President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to a “renewable energy revolution” during his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) at Cape Town City Hall. He underscored the transformative potential of renewable energy in driving economic growth and job creation over the next decade and beyond.
South Africa’s favorable climate allows for substantial energy production from solar and wind sources. Additionally, the country possesses valuable rare earth minerals essential for renewable energy technologies.
“As we undertake a just transition towards renewable energy, South Africa must create a green manufacturing sector centered on the export of green hydrogen and associated products, electric vehicles, and renewable energy components,” President Ramaphosa stated.
He highlighted the Northern Cape’s success in attracting billions of Rands in renewable energy investments, illustrating the country’s ongoing energy transformation. The President pointed out that South Africa has opened opportunities for renewable energy-independent power producers to strengthen the grid and create employment.
“We already have a significant pipeline of renewable energy projects, representing over 22,500 MW of new generating capacity, estimated to be worth around R400 billion in new private investment. Investments such as these will create numerous jobs,” President Ramaphosa said.
He also celebrated the recent connection of the largest-ever private energy project to the grid near Lichtenburg in the North West. This project features over 390,000 solar panels, adding 256 MW to the grid.
“We will see more of these projects taking shape across our country in the months and years to come. As these investments reach fruition, more jobs will be created,” he concluded.
South Africa’s renewable energy initiatives are set to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic future, fostering sustainable development and significant employment opportunities.
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