Mineral Resources and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe says renewable energy remains a major contributor to ensuring the country\u2019s energy security both now and in the long term.<\/p>\n
Mantashe was speaking at the 11th annual Windaba \u2013 South Africa\u2019s wind energy conference and exhibition \u2013 held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecurity of energy supply is a priority for the government and our preoccupation as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy is crucial for economic growth and attaining sustainable development goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cClean energy, including wind power, is set to be a major contributor to a global and sustainable energy system. Wind energy is becoming one of the lowest cost clean energy sources for new electricity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to the Minister, through the government’s Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), 32 wind energy projects, in particular, were already contributing some 3 063MW of energy to the grid and had a positive social impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cWind energy projects have contributed to electricity generation during morning and evening peak demand here in South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 32 wind energy projects have created over 23 000 job opportunities, and a total of [at least] R18.9 billion has been committed to socio-economic development and enterprise development initiatives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mantashe said that coupled with the REIPPP, government developments are creating an enabling environment for investment into renewable energy. These developments include:<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the country\u2019s transition towards lower carbon emissions, Mantashe reiterated the government\u2019s stance that the energy transition will be a careful balancing act.<\/p>\n
The transition, he said, will be \u201cinformed by our national circumstance, capabilities, and the need to maintain energy security in support of economic growth and poverty alleviation\u201d.<\/p>\n
The minister emphasised that this transition will include the \u201cinnovative use\u201d of energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear, water, coal, oil and gas.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Clean] energy technologies, including renewable energy and their deployment, is central to our efforts to move from high to low carbon emissions. However, the continued polarized debate amongst technologies needs to come to an end. South Africa must pursue mixed technologies unashamed to address energy poverty and ensure energy supply security.<\/p>\n
\u201c[We] intend to move from high carbon emissions to low carbon emissions. However, we will do this in a manner that does not undermine our energy security, economic growth plans and sustainability of local communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n