CEO VOICE
Dear SAWEA Members,
As we conclude the month of April and celebrate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, I've been reflecting on the concept of energy democracy. South Africa's ongoing energy transition has set us apart from other countries in the Global South. |
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With intentional focus on maintaining our current fleet and accelerating new generation capacity, we could find ourselves on a path of success, ensuring an affordable and secure energy supply for all. Our transition to a low carbon future requires us to continue pursuing tried and tested new generation technologies such as Wind and Solar PV as we manage and optimise the system.
Over the past decade, the wind sector empowered resilient energy citizens through wind power accounting for more than 30% of Africa’s installed capacity, inspiring this year’s Windaba Conference & Exhibition theme: “Building Resilience Through Wind Power.” At Windaba, we will chart a course towards a low-carbon future powered by wind energy.
The Future of Wind Looking into the future of wind technology, the Renewable Energy Grid Survey, a collaboration between SAWEA, Eskom, and SAPVIA, reveals approximately 34GW of wind energy projects in various stages of development. We already contribute more than 38 000 gigawatt-hours of electricity - enough to supply 3.6 million average households in South Africa annually.
Our biggest challenge remains - depleted grid capacity to connect new renewable energy plants in resource-rich areas of the country. If grid capacity is adequately addressed, South Africa could add 30GW of wind energy in the next 10 years. We are hopeful that through our continuous stakeholder engagement efforts, innovative approaches to grid capacity and its allocation will be employed to further the integration of wind energy in REIPPPP bid window 7 and beyond.
Energy democracy is no longer just a necessity but an imperative.
This notion emphasises the importance of community engagement and active participation in energy systems, essential for South Africa’s just energy transition. As an association, we should take pride in our work, particularly in producing valuable tools such as our “COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GUIDELINES.” These guidelines, inspired by various industry challenges in engaging with communities throughout project life cycles, aim to capacitate the industry, foster knowledgeable energy communities, reinforce skills through impactful initiatives, and promote collaboration – all contributing positively to the energy transition.
Wind Energy Impact and Investment An example of our industry's continued success is Seriti Green’s financial closure of the first phase in a R4.5 billion investment for Africa’s largest wind farm in Mpumalanga. I'd like to congratulate Seriti Green on this progressive milestone, addressing the challenges of climate change and energy supply while fostering a valuable partnership with the local community of Mpumalanga to cultivate a new generation of green skills.
2024 Elections Outlook As we head into election month and National Energy Month, we eagerly anticipate the acceleration of new wind energy projects through both public and private procurement programmes. We are encouraged by several policy changes that will facilitate the expansion of renewable energy in our resource-rich and beautiful country.
Thank you for your continued support, and I wish SAWEA members all the best with the upcoming REIPPPP Bid Window 7 submissions.
Regards, Niveshen Govender CEO |
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STANDING COMMITTEES
We are pleased to inform you that all Standing Committees have established dedicated task teams to address the specific focus areas identified. Detailed descriptions of these focus areas, along with the expected deliverables, will follow in due course. Members who are interested in contributing to SAWEA’s advocacy efforts are encouraged to join any of the Standing Committees or task teams by registering here. All SAWEA members in good standing are welcome to attend the Quarterly Standing Committee meetings. For those wishing to participate virtually, please use the details provided below to access the meetings and add them to your calendar. Quarter 2 Standing Committee Meeting Schedule
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Market Development Standing Committee:
Date: 11 June 2024 Time: 11H00-13H00 Meeting ID: 394 523 235 369 Passcode: 9mgnCr |
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Asset Management Standing Committee:
Date: 20 June 2024 Time: 10H00-12H00 Meeting ID: 362 272 836 030 Passcode: tCe4fM |
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Project Implementation Standing Committee:
Date: 15 May 2024 Time: 10H00-12H00 Meeting ID: 382 164 688 432 Passcode: bhovtM |
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Project Development Standing Committee:
Date: 07 May 2024 Time: 14H00-16H00 Meeting ID: 366 553 569 447 Passcode: tbkTc3 |
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Social Impact Standing Committee:
Date: 21 May 2024 Time: 10H00-12H00 Meeting ID: 339 822 927 207 Passcode: 32LRWX |
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REGULATORY AND INDUSTRY UPDATES |
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Electricity Regulation Act Amendment (ERA) Bill Parliament has passed the ERA Bill, which must still go through a consultation process in the provinces before it can pass through the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Electricity Grid Infrastructure – Standard for Exclusion of Powerlines SAWEA collated industry input on the request for comments from the DFFE on the National Environmental Management Act, specifically the Intention to Adopt a Standard for the Development and Expansion of Transmission and Distribution Power Line Infrastructure.
