The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) has moved from policy adoption to stakeholder commitment with representatives from business, labour and communities signing a joint pledge to support its goals at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town last week.
Approved by Cabinet in March, the plan sets out a national framework for aligning renewable energy deployment with industrial development.
It targets the addition of 14,4 GW in renewable energy capacity by 2030, including 9 GW of solar PV and 5,4 GW of wind, aligned with the Integrated Resource Plan. It also outlines the development of local manufacturing capacity for components such as solar panels, inverters, wind turbine towers, blades and batteries with a projected creation of over 48 000 direct and indirect jobs.
Led by the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, the signing included a formal pledge signed by representatives from industry, labour and community sectors. “SAREM provides a platform to streamline localisation efforts, drive local beneficiation and foster sustainable development through renewable energy rollout – one of the backers of the plan,” the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) said in a statement.
“With 3,8 GW of installed wind capacity and a pipeline exceeding 53 GW, this launch represents a moment of alignment that could help unlock sustainable development in the sector,” said SAWEA CEO Niveshen Govender.
