At the inaugural annual energy conference of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the focus was on collaboration and inclusion in South Africa’s energy transition project.

Discussions revolved around the decision to repower and repurpose old coal-fired power stations, in line with South Africa’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift to clean, renewable energy sources.

During a media roundtable, a panel which included Deputy Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Nobuhle Nkabane and SANEDI CEO Dr Titus Mathe, highlighted that this initiative is a bold move which demonstrates South Africa’s confidence in its ability to lead the way towards a sustainable energy future.

Mathe confidently emphasised the need for adopting an “and-and” approach rather than an “either-or” approach when it comes to repowering and repurposing old power stations. He was clear that this process will not be limited to a single technology but will instead explore a range of cleaner fossil-fuel technologies, ensuring that the best and most efficient options are considered.

Financing the Just Energy Transition

The panellists were confident in their responses when asked about the use of international loans and grants to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), as well as the implementation of renewable energy sources in rural areas and informal settlements. They strongly emphasised that the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is the ultimate policy framework for funding applications and technology exploration.

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They agreed that a broad range of options are being considered within this framework to ensure the success of South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.

“We welcome the loans announced by National Treasury today, but it is important to understand that the funding comes to us in response to the government’s policy framework,” said Mathe.

Nkabane revealed that the presidential planning commission responsible for collating the country’s response to climate change is in the final stages of formulating a well-structured plan for the allocation of R33.5 billion in new loans. According to SANEDI, the funds will be effectively utilised to upgrade the national grid, implement cleaner coal technologies, and conduct cutting-edge research.

JET plan has been designed with a thorough consideration of the grid system requirements

During the briefing, panellists noted that the IRP2019 did not fully consider the country’s transmission requirements, which prompted the need to add a transmission module to the modelling process.

The IRP update will also add green hydrogen as a future fuel source. Panellists indicated that the IRP update should be expected to be available for public participation by the end of 2023.

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Mathe highlighted that SANEDI has successfully piloted a range of technologies that are ready to be rolled out in rural areas and informal settlements. These cutting-edge solutions include paint that effectively cools down roofs and walls, biogas, solar technology, and biofuels.

Professor Sampson Mamphweli, who was also part of the panel, enthusiastically spoke about some groundbreaking work being done in South Africa on carbon capture technology.

He highlighted the innovative process of converting captured carbon into green ammonia and emphasised the importance of this work in developing sustainable solutions for the future.

Mamphweli outlined a multi-stakeholder project underway in a Limpopo village that combines water, food, and energy technologies with rural economic and skills development. The project is utilising cutting-edge technology, such as solar-powered science and media labs, to improve rural education.

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Introducing the balanced just energy transition

In his welcoming address the SANEDI chief confidently introduced the concept of a “Balanced” Just Energy Transition. Mathe said the term “balanced” implies considering all possible technologies in the country’s energy transition programme, along with a diverse range of participants in the process.

“By casting the net as wide as possible, the programme ensures a fair and just transition towards renewable energy sources,” he said.

He also emphasised that there is a role for the private sector to play in research and development, in supporting Eskom to overcome the electricity crisis and even in building new generating capacity.

Nkabane’s concluding statement was that the International Energy Agency has clearly stated that oil, gas, and nuclear technologies are considered green and should be utilised to boost economic growth.

SANEDI’s first annual energy conference runs 21 to 22 November at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.