National industry support programme The National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) emphasises that concerted efforts must be taken to help industries become more resource-efficient, environmentally responsible and competitive in the global market.

It stresses the importance of promoting resource efficiency and cleaner production practices that minimise resource use, reduce waste and lower emissions in industrial processes.

Consequently, the organisation’s tailored energy efficiency audits identify opportunities for companies and industries to reduce energy consumption and costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

The NCPC-SA notes that the country’s reliance on coal-generated electricity poses significant economic and environmental challenges, owing to coal-fired power plants being a major source of carbon emissions, water contamination and deforestation.

It adds that the health impacts of coal combustion, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, place an additional burden on the country’s healthcare system and, economically, the country risks losing foreign investment and missing out on trade and renewable-energy opportunities as the global shift towards cleaner energy intensifies.

As a result, the NCPC-SA is “deeply involved” in skills development, offering training programmes that “empower” industries with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices.

“By facilitating the transfer of innovative clean technologies, including renewable- energy solutions and waste-to-energy systems, the NCPC-SA ensures that industries have access to proven methodologies that drive sustainability and improve productivity,” says NCPC-SA skills development project manager Dr Zenzile Rasmeni Masipa.

Decarbonisation Approach, Green Imperatives

The NCPC-SA decarbonisation approach incorporates equipping industry to adopt energy efficiency, renewable energy and carbon management interventions, including carbon capture and storage, carbon offsets and carbon credits.

For instance, it is providing technical assistance for carbon footprint reduction and the development of carbon management interventions, while supporting the implementation of these measures at thermal and metallurgical coal development firm MC Mining.

“Some carbon management intervention strategies include an investigation of their mining waste as input material for green cement, exploring coal slurry beneficiation, optimising their haulage system, the digitisation and electrification of their mining fleet, and the installation of 400 MW solar PV system,” says NCPC-SA senior project manager for sector decarbonisation Maggie Mashau.

The organisation also advocates for the implementation of advanced energy management systems across multiple industries in South Africa to address the challenges relating to reliance on the national grid and, therefore, coal dependence.

Key components include smart metering and monitoring systems that provide real-time insights into energy consumption to help identify inefficiencies while integrating with grid management technologies for a better supply-demand balance, says Masipa.

“Regular energy audits and benchmarking are crucial for assessing energy use, setting efficiency targets and tracking progress. Integrated automation and control systems can further optimise energy consumption by automating processes, such as heating, cooling and machinery operations, and reducing waste without compromising on performance,” she explains.

The organisation also notes that energy storage technologies and demand response programmes are essential for managing energy use, especially with renewable-energy intermittency, by storing excess energy during off-peak periods to use during high-demand periods.

Further, the NCPC-SA advances the integration of green technologies and sustainable supply chain practices to strengthen industries’ adaptation capacity to engender a resilient green economy.

It adds that investing in emerging green industries, such as renewable energy and green construction materials, can also help to insulate the economy from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.

The organisation says building adaptive capacity through research and innovation is essential, with increased collaboration among industry, academia and government fostering innovation.

Masipa says that, to position the country as a leading green production destination, leveraging the country’s renewable-energy potential, particularly in solar and wind, will be key.

Investing in renewable-energy infrastructure and enacting policies that support clean energy will enable South Africa to attract green investment from international corporations wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

The NCPC-SA believes that government can play a critical role in fostering green initiatives through informed and enabling policy, and by designing financial mechanisms – such as tax breaks, subsidies and grants for businesses that invest in renewable-energy technologies, energy efficiency and sustainable practices – to make the country an attractive destination for sustainable production.

The NCPC-SA remains committed to facilitating the transition towards a green economy by empowering industries with the knowledge, tools and technologies needed to drive sustainable practices.

It says that, by embracing energy efficiency, decarbonisation and circular economy principles, South African industries can improve their competitiveness and contribute significantly to meeting global sustainability goals.