By Lerato Mpembe
At the 2024 Windaba Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging stakeholders across all energy sectors in the ongoing review of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2023). The IRP is South Africa’s long-term electricity supply strategy, which balances energy needs with economic and environmental objectives. The conference brought together key stakeholders from the renewable energy sector to discuss South Africa’s energy ambitions and the country’s path towards a greener economy.
Ramokgopa emphasized that the IRP 2023 had received more than 4000 public submissions during the consultation phase, with 250 considered particularly substantive. “We are not reopening the window of public consultation, but we are deepening that conversation because some submissions raise critical issues around the assumptions and the modelling,” the minister explained. This approach highlights the government’s intent to address key technical and economic concerns raised by experts and stakeholders .
Scaling Up Renewable Energy and Engaging All Sectors
One of the cornerstones of the government’s energy strategy is to scale up the role of renewable energy within the broader energy mix. Ramokgopa expressed optimism about South Africa’s capacity to increase its share of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, in the energy mix. He stressed the need to engage with all relevant sectors—ranging from nuclear and gas to coal and renewables—ensuring a balanced approach that does not prioritize one energy source over another.
Ramokgopa underscored that South Africa must adopt a diversified energy strategy. “It’s important that we move away from the idea that one solution is better than the other,” he said. By engaging in open dialogues with multiple sectors, the government aims to create a more inclusive and well-rounded approach to energy generation and supply .
The Just Energy Transition
As South Africa commits to lowering its carbon emissions, Ramokgopa acknowledged that the country faces significant socio-economic challenges during its transition to greener energy. “We want to green the South African economy, but it must be a Just Transition,” Ramokgopa reiterated. He emphasized that the transition cannot come at the expense of the economy or people’s livelihoods. The government is determined to ensure that workers affected by the shift away from traditional energy sources, such as coal, are reskilled and given new opportunities within the green energy sector .
The concept of a “Just Transition” is integral to the IRP’s vision. It aims to protect vulnerable communities from economic dislocation by promoting industrialization, job creation, and skills development. The minister warned that neglecting the socio-economic implications of the transition could deepen inequality and lead to job losses, especially in sectors reliant on traditional energy sources like coal .
Addressing Concerns and Strengthening Industrial Capacity
Another important aspect of the ongoing dialogue revolves around strengthening South Africa’s industrial capacity. Ramokgopa emphasized that the IRP would not only focus on energy generation but also on building the necessary infrastructure and skills to support a sustainable energy future. “We are looking to broaden the floor of industrialization, ensuring that people are skilled and reskilled as we transition from one technology to another,” he explained.
This holistic approach aims to create new opportunities in the renewable energy sector, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain development. The minister’s vision is to develop a resilient economy that can capitalize on new energy technologies without leaving any community behind .
Path Forward for the IRP 2023
The IRP 2023 represents a critical juncture in South Africa’s energy policy, with the government keen to develop a strategy that balances environmental goals with economic growth and job creation. Ramokgopa noted that the plan’s success relies heavily on active engagement with all stakeholders, both local and international.
The minister concluded his address at Windaba by reaffirming that South Africa remains committed to meeting its climate change goals while ensuring that the country’s energy transition is just, inclusive, and economically viable. By engaging with experts, listening to stakeholders, and adapting to technological advancements, the government hopes to create a comprehensive energy plan that will guide the country’s development over the coming decades .
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