2023 was a pivotal year for South Africa’s power sector, as unprecedented loadshedding undermined the economy and society, industry organisation the Energy Council of South Africa says.

“We can confidently state that we have turned the corner on loadshedding. We have emerged stronger and better positioned to tackle the many sector reform challenges that now lie ahead,” adds Energy Council CEO James Mackay in a report on discussions at the organisation's 2024 AGM. 

The Energy Council, which achieved 70% growth in its membership in 2023, has diverse representation across the sector and continues to be part of the coordination of business in the National Energy Crisis Committee.

“The impressive level of cooperation between government and business has contributed to growing confidence in the energy sector. Our government of national unity is a further demonstration of this commitment to collaborative working, which bodes well for the future of the energy sector,” says Energy Council chairperson Fleetwood Grobler.

“Navigating our energy transition is complex and challenging, but this is a global challenge and is not unique to South Africa. We must remain committed to the net-zero target and work hard to deliver a sustainable and thriving energy sector that supports our planet, economy and society,” he emphasises.

“The Energy Council Energy Transition Roadmap (ETR) work has outlined a capital investment need of R1.8-trillion in the power sector over the next ten years. This will largely be market-led, private-sector investment and will ensure long-term energy and economic success but must also benefit all South Africans by ensuring we reignite local manufacturing, create meaningful jobs, spur innovation, and accelerate skills development for our youth,” says Mackay.

“Looking ahead, we must increase our focus on other critical areas of our energy sector key to a sustainable energy transition, specifically sustainable municipal reform, sustainable role of gas and gas-to-power, as well as liquid fuels and green hydrogen.

The ETR will focus on three broad delivery channels, including a national energy communications campaign to inform and educate all stakeholders of the challenges and, importantly, on the opportunities associated with the energy transition.

The ETR will also use an open-access energy data and modelling platform. This will provide transparent engagement and access to energy data and modelling outcomes through a PLEXOS Cloud Marketplace hosted by the Energy Council.

Further, the third channel of the ETR will be to formulate critical implementation initiatives from the modelling and strategy work that will support a national energy transition pathway and guide the Energy Council actions, he explained.

Additionally, during the past year, the Energy Council established a South African committee of the World Energy Council.

To further foster local collaboration, it was decided to broaden this committee representation beyond Energy Council members to include government, the public sector and academia.

“We continue to engage openly, and we remain firm in our commitment to enable a thriving and sustainable energy future for South Africa, while supporting inclusive economic growth,” Mackay said.