South Africa Moves Forward with Renewable Energy Masterplan Implementation
South Africa is taking further steps towards implementing the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), with a strong focus on developing local manufacturing, creating skills and supporting the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
The Department of Electricity and Energy has provided an update on progress with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan following a meeting of the SAREM Executive Oversight Committee.
The committee brings together representatives from government, industry associations, organised labour and other stakeholders within the renewable energy sector.
According to the Department, implementation is progressing across several priority areas designed to strengthen South Africa’s renewable energy industry and increase local participation in the energy transition.
Building South Africa’s renewable energy industry
A key objective of SAREM is to ensure that the expansion of renewable energy does more than simply increase electricity generation capacity.
The programme aims to develop a stronger domestic renewable energy value chain by supporting local manufacturing, investment, employment and skills development.
The SAREM Project Management Office has now been established and is preparing consolidated updates on public and private renewable energy procurement pipelines.
Greater visibility of future projects could help manufacturers, developers, investors and suppliers plan ahead and make more informed investment decisions.
Work is also underway between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Independent Power Producer Office to identify opportunities for greater local manufacturing participation.
Renewable energy and battery energy storage products are among the technologies being considered as South Africa works to expand its energy infrastructure.
Developing skills for the energy transition
Skills development is another important component of the Masterplan.
The third phase of the PowerUp skills platform is underway, together with initiatives aimed at increasing youth internship opportunities within the energy sector.
Dedicated funding mechanisms are also being explored to encourage broader economic participation across the renewable energy value chain.
For South Africa’s sustainable energy industry, successful implementation of SAREM could help create a more coordinated market while supporting local businesses, manufacturers, installers and professionals.
The continued development of a strong local renewable energy industry will be important as South Africa works towards an electricity system that is cleaner, more reliable and increasingly diverse. Department of Employment
Source: Department of Electricity and Energy – SAREM implementation update