National energy month: priorities and challenges for a secure energy future

DRIVEN by bold policy reforms, improving Eskom performance and a surge in public and private renewable energy projects, South Africa's energy landscape is undergoing a dramatic turnaround, moving from crippling power shortages to a more resilient and diversified energy system

- FORBES PADAYACHEE

The energy transition's rewards

National Energy Month creates a moment to reflect on these gains, as well as other signs of progress.

The energy transition has created thousands of jobs, and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) has thus far supported 3,657 unemployed learners with access to energy sector programmes.

South Africa's energy crisis has primed the country to take advantage of global energy trends. One example is the growing affordability and capacity of battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions.

These make it more feasible for industrial, commercial, and public sector players to adopt hybrid energy solutions by combining several energy sources. Over 4,400 megawatts (MW) of commercial and residential solar panels were installed locally by 2023, according to PwC. By mid-2024, the amount of installed rooftop solar exceeded the output of Eskom's largest coal-fired power station.

Additionally, large-scale solar sites added 2,287 MW. Wind energy is another key contributor, generating over 46,480 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually.