Renewable energy discussions take centre stage in Sandton

Discussions surrounding renewable energy took centre stage in Sandton from 25 to 27 March.

The Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe gave the keynote address at the DLO Africa Power Roundtable which encourages discussions about Africa’s energy sector and highlights possibilities for investors. Simultaneously, the Power and Electricity Expo took place at the Sandton Convention Centre.

During his speech, Radebe highlighted that South Africans still face many power concerns and the government needs to effectively manage how the need for electricity is financially viable and environmentally sustainable.

“The increased demand for electricity cannot be met without a negative impact on the environment as coal is still the primary fuel needed to drive our power stations. South Africa is no exception to this overall picture,” said Radebe.

However, he highlighted that it is essential that the South African government works with other countries to find ways of reducing emissions and so relieve the burden on the environment. Locally, he said that the government can focus on educating people and creating trust among communities and governments to find an effective solution.

The Power and Electricity Expo focuses on creating an environment where energy experts can learn how to develop clean sustainable energy-generation projects throughout Africa.

One of the exhibitors, Abraham Cambridge, who founded The Sun Exchange, highlighted that many people in South Africa are still wary of the technology behind solar power. However, he said that as electricity continues to get more expensive, people will begin to look at alternate, renewable forms of energy.

“I think as Eskom puts up electricity by 15 per cent people are now saying now is the time to go solar, and they should because it will cut their carbon emissions and produce their own electricity and South Africa is in a prime position to develop lower cost clean energy,” said Cambridge.

Concerns about job losses in the coal industry have been at the forefront of renewable energy discussions. Radebe said that he believes the future power system will consist of a combination of energy efficiency, renewables, nuclear, storage and smart grids which will pose challenges for the government but will offer a sustainable solution.

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