The South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has announced that it has elected four new board members at its 2026 AGM, held on February 26.

SAWEA, in a media release, notes that Caroline Nhlane from Enel Green Power SA, Stephen Koopman from ENERTRAG South Africa, Phemelo Mitchell from Pele Green Energy and Stephan van den Berg from Globeleq SA have joined the board for a new term.

At the board meeting post the AGM, SAWEA says Koopman was appointed chairperson for a two-year term.

Outgoing chairperson Sunette Smith, whose term as chairperson has come to an end, will continue to serve on the board as treasurer for the 2026 financial year. Existing board member Kevin Minkoff rounds out the board.

The company notes that the AGM also marked the unveiling of the association’s third annual report.

"As the energy sector undergoes significant market reform, I am honoured to take on the role of chairperson at this critical time.

“Over the past decade, the wind energy industry has demonstrated its ability to deliver reliable, utility-scale power, reduce generation costs, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s decarbonisation goals,” says Koopman.

"Looking ahead, opportunities lie in scaling grid integration, advancing hybrid renewable solutions, and strengthening partnerships to ensure wind energy continues to play a transformative role in both the country’s energy mix and its sustainable development."

SAWEA says the board remains confident in the association’s strategic direction.

SAWEA outgoing CEO Niveshen Govender, expressed confidence in the new leadership team, noting their role in advancing the association’s 2026 priority areas to strengthen South Africa’s wind energy sector.

SAWEA notes that Govender is currently serving his notice until April, with the board assuring members that a clear succession framework is in place to ensure the seamless integration of his successor.

2025 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Released under the theme “From Gridlock to Growth”, SAWEA says the 2025 Annual Report reflects a period of intense engagement, institutional strengthening and purposeful leadership as the association worked alongside government, industry and partners to unlock the next phase of sectoral growth.

Key milestones include an allocation of 43 GW of wind by 2042 in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025), averaging about 2.7 GW/y, which SAWEA describes as a positive market signal for investors.

Additionally, the 2025 edition of the South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS 2025) identified 72 GW of renewable projects – wind and solar PV – at advanced development stages, ready for grid connection within seven years.

SAWEA says this alignment with IRP2025’s 71.7 GW target over 16 years demonstrates the sector is ahead of schedule, adding that SAREGS further highlighted the acceleration of battery energy storage projects to complement renewable integration.

Moreover, SAWEA notes the launch of three industry reports in 2025 – namely SAWEA’s inaugural Market Intelligence Report; the Project Development Guideline; and the Gender Diversity Guideline – strengthening industry capability, transparency and inclusivity.

SAWEA adds that responding to regulatory and policy developments was a core element in 2025 with 15 industry responses being submitted to key government departments and regulators.

Further, supporting knowledge sharing and capacity building within the industry, SAWEA points out that it hosted 30 expert speakers at standing committee meetings.

SAWEA also notes that approval of the Wind Turbine Operator Skills Programme - National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 – Grade 11-equivalent – as an accredited course providing unemployed youth with pathways into the wind energy sector, opening career opportunities for individuals with no prior technical experience.

Additionally, the Association highlights support for South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) School cohorts in 2025 and 2026: Expanding knowledge of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market.

SAWEA also notes its improved broad-based black economic empowerment status, advancing from Level 4 in 2024 to Level 1 in 2025 – a significant governance and transformation milestone aligned to board priorities.

LOOKING AHEAD

Over the past decade, SAWEA argues that the wind energy industry has proven its capacity to deliver reliable utility-scale power, drive down generation costs, and advance South Africa’s decarbonisation agenda.

SAWEA says it has dedicated this year as the ‘Year of Implementation’.

“The strength of SAWEA lies in the collective expertise and commitment of its members. I look forward to working closely with industry leaders, policymakers, and communities to accelerate the growth of wind energy and ensure the sector delivers meaningful economic and social benefits for South Africa,” concludes Koopman.

SAWEA says the coming years will demand decisive action to translate policy intent into infrastructure delivery and project execution, ensuring wind energy continues to play a central role in South Africa’s energy transition.