By Karabo Ntanzi
Picture sourced: Aggeneys Solar Plant
The Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs Forum South Africa chapter (REEF SA) will host the Energy X Conference and Exhibition at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre (MSCC) from 29 – 30 March 2023. It will be the first time for the Northern Cape Province to host this auspicious event under the theme ‘Unlocking the power of renewable energy to accelerate job creation, advance skills development and stimulate local economies.’
The two-day conference will focus on Solar and Wind Energy deployment; Energy Storage in South Africa; Green Hydrogen and Ammonia; Electric Vehicles and Public Transport; Sustainable Energy in South African Municipalities; Skills Development and Renewable Energy and Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). A panel of experts from business, government and academics will head presentations, workshops and discussions.
REEF is a national network with footprints within the SADEC region. The objective is to empower, inspire, support and develop the progression of emerging clean energy entrepreneurs in South Africa. It foresees a smooth transition to clean, affordable renewable energy for everyone.
The Northern Cape Province has been dubbed South Africa’s ‘green hub’ because of its numerous solar installations. The province has some of the world’s highest solar radiation levels and plenty of space to spare.
With multi-billion rand investments led by the South African government, the plants operate through agreements between private firms, financial institutions and South Africa’s electricity utility, Eskom.
Solar technology is the most economical way to produce electricity. However, to increase the impact, the costs of systems and services should be reduced further, including developing a large energy storage system.
According to the REEF SA Lead for Business Development and Stakeholder Partnership Motheo Seleke, the conference is expected to attract 1 800 delegates from the SADEC Region, “we have received a phenomenal interest from Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana. Membership to the Forum consist of corporate, SMMEs and Engineering students and graduates”, said Seleke.
Seleke further indicated that the intention is to have the conference annually in other provinces including Southern Africa.
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