The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is calling on players in the wind sector to work together to deliver more for South Africa through the just energy transition.

Under the rallying call of ’Wind Power Spearheading the Energy Transition for Accelerated Growth’, SAWEA is set to showcase progress to date and chart a way forward where wind energy delivers maximum impact for South Africa.

Debating, discussing and demonstrating the impact of renewables, specifically wind, on the South African economy will take place at the 11th annual WINDABA.

The two-day conference and exhibition, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 12th to 13th October, will see public and private sector leaders and industry players come together and focus on how the wind sector can deliver more for the South African economy.

SAWEA CEO, Niveshen Govender, says, “Over the last decade we have delivered almost 3.4GW of installed capacity. South Africa is leading the way with wind energy being the largest RE technology contributor to the SA energy mix and the number one wind power market in Africa. There is much to be celebrated in our dynamic industry.

“While accelerating wind energy capacity to the grid, the wind sector has a vital part to play in South Africa’s post-COVID recovery, as we work to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy. This will be achieved first and foremost through energy security but underpinning the recovery will be a just transition which will positively impact economic growth, job creation and human welfare.”

To date the 34 Wind projects are able to power 3.6 million average households annually and have realised 23 000 direct job years, not including the additional jobs in project development, finance, legal and other complementary business areas.

Wind project contributions of almost R700 million for socio-economic development have been spent on developing the education, health, and basic needs services as well as uplifting communities. With 84% domestic investment and 47% local spend, the local wind sector is able to grow and improve with every additional wind project.

“Much has been achieved, but there is so much more that we as a sector can deliver for individuals and South Africa. WINDABA will allow us to come together, refocus, and redouble our efforts and think innovatively about how we leverage wind for all.

“Our focus must be relentless, empowering individuals and industry to step up and transform the sector,” added Govender, “Together our impact will be felt not just in the energy sector, but across the economy, uplifting citizens, creating a diverse workforce and securing access to energy for all.”

Key content pillars covered at the conference include: Wind Energy Finance, Impact, Implementation, Market and Policy, with expert local and international speakers discussing the importance of rolling procurement, how to deliver a thriving local manufacturing sector and how to leverage the current policy environment to deliver a sustainable, secure energy supply.