As Africa looks to the future, the transition to sustainable energy represents both a challenge and an opportunity, highlights national industry support programme the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) skills development projects manager Dr Zenzile Rasmeni Masipa.

She notes that, with its abundant renewable-energy resources, the continent has the potential to leapfrog traditional energy systems and build a future powered by clean energy.

However, this vision requires collaboration among governments, industries and international organisations to ensure that investments are made in renewable-energy infrastructure, energy efficient technologies and human capital development.

“By focusing on training, technology adoption and the implementation of supportive policies, Africa can not only meet its energy needs but also emerge as a leader in sustainable development and climate action,” Masipa explains.

Promoting energy and resource efficiency in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that involves advocating for cleaner production processes as a way of reducing carbon footprints, lowering energy consumption and enhancing overall industrial productivity.

These outcomes are expected to drive long-term economic and environmental sustainability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the achievement of global climate goals.

Masipa argues that

conducting regular energy audits and implementing energy management systems can also help to optimise energy consumption in industries and households and identify key areas for improvement.

Moreover, encouraging the transfer and adoption of clean and efficient technologies would ensure that the latest innovations are accessible and practical for African markets.

AI, Green Skills and Capacity Building

AI is poised to significantly shape the future energy landscape in South Africa and on the African continent and can potentially – with other such technologies – optimise energy distribution and consumption, making energy systems more efficient and resilient.

For example, AI can be used to enhance smart grid technology, allowing for the real-time monitoring and management of energy supply and demand, which, in turn, can help prevent energy shortages and ensure the efficient use of resources, Masipa notes.

Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance tools can help identify faults in energy infrastructure before they lead to failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

As the continent looks to harness the potential of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, Masipa says there is a critical need for skilled professionals.

Further, green skills are necessary for designing, installing and maintaining renewable-energy systems, as well as improving energy efficiency for numerous industries.

Capacity-building initiatives can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the technical expertise needed to effectively manage and operate sustainable energy solutions.

By training individuals and raising awareness about sustainable consumption and production, Africa can develop a green workforce that not only contributes to the local economy but also drives progress towards broader sustainability goals, she comments.

NCPC-SA’s efforts include providing technical support, conducting energy audits and facilitating the implementation of energy management strategies tailored to the needs of different industries.

The centre prioritises capacity building by offering training sessions and workshops that help industries and policymakers better understand and adopt energy-saving practices.

“The path forward is one of innovation and partnership, and the efforts of organisations such as the NCPC-SA will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s energy future is sustainable and inclusive,” she concludes.