Municipal Energy Efficiency Workshop

Municipalities across South Africa recently gathered for a pivotal workshop to share successes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and adopting best practices in energy management.

The Municipal Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) and Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings and Infrastructure Programme (EEPBIP) Workshop, led by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy alongside National Business Initiative, Sanedi.org, GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini, and Industrial Development Corporation, showcased key insights and achievements being made so far, by the municipalities.

As we tackle our nation's energy challenges, the workshop underscored the urgent need for businesses to collaborate with municipalities to implement innovative energy solutions. By partnering, we can create jobs, drive economic growth, and build a sustainable future.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/cMqxrihfcwA?si=dbrOwVUQ6abCp0QO

Key Insights from the Workshop:

? Job Creation: Energy efficiency initiatives are not just about saving energy—they're about creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

? Private Sector Collaboration: The private sector's role is crucial in developing and investing in green technologies. Partner with municipalities and Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to drive impactful change.

? Women and Youth Empowerment: Initiatives like the Women in Energy Awards and skills development programs are pivotal in empowering the next generation of energy leaders.

? The energy savings realized thus far, through the grant programme and other initiatives.

Support initiatives available and making an impact:

? IDC: Providing support instruments for the private sector, including the Energy Services Companies (ESCOs).

? TAMDEV - NBI: Offering capacity-building resources for municipalities.

? GIZ: Facilitating impactful skills development programs and initiatives like the Municipal Energy Management System (MEMS).

? Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA): Delivering tools and structures for effective energy management.

The DMRE's grants and funding for energy efficiency projects is leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits, as evidenced in the report that was shared highlighting the impact being made.

Furthermore, DENA, a German Energy Agency shared some best practice from German perspective and the successes they are achieving that we can learn from. One critical aspect being the energy efficiency being incorporated into policy, which has highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, where the National Energy Efficiency Law was established in November 2023. The policy was then translated to the reduction targets which are sector specific for 2023 and 2024.

Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for South Africa. Cross- sector collaboration is critical and allows us to harness the collective expertise and investments in order to implement larger projects that would promote sustainable development in our municipalities.

Join us in making a difference! Your collaboration and innovation are key to our success.

For more information, please email us on: [email protected]

Visit our website: www.eepbip.org.za

#EnergyEfficiency #SustainableFuture #EEPBIP #EEDSM #GreenEconomy #DMRE #GIZ #SANEDI #NBI