The Energy Council of South Africa has launched a nationwide campaign to empower citizens with knowledge and engagement opportunities regarding the energy transition.

South Africa has pledged to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 and transition towards a green economy. To achieve this, the government has committed to a just and inclusive energy transition that meets the country’s developmental needs, ensuring no one is left behind.

“Energy literacy goes beyond understanding the basics—it forms the foundation for informed decision-making, constructive collaboration, and driving investment and economic growth through positive public sentiment.

“Through this campaign, we aim to connect South Africans with factual information to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities presented by the energy transition,” said Energy Council CEO James Mackay.

The campaign focuses on six key technical energy topics:

• Energy as an integrated system: Moving beyond a polarised “supply mix” ideology to a practical, integrated approach that balances supply-side actions with demand response, infrastructure, and digital integration.
• Vital emissions obligations: Addressing South Africa’s high carbon footprint and its exposure to carbon tax and border adjustments from 2026, particularly with Europe, its largest trade partner.
• Ongoing coal dependency: Recognising coal’s continued role in the energy mix beyond 2026 while promoting cleaner, more efficient usage and a balanced transition without compromising energy security.
• Bridging the transition with gas: Exploring gas as a stabilising force in the energy system, meeting fluctuating demand and supporting renewable energy growth as coal stations are phased out.
• Scaling renewables and storage: Assessing the expansion of solar, wind, and battery storage, overcoming deployment barriers, and integrating technology to make renewables central to South Africa’s energy future.
• Reforming the energy market: Highlighting the need for a competitive wholesale electricity market to unlock investment, drive efficiency, lower prices, and secure the country’s future power sector ecosystem.

“The Energy Council estimates that R2 trillion will be required by 2035 for new technology financing and system upgrades. Government policy and commitment are clear. The two key drivers of our energy reform agenda are now anchored in law: The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act of 2004 and the Climate Change Act of 2024.

“It is crucial that informed responses lead the transition, ensuring collaboration across all stakeholders to create sustainable, long-term energy solutions for South Africa,” the Energy Council stated. – SAnews.gov.za