Although the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation’s (Saeec’s) membership has declined over the past year, the nonprofit and its divisions have still enjoyed successes over the period, despite challenges.

This was indicated during the organisation’s AGM, held on March 14.

Saeec had 329 individual members and 27 active corporate members in 2023, with these having declined to 276 and risen to 30, respectively, in 2024.

Members were prompted to renew their membership, with Saeec having an updated membership matrix on its website. They were also encouraged to capitalise on the benefits the organisation provides for them and the development of their businesses.

Financially, the organisation is said to be in healthier position, with revenue expected to rise to R3.3-million for this year. 

The Southern African Youth in Energy Sector (Sayes) division recently relaunched at a conference, reintroducing the portfolio and inviting youth participation.

Sayes is also actively encouraging young professionals and students to become Saeec members, with a database being developed to facilitate the registration of interested individuals.

Sayes conducted a survey in November last year to garner youth perspectives on the programmes it should implement, with this feedback highlighted as instrumental in shaping this year’s activities to align with youth needs.

The division is also engaging with key partners, with proposals sent out to these organisations to establish meaningful collaborations. Of these, the South African National Energy Association has expressed interest in collaborating with Sayes.

There is also the intent to establish a Sayes committee responsible for planning and executing initiatives.

Saeec highlighted positive collaborative engagements between its Energy Services Companies Association of Southern African (Easa) division, the South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings and Infrastructure Programme has been developed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to support public sector institutions in identifying, developing and implementing large-scale energy efficiency projects using an energy performance contracting model.

GIZ has identified public sector buildings, primarily in eThekwini, that it would like Easa to focus on. The organisation has prompted GIZ to use the existing energy service company (Esco) register for this year. It has agreed to engage Escos through Easa, to roll out the programme.

The programme involves upskilling in financial modelling for projects, developing bankable business cases, responding to tenders collaboratively, and a mentoring and coaching component for smaller Escos.

From an Easa perspective, this is expected to derive significant benefit for Escos in Saeec’s membership.

The Measurement and Verification Council Africa was highlighted to have done well for the first three years. While some challenges exist and must be contended with, there are opportunities available for this to play a meaningful role in the energy industry.