More than 10 GW of new wind energy is possible in the next three years should grid access challenges across Southern Africa be resolved, the ‘2024 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey’ shows.

To this end, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is working hard to assist in the establishment of a more cohesive regulatory and policy environment which can facilitate greater investment in grid and transmission infrastructure.

SAWEA recognises that, without policy certainty, the wind sector will remain unattractive for investment.

“The imperative to accelerate wind power development across Southern Africa is driven by both the environmental and economic needs of the region. Its energy landscape is slowly shifting towards a just energy transition, providing more energy security, meeting emission reduction commitments, reaffirming green initiatives, promoting investment and creating jobs,” the association states.

SAWEA chief communications officer Morongoa Ramaboa says that, with greater collaboration between Southern African countries, cross border energy trade and infrastructure development can grow, improving grid footprint, resilience and efficiencies.

South Africa’s wind energy achievements so far include 44 wind energy projects totalling 4.3 GW having been procured; 3.7 GW having been installed; R89-billion having been invested; and 653 wind projects being under construction as of the second quarter of this year.

From a private offtake perspective, 2 GW of wind power from 15 projects is currently under construction, with R52-billion having been invested to install 158 MW of private offtake installed capacity.

While the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan promotes investment and growing the local and regional wind energy component manufacturing base, SAWEA believes global platforms such as the Africa Energy Forum, which is being held in Cape Town this week, can be used as an opportunity for all role-players in the value chain to propose solutions that are necessary to support Africa’s energy security. 

The collaboration between SAWEA and the Africa Energy Forum aims to accelerate wind energy deployment by fostering policy dialogue, securing investment, and addressing infrastructure challenges. This partnership will drive innovation, support regulatory reforms and unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy growth in Southern Africa.

“With wind energy positioned as a cornerstone of Southern Africa’s renewable energy future, strategic partnerships and policy advancements will be key to overcoming challenges and realising the full potential of this scalable and clean energy source,” Ramaboa concludes.