REMINDER: Electricity Grid Infrastructure – Standard for Exclusion of Substations from EAs Members are reminded to submit comments for the DFFE on the National Environmental Management Act to the SAWEA secretariat, nombukiso@sawea.co.za and santosh@sawea.co.za by no later than Tuesday, 14 May 2024, Close of Business. General Policy and Regulatory Framework Response SAWEA is continuing its advocacy efforts by engaging key stakeholders for policies such as the Draft IRP2023, 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. |
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EnergyDrive Mpumalanga 2024 We are delighted to announce that the 2024 edition of energyDRIVE Mpumalanga is powered by the Eskom Foundation, and co-funded by the Danish Embassy. This edition promises to be the most impactful yet, marking a significant milestone since its inception. Scheduled to kick off from 15 - 28 May 2024. We're thrilled about this collaboration! Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates as the project unfolds.
2024 EnergyDrive Partners: |
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Windaba 2024
Building on the success of last year’s theme, ‘Beyond the Turbines,’ Windaba 2024 is set to delve deeper into how the wind energy sector can spearhead sustainable development. This year, our theme, “Building Resilience Through Wind Power,” underscores the critical need to bolster our resilience against the challenges posed by climate change and energy demands through innovative and eco-friendly wind energy solutions. We invite industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to join us as we chart a course towards a resilient, low-carbon future powered by wind energy.
Event Details: Date: 1-3 October 2024 Time: 08:30 – 17:00 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) 2
We look forward to welcoming you at this year’s Windaba Conference and Exhibition, where we will explore and enhance the role of wind energy in building a sustainable and resilient future. |
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WindAc 2024 - Call For Abstracts
SAWEA is gearing up for the 7th Annual WindAc Africa Conference, to be held alongside Africa’s premier wind energy event, Windaba Conference and Exhibition taking place from 1 - 3 October 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). With a vision to establish itself as Africa's premier academic wind conference, WindAc Africa aims to be the leading platform for advancing wind energy knowledge and nurturing future leaders in the field.
All abstracts must be submitted by 8 May 2024.
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A hearty congratulations to our new graduates, who recently completed their studies and are now embarking on promising careers. We are thrilled to welcome Siya Mhlongo to our team, who successfully earned his BSc (Honours) in Mining Engineering. Siya brings a robust foundation in geological analysis and mine planning, coupled with a commitment to sustainable mining practices, making him an invaluable asset to the SAWEA team.
We are also delighted to celebrate Tshiamo Nare, who completed her Masters in Philosophy at the University of Johannesburg. Tshiamo's deep engagement with identity politics, philosophy and gender studies is poised to enrich our initiatives and drive meaningful social change within our community.
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Welcome Blue Crane Environmental to the SAWEA community
We are pleased to introduce our newest member, Blue Crane Environmental. The business is committed to delivering exceptional and tailored services by leveraging its extensive knowledge, fostering strong client relationships, and utilising cutting-edge workflow automations to streamline the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Its core values are centred on its ability to balance progress and environmental preservation, using its expertise to serve as a mediator between these two important priorities. The ultimate goal is to enhance collaboration and communication, driving increased efficiency and positive outcomes for its clients and the environment through a holistic and sustainable approach. |
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Nordex Energy South Africa to Boost Wind Energy Capacity by 830MW
Nordex Energy South Africa, the local arm of German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex, has unveiled plans to increase its wind energy generation capacity in South Africa by 830MW, marking a significant expansion for the company. |
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Seriti Green closes first phase in R4.5 billion investment for Africa’s largest wind farm
Seriti Green has reached financial close on the first phase of its Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm in Mpumalanga, paving the way for the development of Africa's largest wind farm and taking Seriti Resources a step closer to being a fully diversified energy company. |
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Concrete towers for Impofu wind farm to bolster local content
Enel Green Power South Africa has confirmed that the new Nordex manufacturing facility, currently under development in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, will produce concrete wind tower sections. These will serve the three new wind farms that comprise the Impofu Cluster.
Collectively, the Impofu East, Impofu West and Impofu North projects will boast a total capacity of 336 MW. Featuring 57 turbines mounted on 120-metre-high concrete towers, these wind farms represent a significant step forward in sustainable energy infrastructure for the region. |
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SAWEA was proud to co-host the South African Wind Power Market webinar alongside the German Wind Association, Bundesverband WindEnergie e.V. (BWE), on 23 April 2024. The event aimed to delve into the progress and complexities facing the wind energy industry in South Africa.
Morongoa Ramaboa, SAWEA’s Chief Communications Officer, along with Santosh Sookgrim, Senior Technical Advisor, provided valuable insights into the latest policy developments, the challenges encountered, and the notable achievements within the sector. Additionally, Lance Blaine, SAWEA board member and COO of Rep Cap Energy, offered a developer’s perspective on the specific challenges within the South African market. |
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SAWEA attended the launch of the groundbreaking JET Skilling for Employment Programme, which took place on 29 April 2024. Endorsed by The Presidency’s JET Project Management Unit and in partnership with the NBI and Boston Consulting Group, the event united influential voices from the private sector, government, and academia. This initiative supports South Africa's Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET-IP), addressing crucial skill shortages and fostering new job opportunities in the nation's evolving energy landscape. |
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SAWEA attended the launch of GreenCape's 2023/24 Renewable Energy Market Intelligence Reports (MIRs) on 18th April in Sandton. These reports pinpoint key investment opportunities and developments within South Africa's large-scale renewable energy sector, energy services, and the electric vehicle market. |
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