In the midst of a severe energy crisis marked by loadshedding, a beacon of hope emerges on the horizon – Windaba 2023. Organizers of this important event are sounding the alarm for immediate action. Scheduled from October 3rd to 5th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Windaba 2023 is set to convene local experts and global authorities with the aim to outline a viable course towards a sustainable energy supply for South Africa.
Backed by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and endorsed by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Windaba stands as a strategic pivot, refocusing attention on the remarkable potential of wind power to alleviate the staggering toll of loadshedding.
Delegates will dive deep into the theme, ‘Beyond the Turbines’. The goal is to harness wind energy’s full potential in addressing the trio of crises currently troubling South Africa: energy scarcity, climate concerns, and societal consequences.
Addressing the urgency, Niveshen Govender, CEO of SAWEA, states, “ The energy crisis we find ourselves in has been 15 years in the making, but we do not have 15 years to resolve the energy issues facing the country, to combat loadshedding and meet our climate obligations.”
In a recent revelation, SAWEA disclosed findings from the Renewable Energy Grid Survey.
This comprehensive survey outlines an impressive pipeline of nearly 30GW of wind projects in development. If materialized, these projects have the potential to significantly alleviate the ongoing energy crisis.
Govender’s ambition is clear: “Our ambition is for South Africa’s wind power industry to thrive as we pursue a common goal of harnessing the natural resource in a bid to deliver secure energy for South Africa. This will only be achieved through innovative thinking, a spirit of collaboration – across the renewables industry, government and private sector.” Together through the Windaba Conference, attendees will gain first-hand access to experts and industry leaders who will share their thoughts on how wind will play a central role in delivering energy security to South Africa.
As the energy crisis looms, Windaba 2023 emerges as a lighthouse of hope, illuminating a path towards a sustainable energy future.
