By Thabo Mosia
Ramokgopa Urges BRICS Plus to Seize Energy Opportunities and Tackle Global Challenges
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, called on BRICS Plus nations to unite in addressing pressing energy challenges during his keynote address at the 9th Annual BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Moscow, Russia. With a focus on energy security, economic development, and the transition to low-carbon economies, Ramokgopa’s remarks highlighted the critical need for the BRICS bloc to deepen collaboration and leverage each country’s unique capabilities.
“We believe that this BRICS group of like-minded country members has a huge potential, and working together will strengthen this resolve through cooperation on energy security,” Ramokgopa stated in his opening remarks. He noted that the meeting provided a key platform for the group to join forces and address challenges identified at the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa, such as the need for integrated energy policies, critical minerals beneficiation, and infrastructure development.
This gathering comes at a pivotal time for the BRICS Plus countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—who are grappling with the dual challenge of promoting economic growth while transitioning towards greener energy solutions. Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of balancing these goals in a way that fosters universal access to energy while mitigating environmental impacts.
Addressing Energy Challenges: Cooperation as a Key Driver
Ramokgopa’s address stressed the importance of energy security for all BRICS Plus nations, pointing out that the global energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. Energy shortages, rising costs, and climate change concerns have created new challenges for governments around the world, especially in developing nations.
To tackle these issues, Ramokgopa urged BRICS Plus members to capitalise on each country’s resources and expertise. “We must tap and dig deeper into various capabilities and strengths to ensure mutual support in harnessing the individual potential each country has at its disposal,” he said. These opportunities include mining and beneficiation of critical minerals, which are essential for powering the global green economy, as well as exploring hydroelectric power, hydrogen solutions, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewable energy options like wind and solar.
BRICS countries, Ramokgopa asserted, have a unique opportunity to lead global efforts in tackling energy poverty, advancing energy efficiency, and ensuring that the benefits of energy transitions are shared equally among all member states.
Key Energy Opportunities for BRICS Plus
The Minister identified several key areas where BRICS nations could make significant progress through collaborative efforts. Among them, the mining of critical minerals and rare-earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technologies, was seen as one of the most promising opportunities. By focusing on mining and beneficiation at the source, BRICS members could position themselves as leaders in the rapidly growing green economy.
Additionally, Ramokgopa highlighted hydrogen energy solutions as another promising area for investment. Hydrogen, often considered the fuel of the future, could offer sustainable energy for a variety of industries, helping countries meet their climate targets while driving economic growth. “Promising hydrogen solutions and its derivatives have the potential to revolutionise our energy sectors,” Ramokgopa noted.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of exploring small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), which provide a cleaner, scalable alternative to traditional coal-fired power plants. Coupled with advancements in biofuels and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), these technologies could offer effective ways for BRICS Plus nations to transition away from high-emitting energy sources without compromising energy security.
A Critical Time for Transitioning to Low-Carbon Economies
The BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting came at a time when the global energy transition is gaining momentum. Countries are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints while still meeting the growing demand for reliable energy. Ramokgopa acknowledged the challenges faced by member states in balancing developmental goals with the need to pursue a low-carbon future.
“We must ensure that these transitions safeguard energy sovereignty and security, promote sustainable economic development, facilitate universal access, and respond effectively to environmental imperatives, all the while ensuring no one is left behind,” the Minister said. He highlighted that the BRICS bloc is uniquely positioned to provide leadership on the global energy stage, advocating for a “just energy transition” that prioritises inclusivity and equity.
Expansion of BRICS Plus: A Growing Influence on Global Energy
Ramokgopa’s speech also touched on the expansion of the BRICS bloc, which he called a “clear affirmation of the group’s growing significance and influence in the global energy agenda.” The recent decision to include additional countries in the BRICS framework has positioned the group to play a major role in reshaping global energy policies.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Ramokgopa said, “positioning BRICS to reshape, refocus, and reset the global energy architecture to ensure energy access, security, affordability, and eradicate energy poverty.” The expansion of the BRICS bloc allows for a wider range of expertise and resources to be shared, enhancing the group’s collective ability to navigate the complexities of the energy transition.
South Africa, in particular, sees the expansion of BRICS as an opportunity to articulate the needs of developing nations. Ramokgopa made it clear that the transition to cleaner energy sources must happen at a pace and scale that is consistent with each country’s national circumstances. He argued for the continued use of energy resources through innovative technologies that allow for a gradual shift from high-emitting to low-emitting energy systems.
“In this regard, we want to reiterate that our approach to an inclusive and people-centred energy transition is informed by the need to maintain energy security in support of socio-economic objectives,” Ramokgopa said.
Financing and Investment in Energy Infrastructure
Another major theme of Ramokgopa’s address was the mobilisation of finance and investment to support energy infrastructure development across BRICS nations. Many countries face significant hurdles in financing the shift to greener energy technologies, and Ramokgopa called on the BRICS Plus bloc to play a central role in bridging this gap.
He emphasised the need for scaling up investments in key areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy projects, and critical infrastructure. Ramokgopa pointed out that financing is crucial for ensuring that the energy transition is both successful and equitable, especially in countries with limited financial resources.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of technology transfer and intellectual property sharing, both of which could help BRICS countries overcome technical barriers to adopting new energy solutions. He urged member nations to collaborate on research and development to accelerate innovation in energy technologies.
Universal Access and the Just Energy Transition
A cornerstone of Ramokgopa’s address was his call for universal energy access, particularly in developing nations where millions of people still lack reliable electricity. He stressed that the energy transition must be “people-centred,” ensuring that no one is left behind in the move towards cleaner energy sources.
The concept of a “just energy transition” was central to Ramokgopa’s message. He argued that the transition must not only address environmental concerns but also provide economic and social benefits to all citizens, especially those in vulnerable communities. This includes ensuring that jobs are created in emerging green industries and that the transition does not disproportionately impact low-income populations.
“The transition to clean energy must support socio-economic development and poverty eradication,” Ramokgopa said. “This is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a sustainable future for all.”
The Way Forward: BRICS Plus as a Global Energy Leader
Ramokgopa concluded his remarks by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to working closely with its BRICS partners to overcome energy challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.
The BRICS Plus bloc, he argued, has the potential to lead the way in reshaping the global energy landscape. By fostering cooperation on key issues such as energy security, innovation, and investment, the group can help create a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all.
As BRICS nations continue to grapple with the complexities of energy transitions, Ramokgopa’s call for collaboration offers a clear pathway forward. With the right investments, policies, and partnerships, BRICS Plus could emerge as a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
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