MEC launches green cluster agency
The summit came to an end on Wednesday, May 25
Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa, says technology has made it possible to convert wind and solar resources into energy, as part of the energy mix and to augment energy sources in the province.
Mkhatshwa said this during the launch of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency in eMalahleni on Tuesday, May 24.
The launch of the cluster was one of the highlights of the two-day Mpumalanga Energy Summit, which was opened by the Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. The summit came to an end on Wednesday, May 25.
“We are, indeed, excited about the launch of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, as it will assist us to increase energy sources in the Province, more significantly that these sources are derived from renewal and green sources. This will further boost our province’s prospects for job creation and investment attraction in the green economy,” said MEC Mkhatshwa.
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency has been created to advance a sustainable and inclusive green economy and shared value in the province. Its membership comprises representatives from the Provincial Government, industry and academia. The Agency is expected to create an enabling environment to catalyse job creation opportunities and propel investment in the green economy.
“In the short time the cluster has been running, led by a board and the Interim Cluster Executive Official, [the Agency] has produced a set of market intelligence reports identifying opportunities in the region. It has already had hundreds of engagements with stakeholders to capacitate them on green technology. The Cluster Agency has already started coordinating stakeholders, including developers who intend to invest in sustainability projects in the province. We congratulate the Cluster Agency on the groundwork they have already done,” added Mkhatshwa.
The objectives of the summit are to:
- Support and create pathways for a “Just Transition” in Mpumalanga (social justice and equal opportunities);
- Build and support a local green economy network and industry;
- Provide policy support to entrench the Mpumalanga Province as a great place for green economy businesses;
- Build relationships with financiers and financial institutions to understand the opportunity to deploy capital in Mpumalanga’s Just Transition;
- Ensure appropriate, accurate delivery of green economy skills training and development;
- Drive appropriate local content and trade opportunities for the manufacturing of green technology components;
- Create an ecosystem of support of the Green Economy growing new jobs and new opportunities in the region; and
- Create a platform for policy harmonisation.
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