The biggest takeaway from COP26 is South Africa’s commitment to ensure a just transition from coal fired power stations with approximately $8.5 bn pledged into resolving the energy crisis. However, power cuts have almost become a norm in South African’s daily lives. Furthermore, this crisis threatens water security within the country. Despite these matters, we have identified 5 good news stories from the month of October and here’s what you need to know.

1. Windaba Conference to explore innovative funding models to encourage uptake of renewables

Wind Energy Finance is one of the key content pillars that were discussed at the two-day conference and exhibition, in Cape Town International Convention Centre. “The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) is rightly lauded as one of the world’s best renewable energy tenders,” said Niveshen Govender, SAWEA CEO.

“But as we step forward into the next decade of our transition, it is clear that even more significant financial investment will be required, that will exceed the reach of the public sector purse.

“Now is the time for the private sector, local communities and individuals to step up and harness innovative funding solutions that can relieve the pressure on government and are designed with local citizens and communities at their heart.”

Windaba Conference to explore innovative funding models to encourage uptake of renewables | Infrastructure news

• Zutari paves the way for sustainable transport infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure has a major impact on economic growth, said Vishaal Lutchman, MD, Transport at leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari.

As South Africa geared up for Transport Month in October, Lutchman pointed to how this multiplier effect starts with any new provincial road or freeway, including major rehabilitation work. “The effect of economic connectivity is what proves to be the catalyst, not so much the actual capital expenditure on the infrastructure itself,” he stressed.

Zutari paves the way for sustainable transport infrastructure | Infrastructure news

• Celebrating recycling – one of the levers of the green economy

Recycling is rapidly emerging as one of the key drivers of business transformation globally. For South Africa, it has huge potential to help the country find ways to build a more inclusive economy and create millions of jobs.

Celebrating recycling – one of the levers of the green economy | Infrastructure news

• More water made available to Rand Water as a temporary measure

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has committed to increasing the bulk water allocation to the Rand Water system as an emergency measure to address water shortages in the Gauteng metros, district, and local municipalities.

More water made available to Rand Water as a temporary measure | Infrastructure news

• AEW offers insight towards reforming African power generation monopolies

The first day of African Energy Week (AEW) 2022, which was held in Cape Town on the 18^th of October, featured a panel discussion during which participants discussed the reformation of Africa’s power generation monopolies, presenting an in-depth look at the liberalization of energy markets and a transition towards a more competitive industry.

“We are exploring reforms within the energy sector on the African continent,” said Hendrik Malan, President of Frost & Sullivan, adding, “The quality of policy is generally a big issue in Africa and is quite important because of the role of the private sector.”

AEW offers insight towards reforming African power generation monopolies | Infrastructure news