By KEDIBONE MOALETSI
31 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy commended the work done by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on the approval of the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan, which addresses the pressing challenges related to energy supply. The approved plan represents a significant collaborative effort, involving industry stakeholders, civil society and government entities over the past five years.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, Nonkosi Mvana said the plan aims to not only tackle immediate energy needs, but also promote long-term sustainable growth through the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and battery storage, while also incorporating emerging technologies, including green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels.
Mvana said during the presentation, committee members commended the department for the extensive work undertaken in developing the master plan.
“Members recognised the comprehensive approach taken and the commitment shown to addressing the multifaceted challenges in South Africa’s energy landscape.
“The committee expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have brought together various stakeholders, ensuring that the plan reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives and expertise,” she said.
Mvana further said the committee members raised pertinent questions about the plan’s implementation and enquired about measures to ensure that local businesses and communities’ benefit from renewable energy projects, emphasising the importance of job creation and skills transfer. She added that, the members questioned the department’s strategy for addressing regulatory barriers that may hinder the growth of rooftop solar installations, noting the need for streamlined processes to encourage residential participation in renewable energy.
“In response, the department highlighted that a key component of the master plan is to establish partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that they are included in the supply chains for renewable energy projects.
“The department said it is committed to implementing targeted training programmes that will equip local communities with the necessary skills to participate actively in the renewable energy sector,” said Mvana.
She said regarding regulatory barriers, the department acknowledged the challenges posed by the current registration processes and assured the committee that they are exploring legislative reforms aimed at simplifying these requirements to facilitate broader adoption of rooftop solar. Mvana said in addition, members of the committee sought clarity on the department’s approach to environmental sustainability within the master plan.
“The committee expressed concerns about the lifecycle management of renewable energy technologies, specifically regarding the decommissioning and recycling of solar panels and batteries.
“Questions were raised about the strategies in place to ensure that the shift toward renewable energy does not inadvertently lead to new environmental issues,” she said.
Mvana said the department responded by highlighting its commitment to a circular economy model, which includes comprehensive plans for the recycling and decommissioning of renewable energy technologies. She said the department said it is collaborating with industry experts to develop best practices for managing end-of-life products, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of the renewable energy value chain.
“Furthermore, the department said it is actively researching innovative recycling technologies that will minimise waste and maximise resource recovery. The committee welcomed the department’s initiative to actively engage with various stakeholders, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Industrial Development Corporation, to leverage climate funding and support the development of a robust renewable energy industry,” said Mvana.
The Guardian 