President Jacob Zuma says South Africa remains committed to diversifying its energy sources to respond to its national development imperatives.

Addressing the working lunch of the G20 Heads of State and Government on Monday in Antalya, Turkey, President Zuma said South Africa has procured over six gigawatts of renewable energy.

He said the country is committed to further roll out its Integrated Resource Plan, which guides the energy mix.

He commended Turkey for its extensive work in the energy sector and the G20 principles on energy collaboration.

“This effort cannot be overstated, as energy is relevant to the overall themes of the G20, specifically the areas of improved investment in infrastructure and promoting strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

“We note the outcomes of the first ever G20 Energy Ministers’ Meeting, as well as the successful Conference on Energy Access in sub-Saharan Africa,” said the President.

He said there are realisable projects and initiatives led by the African continent, which include the Grand Inga Hydropower Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the potential to connect 60 million people.

Power Africa initiative welcomed

“More effort is needed in terms of fostering collaboration on regional projects and consolidating project preparation facilities. In this regard, we welcome the Power Africa initiative,” said the President.

Guided by the voluntary G20 principles on energy collaboration, President Zuma said South Africa is encouraged by the work done on the G20 Energy Access Action Plan: Voluntary Collaboration on Energy Access.

“We support the Energy Sustainability Working Group and the Chinese Presidency to continue with this initiative. We note the progress being made by a number of countries to rationalise and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies which encourage wasteful consumption,” he said.

He thanked Turkey for the focus on other development issues such as women, youth, small business development and the general focus on inclusiveness during its G20 Presidency.