Ramokgopa: Collaboration needed to meet energy requirements

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, delivered a powerful message at the Africa Energy Week conference in Cape Town. In his address to stakeholders, Minister Ramokgopa emphasized the importance of collaboration to meet the energy requirements of the continent. He highlighted Africa's abundant energy resources, including 7% of global gas reserves, 10% of global oil reserves, and 40% of renewable energy potential. Despite these resources, 600 million people on the continent lack access to electricity, posing a significant challenge to economic growth and development. Minister Ramokgopa stressed the need for cooperation, orchestration, and investment to harness Africa's energy potential. He noted that energy security is essential for regional trade and industrial growth, urging leaders to take proactive steps towards resolving the energy deficit. With a focus on renewable energy, Minister Ramokgopa outlined a vision for a diversified energy mix that includes coal, gas, nuclear, and renewables. He underscored the importance of accelerating the onboarding of renewable energy capacity to support economic growth. Minister Ramokgopa acknowledged the need for capital investment, policy reform, and skilled workforce to drive the energy transition. He highlighted the role of financial institutions and government agencies in facilitating the expansion of energy infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. Minister Ramokgopa also addressed concerns about energy costs for end-users, emphasizing the downward trend in renewable energy prices over the years. He noted that increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix could lead to lower electricity costs for consumers. Minister Ramokgopa outlined policy initiatives to make energy access more affordable and sustainable, including revisions to free basic electricity allocations and pilot projects for battery storage technology. Overall, Minister Ramokgopa's vision for energy security in South Africa and Africa as a whole hinges on collaboration, investment, and innovation in the energy sector.