SAWEA welcomes merging of ministries of electricity & energy

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has welcomed the news of the merging of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy, under the leadership of Minister Hosienso Ramahopa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Niveshen Govender, CEO of SAWEA, shared insights on the implications of this development and the association's expectations moving forward. SAWEA views the consolidation of the ministries as a positive step towards streamlining energy and electricity policies for better efficiency and effectiveness. The association celebrates Minister Ramahopa's expanded mandate, emphasizing the importance of policy alignment, new generation capacity, and energy security. Govender expressed confidence in Minister Ramahopa's ability to build on his past successes and address key industry challenges. SAWEA highlighted three critical policy areas for the new ministry: amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act, review of the Integrated Resource Plan, and localization initiatives for renewable energy manufacturing. Govender emphasized the need for clarity on market rules, correct assumptions in energy planning, and accelerated adoption of wind energy in the country's energy mix. Additionally, SAWEA emphasized the importance of pricing mechanisms post-ESCOM unbundling, calling for better coordination between government entities to ensure affordability and regulatory compliance. The association stressed the role of transparency, open communication, and stakeholder engagement in driving the sector's transformation. As South Africa navigates its energy transition, collaboration between industry players, policymakers, and regulators will be crucial in shaping a sustainable and inclusive energy landscape.