Ramokgopa urges global shift from pledges to execution for Just Energy Transition

MINISTER for Electricity and Energy, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has emphasised the urgent need for a fundamental reconfiguration of the global energy finance architecture.

- BANELE GININDZA

Speaking at the third Energy Transitions Working Group meeting under South Africa's G20 Presidency, he called for a transition from pledges to tangible execution, particularly in light of recent commitments exceeding R1 billion towards the implementation of JET programmes.

Ramokgopa asserted that the credibility of the global transition hinges on the timely and effective mobilization of financial resources to where they are most needed.

"Finance must become a tool of inclusion, not a barrier to participation. Scaling up climate and energy finance is not only urgent, but also central to closing the infrastructure gap, addressing energy poverty, and driving structural transformation and industrialisation," Ramokgopa said.

"We must shift from pledges to execution, from fragmented flows to coordinated and catalytic investment."

Ramokgopa underscored the dire necessity to address systemic underinvestment in transmission, distribution, and generation capacity. He advocated for a financing structure that ensures long-term affordability, particularly for vulnerable and energy-poor communities.