The annual 12th Africa Energy Indaba Conference took place on 3-4 March 2020, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The purpose of the Indaba is to discuss, debate and seek solutions to enable adequate energy generation across Africa. A diverse group of luminaries and high-profile speakers shared their real-world insights about the changing energy landscape in Africa. The conference was attended by departmental and SOE officials, who took part in the deliberations of the conference.
Mr Jacob Mbele, Deputy Director-General for Energy Programmes and Projects participated at the DMRE hosted panel that discussed the unpacking of the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) 2019. Mr Mbele said that the department is now working on the implementation of the plan in line with the Cabinet approved energy mix. Mr Thabang Audat – Chief Director responsible for Energy Planning participated on the Co-generation panel and enlightened stakeholders with regards the role for co-generation in the IRP2019.
At the panel that discussed the role of Renewable Energy and mini & off-grid solutions Dr Phindile Masangane, General Manager for Energy Projects at CEF shared her positive experiences of the impact and acceptance of mini and off grids by rural populations without access to the grid.
The panel that discussed the issues around municipalities as direct off-takers from the IPP’s emphasised the need for collaboration from all spheres of government to ensure alignment in terms of integrated planning and implementation of projects countrywide. Mr Mthokozisi Mpofu, Chief Director Electricity Infrastructure advised stakeholders on the latest developments around regulations and determinations required to assist capable and competent municipalities that want to purchase power directly from Independent Power Producers (IPP).
The department’s IPP Office was represented by Mr Pervalen Govender and Mr Maduna Ngobeni who participated at the panels for unlocking large scale use of renewable energy, as well the panel that dealt with the link between water and power and the role of desalination respectively.
The two officials were able to assure delegates that the IPP office is ready to implement the projects as provided for in the approved Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019.
Alongside the Africa Energy Indaba conference, the department hosted the Women in Energy and the Youth in Energy Conferences, focusing on finding solutions to enable women and youth to be part of the energy value chain across the African Continent. Ms Elizabeth Marabwa, Chief Director Programmes and Project Management, said that the gender balance campaign requires governments, as well as private and public sector companies to endorse and support the principles of equal pay, equal leadership and equal opportunities.
She said the campaign requires all partners to take concrete actions to close the gender gap in the energy sector, and that the creation of sustainable environments for women is a necessity. Ms Marabwa said that it is these actions that will enable women the opportunity for engagement and access to knowledge, finance and resources, as well as provide them with role models, mentors and flexible working arrangements for increased impact.
The Youth in Energy workshop covered topics including support that is available to young people in the Energy and Mining Sectors, opportunities in the power sector – a perspective from the IRP 2019, and upstream sector opportunities in Africa with special reference to South Africa.
While addressing the Youth in Energy Conference, Ms Marabwa told students coming from a number of universities in the Western Cape that “Energy is the catalyst for economic growth.” She also told them that in order to address the energy challenges in Africa and South Africa in particular, it is critical that the energy industry contributes to economic growth. First, energy is an important sector of the economy that creates jobs and value by extracting, transforming and distributing energy goods and services throughout the economy. Second, the energy industry needs to extend its reach into economies as an investor, employer and purchaser of goods and services. It is in this context that the sector needs to address the youth unemployment challenge in Africa.
For enquiries:
E-mail: mediadesk@energy.gov.za
