Driving South Africa’s green energy transition

The global focus on sustainable energy solutions has seen a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in South Africa. As the country grapples with the need for cleaner and more affordable energy options, businesses like Vodacom Group and Discovery Green are leading the charge in driving the green energy transition. The landscape of energy consumption in South Africa is evolving rapidly, with a growing understanding of the need for sustainable solutions for homes, businesses, and beyond. CNBC Africa recently hosted a discussion with Dejan Kastelic, Group Technology Officer at Vodacom Group, and Andre Nepgen, CEO of Discovery Green, to delve into the advancements and challenges in the renewable energy sector. Andre Nepgen of Discovery Green highlighted the exciting time in the energy landscape, pointing out the disappearance of load shedding and the emergence of new technologies and strategies. The focus on renewable energy not only benefits the environment but also presents significant job creation opportunities. By investing in renewable energy projects like wind farms, South Africa can foster economic development and provide cleaner energy at a more competitive price than traditional grid-tied options. Nepgen emphasized the importance of sustainability and equity in transitioning to renewable energy, ensuring a positive impact on society. On the other hand, Dejan Kastelic shared insights into Vodacom's approach to integrating renewable energy into its operations. With thousands of sites across South Africa, Vodacom faced the challenge of energy consumption and emissions reduction. By developing a virtual wheeling project in partnership with Eskom and independent power producers, Vodacom aims to achieve zero carbon emissions from electricity by 2025. This innovative platform enables multiple IPPs to contribute renewable energy to the grid, supporting various enterprises in accessing cleaner energy. The discussion also touched upon financing models for renewable energy projects and the need for strategic partnerships to drive the green energy transition effectively. Vodacom's virtual wheeling platform, Mezzanine, allows for seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in South Africa. As the conversation delved deeper into the future of renewable energy in the country, both panelists highlighted the importance of exploring diverse energy sources like wind and hydrogen to achieve a more robust and reliable energy grid. The potential for hydrogen as an alternative energy source on-site presents new opportunities for businesses to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources like diesel generators. The interview concluded with a focus on collaboration between businesses, government entities, and energy regulators to ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy and address challenges in the sector. Both Vodacom and Discovery Green emphasized the need for continued innovation and investment in the renewable energy sector to enhance energy security, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth in South Africa. As South Africa's green energy transition gains momentum, stakeholders across industries are working together to leverage innovative solutions and maximize the potential of renewable energy sources. The path to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future is paved with collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to driving positive change in the country's energy landscape.