The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) recently hosted its second annual Energy Conference from 23 to 24 October 2024 at the Eskom Academy of Learning.
With the theme “A Balanced Energy Transition: For Energy Security, Affordability and Inclusiveness,” the conference convened industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to navigate the pressing challenges and seize the opportunities within South Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
Key trends driving the energy sector, as highlighted by SANEDI, include rising energy demand, decreasing costs of renewable energy technologies, and a growing sense of policy certainty. The conference occurred at a critical moment as South Africa stands poised on the brink of economic recovery after years of stagnation.
Professor Samson Mamphweli, Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Energy Secretariat at SANEDI, emphasises that South Africa is gradually shifting towards greener and renewable energy solutions.
This transition is underscored as a vital component for propelling the nation’s economy forward, particularly amidst the reforms spearheaded by the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU).
A more stable electricity grid also augments this recovery, fostering an environment conducive to increased economic activity.
The recent stabilisation of Eskom, alongside the cessation of load shedding, has led to a consistent electricity supply—an essential factor for employment growth and overall economic stability.
Professor Mamphweli remarked, “Innovation is slowly taking centre stage in South Africa’s energy transition agenda and will play a critical role in leading various technological advancements.”
Discussing the notion of “disrupters” (sic) within the energy system, Professor Mamphweli highlighted the technological advancements in solar photovoltaic systems. He noted the rise of smaller, more efficient photovoltaic panels capable of generating increased electricity, largely due to improvements in conversion efficiencies.
“There are more improvements and technological advancements that are coming into the picture and assisting in dropping the cost of electricity production,” he stated.
Battery energy storage is another key area of advancement, with the costs associated with such facilities declining significantly, owing to ongoing research and development initiatives.
Mamphweli pointed out the global rise in electricity demand and the increasing share of renewable resources as significant factors influencing this trend. “With the cost of energy storage facilities such as lithium-ion batteries going down, we have seen an increase in the uptake of battery electric vehicles,” he added.
The professor underscored that the most substantial cost driver for battery-electric vehicles is the energy storage systems.
Thus, as energy storage costs decrease, so too do the expenses associated with renewable energy generation. “That then means that we will see a lot more renewable energy installations,” he emphasised.
The Star