The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is urging the energy community to critically analyse the revised draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023) to provide constructive inputs that will improve the country’s energy future.

SAWEA says it appreciates the information sessions hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to delve deeper into the plan and its underlying assumptions, which have provided much-needed context and additional information, ensuring a common understanding across various interpretations.

All stakeholders agree that the country’s current energy crisis requires swift action through a clear, comprehensive and realistic implementation plan. A methodology that focuses on enhancing grid stability while promoting a reliable, tried and tested, diverse energy mix must remain a prevailing priority, SAWEA asserts.

SAWEA seeks a shift in mindset, looking to the DMRE for leadership as the country's energy plan unfolds.

"South Africa needs to adopt a holistic approach to energy planning, integrating multiple technologies that make sense for the country's energy needs. This requires the system operator to redefine business strategies to ensure an affordable, safe and reliable energy supply, not only for the present but for generations to come," SAWEA CEO Niveshen Govender says.

He adds that the analysis of the two horizons is commendable, as it considers crucial national aspirations, including security of supply, energy affordability and carbon emission reductions. This presents a strategic opportunity to actively shape the nation's energy future.

"In its present state, Horizon 1 of the IRP 2023 needs the capacity to inspire confidence of a more ambitious, integrated approach. While Horizon 2 pathways better depict the serious ambitions of our energy needs, we encourage scenarios where those ambitions are brought forward to the immediate term under Horizon 1,” Govender says.

Examining the pathways outlined in Horizon 2, SAWEA is of the opinion that it is evident that wind energy has a leading role to play in the energy mix, owing to its distinctive characteristics and associated benefits for South Africa’s energy system.

SAWEA thinks this underlines the urgent requirement for an extensive new build programme that will augment generation capacity sooner rather than later. The association says this is substantiated by literature that points to renewable energy as the least costly technology, bringing the country closer to addressing prevailing energy constraints.

SAWEA is encouraging the DMRE to clearly articulate a complete list of assumptions with the relevant sources and motivations for adjustments where required as a starting point to further engagement. To thoroughly evaluate the outputs of the IRP 2023, additional analysis to include alternative scenarios and cost implications is critical, it says.

Since the IRP 2019 is yet to be fully implemented, SAWEA believes the outstanding allocations of the IRP 2019 added to the IRP 2023 emerging plan will make it more robust.

“By adopting an ambitious IRP 2023 that accommodates consistent wind energy technology, we anticipate sporadic industry growth, driven by heightened industrialisation, localisation efforts, and reduced capital costs associated with wind technology,” SAWEA says.

To achieve this vision, the association is advocating for a more ambitious IRP that demonstrates a definitive strategy for industry growth and development.

SAWEA says the draft IRP 2023 requires a lot of intense review, transparency and creative resolve. As such, the association plans to conduct a member engagement session on February 13 to gather further input for the wind sector's consolidated feedback to the DMRE.

“Undoubtedly, a committed and inspiring Integrated Resource Plan will secure South Africa’s energy future,” Govender says.