Connection Assessment (GCCA) and Transmission Development Plan (TDP) updates. Your participation in this survey is instrumental in fostering the sustained growth of the industry. As per the survey protocols, IPPs are requested to provide their current pipeline of projects. Submission details and timelines:
All information submitted in the survey will go directly to Eskom hence neither SAWEA, SAPVIA nor their members will have access to this data. Alternatively you may reach out to the Eskom team directly:
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SAWEA wants IRP overhaul as it questions massively diminished role for wind in current draft |
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SAWEA elects new chairperson and board members |
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Renewable energy internship empowers NC youth |
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Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2024
We are pleased to announce that the WIIP 2024 programme has commenced with a record number of thirty (30) interns placed across various RE companies throughout South Africa. Since its inception, this project has significantly expanded in both reputation and impact starting from successfully placing thirteen (13) graduates in 2022.
With the 2023 cohort, we facilitated placements for twenty-two (22) learners, from which an outstanding thirteen (13) have been offered and have accepted permanent employment within the industry. This demonstrates the remarkable success and impact of our WIIP programme in facilitating career opportunities for young talents. We are thrilled by the positive trajectory of our WIIP programme and eagerly anticipate its continued growth and success. |
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Work Readiness Programme (WRP) 2024
Piloted in 2023, this year’s iteration was successfully implemented and completed in the first week of March 2024, marking another milestone in our efforts to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the industry.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our funding partner, the EWSETA, for their invaluable support and recognition of the significance of these initiatives. Without their support, such impactful programmes would not be possible. |
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We are thrilled to introduce Vuyokazi Dube as the newest member of the SAWEA team, joining us in the role of Administrative Assistant. Vuyokazi is a graduate in Logistics Management from the University of Johannesburg and her diverse experience in sales, customer service and administration promises to enrich our team and enhance our operational efficiency. Additionally, we extend a warm welcome to our interns, Tshiamo Nare and Siyabonga Mhlongo, as they embark on their journey with us. Tshiamo is a Masters candidate at the University of Johannesburg. She has a profound passion for identity politics, philosophy, gender studies, and the broader social sciences. Her primary objective is to cultivate insights that drive social change and advocate for inclusivity, aligning perfectly with the ethos of SAWEA and our initiatives. Siya, a final-year student in mining engineering at Wits, possesses a strong foundation in geological analysis, mine planning, and safety protocols. His dedication to sustainable mining practices and remarkable problem-solving skills render him a valuable addition to the SAWEA team, enriching the association's technical expertise. Together, we eagerly anticipate an impactful and successful journey ahead! |
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Enel Green Power drives winds of change in South Africa
Congratulations to Enel Green Power, which has begun construction of three new wind farms in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. The wind farms - Impofu East, Impofu West, and Impofu North - will provide energy to Air Liquide South Africa and Sasol, and are expected to become operational in 2026. |
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Welcome Sasol to the SAWEA community!
We are pleased to introduce our newest member, Sasol. Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. They harness their knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. Sasol safely and sustainably sources, produces and markets a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, creating value for stakeholders. Their purpose “Innovating for a better world” compels them to deliver on triple bottom line outcomes of People, Planet and Profit, responsibly and always with the intent to be a force for good. |
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Eastern Cape gets investment boost as Nordex Energy SA to manufacture wind turbine towers
Renewable industry experts yesterday welcomed Nordex Energy South Africa’s plans to locally manufacture wind turbine concrete tower sections in the Eastern Cape, saying it was a welcome investment boost. A total of 300 jobs will be created within the region. |
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Press Release - Extensions of REIPPPP BW7 & BESIPPPP BW2 and BW3 announced
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is pleased to announce the following: - release of the 3rd Bid Window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP BW 3);
- appointment of the 5th Preferred Bidder under the BESIPPPP Bid Window 1;
- extension of the Bid Submission Date for the 7th Bid Window under the Renewable Energy
- Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP BW 7); and
- extension of the Bid Submission Date for BESIPPPP Bid Window 2.
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NERSA approves Eskom's NTCSA powers transfer application
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Eskom’s application for a transfer of its powers and duties related to section 34 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). |
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New electricity laws for South Africa passed by parliament
On the 14th of March, the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill was passed through a majority in the National Assembly. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says the bill will "radically transform the structure of the electricity sector" for the better. |
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Company develops revolutionary technology that allows wind turbines to practically build themselves: 'It will be a gamechanger'
WindSpider, a tech company that focuses on onshore and offshore wind turbines, has developed a new self-erecting crane system that could revolutionize the way turbines are built. The WindSpider crane uses the tower of the wind turbine itself as part of the crane while performing installation, maintenance, repowering, and decommissioning of bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind turbines. |
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IPPO confirms May 30 renewables bid deadline as it moves to accommodate grid quotes and curtailment
The Independent Power Producer Office (IPPO) has confirmed that the deadline for submissions under Bid Window Seven (BW7) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme has been extended by a month to May 30 to accommodate both grid-connection quotes and a curtailment addendum published by Eskom. |
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#Time4Action for #3xRenewables Campaign At COP28, leaders committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, a monumental stride in combating climate change.
However, targets alone aren't enough. We must now turn ambition into action. We need to mobilise finance, streamline processes, strengthen supply chains and modernise grids to accelerate renewable deployment worldwide.
With the Global Renewables Alliance, we declare: It's #Time4Action for #3xRenewables. Join us in shaping a sustainable energy future: Link |
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Battery and Solar PV Norms Adopted for Implementation
Members should note that the Solar and Battery Exclusion norms have been adopted by the DFFE for implementation. The Solar Exclusion and the battery Storage Exclusion documents can be downloaded below. |
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Energy Action Plan - Progress Report
The Presidency has released the 18-month update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP). The report shows that significant progress has been achieved over the last six months in implementing government’s plan to end load shedding.
The EAP was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022 and is coordinated by the National Energy Crisis Committee under the leadership of Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. |
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On 7 March, SAWEA had the privilege of co-hosting the CEO Roundtable Breakfast for Local Developers alongside the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). During this event, we fostered connections, exchanged valuable knowledge, and received insights from esteemed industry experts. We were honoured to have our partners - the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), SolarPower Europe and GET.invest join us for this endeavour. |
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On 13 March, SAWEA and the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) hosted a networking event to engage members on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023, which was launched in January 2024. The event provided an opportunity for members to provide verbal feedback ahead of the written feedback submission deadline. |
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WINDABA 2024 Date: 01 - 03 October 2024 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 |
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WEBINAR: South African Wind Power Market
The joint SAWEA and BWE webinar gives in-depth insight into the South-African wind power market, the current legislation, market opportunities and challenges. It offers first-hand information from German companies engaged in the wind power sector of South Africa on projects that they are currently carrying out. |
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