Renewable energy development company Enertrag South Africa is a sponsor and participant of Phase 2 of the wind industry’s experiential renewable energy conversation across local schools in Mpumalanga through the energyDRIVE initiative.

The company says it recognises the importance of engaging with stakeholders in the Mpumalanga province, including civil society, the business community and government, to contribute towards an energy mix that is best for South Africa.

During the course of two weeks, the energyDRIVE team will visit more than 10 000 school learners across five different communities, who will receive experiential learning on various renewable-energy technologies.

“Ensuring an equitable energy transition requires active engagement, education and informing all parties about the benefits of adopting clean, renewable energy,” says Enertrag South Africa project development head Mercia Grimbeek.

“We are committed to fostering this inclusive dialogue to support the nation’s shift towards a sustainable energy future,” she says.

“The support and sponsorship from industry leaders like Enertrag South Africa is crucial to the success of the energyDRIVE, which is one of our flagship education and awareness initiatives, says industry organisation South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) chief communications officer Morongoa Ramaboa.

These contributions help ensure the initiative has the necessary resources to continue educating South Africa’s youth, raising awareness about renewable energy and promoting sustainable practices, she notes.

Key energy stakeholders, local government representatives and other partners launched the initiative aimed at educating and engaging young minds on July 22.

In 2017, Enertrag South Africa installed meteorological measurement masts at various locations to gather wind data to actively assess wind resource potential. Based on its findings, Enertrag South Africa pursued the development of renewable-energy projects with the intention to take them into construction and operation.

"As a dedicated industry stakeholder in this region, we are committed to supporting and contributing to socioeconomic development. Hence, by supporting SAWEA and other collaborators, we are able to nurture an informed and engaged community essential for the transition to a sustainable energy future through innovative solutions," says Grimbeek.