SA energy security requires collaboration and interconnectivity

While delivering universal energy access is an imperative for Africa, ensuring energy security is as big a priority.?

This is the view of Jacob Mbele, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Director-General, speaking on the energy stage at Africa Oil Week on Wednesday (9 October).

For South Africa in particular, the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), supported by the short-term intervention plan to deal with loadshedding – the Energy Action Plan (EAP) – remains the government roadmap that guides the country’s actions to ensure energy security while dealing with access and sustainability issues.?

Mbele said energy security is about more than matching supply with demand or pitting technologies against each other; it is also about ensuring system sustainability.

“That’s why energy systems consist of a mix of technologies,” said Mbele.

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He pointed out that the REIPPP programme has played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy into the mix in South Africa.?

In the short term, the country will continue with the different initiatives laid out in the IRP2019 and the EAP. In the longer term, “there are multiple pathways the country can follow to ensure energy security.”?

Getting to net-zero?

“These cannot solely be based on technical analysis. They must consider other needs, including government policy and energy sovereignty,” said Mbele.?

He explained that the country’s energy path must consider renewables while considering national circumstances and growth plans.?

“It is my view that our plans to net-zero must put innovation at the forefront,” said Mbele.?

Referencing the International Energy Agency‘s (IEA) Roadmap to Net Zero, he reminded that part of the solution to achieving?net-zero emissions ?is based on yet-to-be-developed technologies. ?

“We must, therefore, look at the energy transition through the lens of reducing emissions, not reducing energy sources.”?

“It is my view that the energy transition, including the integration of renewable energy, is not going to be a smooth path.

“We must, therefore, not be too hard on ourselves and celebrate the gains that we have made, including in South Africa that we have more than 7,000MW of renewables connected to the grid, and we continue to connect more,” said Mbele.

The Global South as an energy hub?

Priscillah Mabelane, newly appointed National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA ) Board Chairperson, said the board has approved investment in transmission line build-out over the next two years to support the integration of renewables into the electricity grid.?

”We have secured R112 billion for the TDP programme over the next five years, which will allow nearly 30GW of new utility-scale generation capacity to come online by the end of 2029, of which 11GW is targeted in the next two years,” explained Mabelane.

She expressed a wish to see African countries develop and export renewable energy and become a global hub for clean energy production.?

“This is a critical moment when the global North is worried about its energy… we should be taking advantage,” said Mabelane.?

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“Africa is a continent of more than 50 nations, each with its unique challenges and opportunities.?

“By integrating energy and electricity markets and fostering greater regional cooperation, we can create more efficient systems and ensure energy flows across borders.?

“Regional integration is critical to our success. We are not competing with one another; we are partnering to become even stronger,” said Mabelane.?

Regional interconnectivity to create energy security

She pointed out that the effect of droughts on hydroelectricity across Africa underscores the need for greater regional interconnection for electricity transmission and that insufficient interconnectivity is a massive challenge across the continent. ?

According to Mabelane, increasing regional interconnectivity would ultimately lower the cost of electricity supply.?

“This is where we should be focusing. Interconnection has slowed in recent years.?

“Research has shown that joint planning and investment in these interconnectors will not only reduce costs but also enhance the security of supply for all countries in the region.

”And it’s not just about electricity. Regional integration in gas supply is equally important, and this too is an area where we must strengthen our partnerships for a resilient, sustainable future,” said the NTCSA Board Chairperson.?

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Finance and investment?for energy security

She also emphasised the need to address the cost of funding: ”Financing is one of the biggest barriers to energy projects. ?

“It needs innovative models, partnership between government and private sector and a commitment to move Africa towards clean energy.”?

“This includes removing the artificial barrier of risk premium , as far as Africa is concerned.?

“This will unlock opportunities for industrialisation and economic growth.

“Strengthening inter-African collaboration and supply chain flows is becoming even more critical in light of the protectionism of the global North that risks leaving us behind,” said Mabelane.?

ESI