An unprecedented energy crisis requires expedited and unprecedented action. That’s the warning from organisers of the forthcoming Windaba 2023. Organised by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and supported by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Windaba is designed to refocus minds and shine a spotlight on the potential impact that wind has to mitigate the debilitating impacts of load-shedding.
“The energy crisis we find ourselves in has been 15 years in the making, but we do not have 15 years to resolve the energy issues facing the country, to combat load-shedding and meet our climate obligations,” says Niveshen Govender, SAWEA Chief Executive Officer.
“We need to redouble our efforts to bring renewable energy projects on stream, both through private and public sector procurement. But procurement alone is not the answer, and over the course of the conference we will explore ways to optimise the existing transmission infrastructure capacity and overcome the blockages that have been hampering new renewable power generation being connected to the grid.” In January 2023 Eskom released a statement detailing that it was only able to supply 56,6% of the power needed nationally in the 2022/23 financial year. This has been further compounded by a failed public procurement bid window which resulted in the loss of investment, market confidence and ultimately additional capacity to the grid.
Taking place from 3 to 5 October at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Windaba will feature a roster of local specialists and international experts who will explore and recommend the best path to delivering a sustainable energy supply to the nation. SAWEA recently published the results of the Renewable Energy Grid Survey which revealed a pipeline of almost 30 GW of new wind projects being developed, which if realised has the potential to contribute significantly to the current energy crisis and help reaffirm South Africa’s status as an investment destination for renewable energy.
“Our ambition is for South Africa’s wind power industry to thrive as we pursue a common goal of harnessing the natural resource in a bid to deliver secure energy for South Africa. This will only be achieved through innovative thinking, a spirit of collaboration – across the renewables industry, government and private sector. “Load shedding is debilitating – for the nation as a whole and each of us as individuals. Together through the Windaba Conference, attendees will gain first-hand access to experts and industry leaders who will share their thoughts on how wind will play a central role in delivering energy security to South Africa.”
Windaba is a key date for the diary for anyone interested in Africa’s energy transition. Set to bring together key players from both the public and private sector, there will be a packed schedule of engaging talks, informative panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities. Year-on-year, the conference brings together more than 600 delegates and industry exhibitors. The conference will continue to provide the most relevant and current wind sector information to aid and influence strategic decision making.
Windaba is the South African Wind Energy Association’s (SAWEA’s) flagship industry conference. It brings professionals, policymakers, academics, government representatives and civil society together to facilitate strengthened partnerships for the on-the-ground implementation of renewable energy projects, to influence energy policy, and provide a framework to aid strategic decision making.
SAWEA is an industry association representing the Wind Energy Industry in South Africa. SAWEA is a non-profit entity. Members include both national and international actors who are active in the entire Wind power supply chain.
Contact kim@sawea.co.za
