Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has outlined an ambitious plan to restructure the nation’s energy landscape, emphasising a balanced approach to decarbonisation that prioritises economic stability and community welfare. Ramokgopa was speaking at the official launch of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum.
Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday, the Minister told delegates that government aims to dramatically shift its energy mix, targeting 60% renewable energy by 2042, transitioning from the current 78% fossil fuel dependency. “And then, as we do that, we need to ensure that we domesticate the benefits.” The Minister said a key strategy involves repurposing existing power infrastructure, particularly in Mpumalanga, to create new green energy opportunities.
“Our view is that this is a diversified mix with a dynamic relationship.” According to the Minister, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will add 11 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic and 9 GW of wind power by 2030, with an additional 74 GW planned between 2030-2042. The IRP aims to address energy sovereignty, economic impact, and environmental harm, projecting a significant increase in renewable energy sources by 2042.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the Energy Action Plan (EAP) has improved electricity availability from 48% to over 70%. Importantly, the Minister said the transition prioritises “just transition” principles, ensuring communities are not economically decimated. “As we transition, you must not leave anyone behind. We must design interventions to ensure the net employment benefit is positive.”
In addition, the plan includes massive transmission infrastructure investments, estimated at R440 billion and focuses on creating skills aligned with emerging green economy needs. “That is because we want to transition. Otherwise, if you didn’t want to, we were not going to spend that money and could be redirecting it to other sectors of the economy. I’m just saying it’s not free, but we know that the benefit outweighs the upfront cost and then the repurposing options of these power stations.”
In addition, he said the focus is on repurposing power stations and developing local skills to support the transition, ensuring a balanced approach that includes all energy sources and benefits communities. The Minister said government’s message was clear, which is action over perfection.
“Our biggest problem is seeking a perfect solution… Act, and in the course of doing that, we’ll make mistakes and get it right.” Meanwhile, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.
“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela said. Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. Manamela announced that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries. “It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness and align training with industry.”
