A much more intensive training programme is envis-
connection. The country’s rate of access to electricity has increased
aged in the near future. It will cover on-the-job training
from 34 per cent since 1994 to 86 per cent and the DoE is working
at nuclear power plant construction sites; bachelor's
towards full universal access by 2025 through the upgrading and
degrees in engineering, natural and social sciences;
strengthening of the electricity network infrastructure in the country.
financial and project management programmes; as well
“This target is in line with the UN General Assembly’s declaration
as post-graduate courses and research collaboration
that universal access to clean energy should be achieved by 2030.”
between South Africa and major developed countries including France, Russia, China, USA, South Korea and
Other projects:
Japan.
•
ment programme for a combined 3 126MW allocation.
“South Africa hopes to add a total electricity capacity of 9 600MW to the grid by 2030, with the first reactor
The DoE is engaged in a process to design a Gas-to-Power procure-
•
The Coal Baseload IPP Programme will procure 2 500MW of electric-
unit connection made in 2023, well in time for the re-
ity from coal-fired power stations. This programme is designed to
tirement of the aging coal fleet.”
encourage meaningful local participation, and requires 51 per cent
Minister Joemat-Pettersson says that the procurement process will be presented for approval to the Energy
South African entity participation. •
A treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Re-
Security Cabinet Sub-committee and endorsed by Cabi-
public of South Africa on importing hydroelectricity from Inga came
net. Once endorsed, it will be presented for deliberation
into force in March 2015. The treaty obliges South Africa to negotiate
by Parliament, and then government will launch the
an off-take agreement for the purchase of 2 500MW of electricity
procurement process.
generated from the Grand Inga Phase 3 Low Head project, with a right of first refusal for up to 30 per cent of generated capacity from
Women and youth participation In line with the DoE’s commitment to contribute to the
all future phases. •
The introduction of a new procurement model for the national solar
national effort to address poverty and unemployment,
water heating programme is at an advanced stage. Government has
the department has embarked on various initiatives to
decided to stop the subsidisation of imported solar heaters in favour
assist vulnerable communities.
of local manufacturing to increase job creation, industrialisation and
“Government has made it possible through policy to
the socio-economic impact of the programme.
pave the way for women to take part in the oil and gas
Despite the country’s energy challenges, the efforts of Minister
sector as equal participants. The DoE and Women in Oil
Joemat-Pettersson and her team are ensuring that there is light at
and Energy South Africa (WOESA) hosted an informa-
the end of the tunnel.
tion session for businesswomen in Pretoria recently. “At this session, women motivated that workshops be held in all provinces, with the intention of allowing them to access information on upcoming opportunities in the energy sector,” says the Minister. She adds that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with WOESA that will see the department engaging with communities on available business opportunities in the sector.
Integrated National Electrification Programme Energy access has been at the heart of South African energy policy since 1994. Prior to 1994, two in every three South Africans did not have access to electricity. “Today, four out of five South Africans have access to electricity either via grid connection or non-grid
Public Sector Manager • May 2015
17