The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) is expected to drive localised manufacturing and skills development within South Africa and can also provide a blueprint for the rest of the continent, the Ministry of Electricity and Energy posits.

The SAREM was launched on June 13 during the Green Energy Summit and introduced to stakeholders during a seminar on June 19 at the Africa Energy Forum, with both  events held in Cape Town.

The master plan’s overall vision is the “industrialisation of the renewable energy and battery storage value chain to enable inclusive participation in the energy transition, serving the needs of society and contributing to economic revival”.

Among others, and with specific targets, the SAREM seeks to support the local demand for renewable energy and storage by unlocking market demand and system readiness.

It also aims to drive industrial development by building renewable energy and storage value chains, through localisation drives on both the public- and private-sector markets and supportive trade and industrial policy.

It would also look to foster the inclusive development of renewable energy and battery storage value chains by driving the transformation of the industry, supporting the development of emerging suppliers and contributing to a just transition.

It also endeavours to build local capabilities in terms of skills and technological innovation to enable the rollout of renewable energy and storage technologies and associated industrial development.

“The rollout of SAREM will unlock significant job creation, while ensuring a just energy transition. It is a plan that is comprehensive, resilient, and focussed on the industrialisation of the renewable energy sector.

“These are crucial aspects, as they will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs across the value chain, while building the skills capabilities needed for the industry,” Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré says.

“We are seeking to ensure that 25 000 people are employed in the sector by 2030, with a particular focus on the upskilling and active participation of young people and women,” she adds.