Optimising South Africa’s grid system

South Africa's energy landscape has been a topic of discussion for many years, with the country facing challenges in ensuring a stable grid system while transitioning to cleaner energy solutions. Recently, Eskom marked a significant milestone as Unit 5 at the Kusile Power Station was successfully commissioned, adding 800MW to the grid. This achievement comes as the country celebrates 100 days without load shedding, a rare feat in recent times. CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa engaged in a conversation with Priscillah Mabelane, Chairperson of The National Transmission Company of South Africa, shedding light on the country's energy strategies and the importance of partnerships with other African nations to leverage energy sources. Mabelane highlighted the importance of optimising the grid system while exploring alternative energy sources to meet the growing demand for power. She discussed the collaboration with the southern region to enhance best practices and modernise technologies in the transmission sector. Additionally, Mabelane emphasized the significance of integrating neighbouring countries into the grid to leverage resources such as hydro capacity, enhancing the resilience of South Africa's economy and ensuring a reliable energy supply. The conversation delved into the role of the Southern Africa Power Pool in facilitating cross-border energy cooperation and the potential opportunities for interconnectivity with countries like Namibia. Mabelane acknowledged the challenges posed by the region's increasing power demand but emphasized the potential for collaboration and complementary relationships among nations. She highlighted existing partnerships with countries like Mozambique and Botswana, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in enhancing the region's energy security. Moreover, Mabelane expressed optimism about the strengthening of partnerships with the new Eskom board, recognizing the mutual benefits of regional cooperation. She emphasized the need to address South Africa's unique challenges, including unemployment and the imperative to promote industrialization while fostering local and regional partnerships to optimize energy resources. As South Africa navigates its energy transition, the collaboration with neighbouring countries and the exploration of diverse energy sources are poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable and resilient grid system. The emphasis on strategic partnerships and efficient resource utilization underscores the country's commitment to advancing its energy landscape and driving economic growth through a collaborative regional approach.