Enel Green Power has made significant strides in Africa over the past decade, particularly in South Africa. The company entered the market over 10 years ago, after the introduction of the REIPPP Programme, and established a local office. Since then, it has developed, constructed and is operating over 1.2 GW of renewable capacity, which accounts for 20% of the country's renewable energy capacity.

Renewable Energy is a crucial player in climate change mitigation. Enel Green Power’s initiatives position renewable energy not just as a source of electricity but as a central element in a strategy aimed at battling climate change and promoting sustainability.

Enel contributes to power-generation in South Africa both tangibly and intangibly. Its renewable capacity helps reduce the carbon footprint and lowers electricity costs. The company has developed local skills and offers sustainable, innovative solutions for business, such as bespoke power purchase agreements (PPAs) for private customers in the commercial and industrial market.

The company is currently constructing the 330-MW Impofu wind project cluster in the Eastern Cape, set to connect to the grid in 2026. Beyond South Africa, the company has developed and operates the 35-MW Ngonye solar project in Zambia.

Enel is also committed to creating shared value for local communities in South Africa, investing approximately R4.5 billion into various projects. These initiatives focus on enterprise development and upskilling to create sustainable businesses that benefit the community economically and enhance the wellbeing of each community member.

“Creating shared value with local communities is paramount,” says Manuele Battisti Enel’s Country Manager for Southern Africa. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our projects create opportunities for growth and development.”

EGP actively supports a range of community activities to reinforce this commitment, fostering a collaborative approach towards sustainable development. These include but are not limited to the following:

Bursary Programme: This initiative provides financial aid to gifted students from host communities, with 41 recipients currently enrolled in various educational institutions. Notably, 58% of the recipients are women, and some are completing internships.

Covid-19 Pandemic Awareness Programme: Launched during the pandemic, this programme aimed to raise awareness of the effects of Covid-19 on gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and TB, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Healthcare Wellness Centre: Enel established a centre that offers disease prevention, health maintenance, counselling, and treatment, with 68% of beneficiaries being women, enhancing healthcare access in host communities.

After-school Programme (ASP): This programme focuses on positive child development by providing a safe environment for children to nurture their social, emotional, cognitive, and academic skills through fun, play-based learning and nutritious meals.

Overall, Enel's CSV (Creating Shared Value) initiatives are designed to empower individuals and promote wellbeing within the communities it serves.

Enel’s focus remains on driving the energy transition, supporting the growing renewable energy landscape, emphasising the importance of value-creation and leveraging partnerships to enhance investment deployment.

Over the next decade, Enel Green Power South Africa plans to double its operational capacity, targeting an additional 1.2 GW by 2027 and continuing with investments in wind and solar energy, alongside battery storage systems.

The organisation recognises the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change, focusing on generating electricity with minimal carbon footprint and promoting electrification of consumption as its strategy.

“Linking renewable generation with efficient energy use is essential for minimising our carbon footprint,” says Battisti. “Our ongoing efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce overall consumption underscore our commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change.”

In closing, Battisti added, “We are grateful for the continued support of our stakeholders and communities. As we navigate the future, we remain resolute in our mission to harness renewable energy as a catalyst for positive change.”