SAWEA

SAWEA is a leading Industry association in the SA RE sector promoting affordable, job-creating Wind and renewable power supply nationally.

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Friday Wind Systems Insight | Understanding South Africa’s Generation Portfolio

As of Oct 2024, South Africa had 53.9 GW of installed capacity:

Coal: 72%
Wind: 6.4%

But installed capacity is not the same as energy delivered. South Africa’s wind fleet has generated:

- Generated more than 74,256 GWh of clean electricity
- Produced enough energy to power approximately 22 million households
- Delivered 62% of all renewable energy supplied to the grid in 2024

Wind offers:

- Zero fuel costs
- Minimal water use
- No combustion emissions
- Strong alignment with evening peak demand
- Complementarity with solar PV

Coal remains central to the current system, but wind is already demonstrating its strategic value.
How should South Africa balance reliability, affordability and sustainability in its evolving energy mix?

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WindWorks

[SAWEA @_sawea]

World Environment Day 2026

Inspired by nature. For the climate. For the Future.

Nature is the foundation of climate resilience and our shared future.

Wind energy is a clean source of electricity that helps us protect the environment by reducing emissions and building a more sustainable energy system.

Wind energy is helping South Africa reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, create jobs and promote a just energy transition.

On this World Environment Day, SAWEA reiterates that nature is non-negotiable, it is at the heart of the future we are building together.

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindWorks #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WorldEnvironmentDay

[SAWEA @_sawea]

energyDRIVE Mpumalanga 2026 | Welcomes @Goldwind_Global Africa as Diamond Sponsor

SAWEA is proud to welcome Goldwind Africa as the Diamond Sponsor of energyDRIVE Mpumalanga 2026.

From 27 July to 7 August 2026, energyDRIVE will bring renewable energy directly into schools across Mpumalanga, inspiring learners through STEM education, clean energy awareness and future career opportunities.

Thank you to Goldwind Africa for supporting the development of South Africa's future energy workforce and helping us empower the next generation of renewable energy leaders.

Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the programme? Contact Agnes Lekula at [email protected]

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WindWorks #energyDRIVE #Mpumalanga

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Social Impact Standing Committee | Creating Lasting Impact Beyond the Megawatts

Renewable energy is about more than generating electricity. It is about creating opportunities, supporting communities and driving inclusive growth.

Meeting Details
📅 4 June 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 12:00
📍 Hybrid Meeting
🏢 In-person venues: #Mattla Offices (Johannesburg) | #MainstreamPower Offices (Cape Town)

Guest Speakers:

Dr Anthony Gewer
Senior Programme Manager: Economic Inclusion, #NBI

With 26+ years of experience in skills development, youth employment and labour market transitions, Dr Anthony Gewer leads NBI's work to strengthen South Africa's skills ecosystem in support of the green economy and a Just Transition. He holds a PhD in Education Policy focused on vocational education and school-to-work transitions.

Hubert Mathebula
Deputy Director: Radio Astronomy Projects, @dstigovza

Hubert Mathebula leads policy, strategy and coordination efforts for major initiatives including the SKA and African Radio Astronomy Programme. He plays a key role in advancing partnerships that maximise the scientific, innovation and socioeconomic benefits of large-scale infrastructure projects across South Africa.

Join us as we discuss skills development, transformation, community impact and the role of renewable energy in delivering a Just Energy Transition for South Africa.

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WindWorks #SocialImpact

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Market Development Standing Committee | Strengthening South Africa's Wind Energy Market

The growth of South Africa's wind energy sector depends on strong markets, supportive policies and industry collaboration.

Join the SAWEA Market Development Standing Committee as industry leaders and stakeholders discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of wind energy.

2 June 2026

10:00 – 12:00

📍 Johannesburg: @ENERTRAG Offices
📍 Cape Town: OWC (ABL Group)

Guest Speakers:
Dr Rendani Mamphiswana – Artemis Group
Innovation strategist, policy research consultant and engineering leader specialising in innovation policy, industrialisation and emerging technologies.

Dr Davies Tsikayi – @witsbschool’s Africa Energy Leadership Centre
Energy specialist and certified PLEXOS modeller with extensive experience in energy planning, market modelling and electricity roadmap development.

Discussion topics include:

✔ Market development and growth

✔ Policy and regulatory priorities

✔ Industry competitiveness

✔ Investment opportunities

✔ Long-term sector sustainability

We encourage all SAWEA members to join the discussion, share their insights and help shape the future of South Africa's wind energy market.

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WindWorks #MarketDevelopment

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Friday Wind Systems Insight | Understanding South Africa’s Evolving Wind Energy Market Structure

South Africa's wind energy market has evolved far beyond public procurement alone. Today, private PPAs, wheeling arrangements, wholesale electricity trading and emerging green hydrogen opportunities are creating a more diverse and competitive energy ecosystem. As the market grows, transmission infrastructure, grid access and regulatory certainty are becoming just as important as generation capacity itself.

With developments such as third-party wheeling and the future implementation of SAWEM, the way electricity is generated, traded and delivered is rapidly changing.
What do you believe will have the biggest impact on accelerating South Africa's energy transition: grid expansion, market reform, or increased renewable energy procurement?

Explore the latest 2025 wind energy market results, statistics and sector intelligence in the MIR SAWEA Wind Energy Market Intelligence Report and gain valuable insights into the future of renewable energy in South Africa: https://t.co/BSFiF4xGZX

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

SAWEA Board Announcement | Welcoming Mark Tanton to the SAWEA Board

SAWEA is pleased to welcome Mark Tanton as the newly elected SAWEA Board Member following the election process concluded on 26 May 2026.

As CEO and Co-founder of @RedCapEnergy, Mark brings valuable industry expertise and strategic insight that will support SAWEA’s continued work in advancing South Africa’s wind energy sector.

We congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to his contribution to the association and the broader renewable energy industry.

#SAWEABoard #WindWorks4SA #EnergyGovernance

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Grid and Renewable Energy Expansion Must Move Together

As South Africa advances its energy transition, renewable energy growth and grid expansion must progress in parallel.
Speaking at @EnlitAfrica 2026, Beth O'Connor of @JuwiAfrica Renewable Energy highlighted the importance of transmission infrastructure, policy certainty and coordinated planning to unlock investment and connect future wind and solar projects.

With many renewable energy resources located in grid-constrained regions, grid readiness is becoming a key factor in the country's energy future.

Read more:
https://t.co/f04n7U1c2M

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Renewable Energy Market Matures as Grid and Cost Pressures Rise in 2026

South Africa’s renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly. While strong wind and solar resources remain essential, grid access, transmission capacity and market reforms are increasingly shaping investment and project development.

As wheeling frameworks expand and preparations for SAWEM continue, new opportunities are emerging for renewable energy procurement. However, grid constraints, transmission limitations and rising costs remain key challenges.

The future of the sector will depend on expanding transmission infrastructure, unlocking grid capacity and enabling efficient market mechanisms.

Read the full article below:
https://t.co/BFEJs7cIca

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #IndustryNews

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Powering South Africa Without Costing the Planet | International Day of Biological Diversity

Today, on International Day of Biological Diversity, SAWEA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that South Africa's energy transition protects both people and nature.
As the wind energy sector grows, biodiversity stewardship remains central to responsible development. Through collaboration with @BirdLife_SA, @TheEWT and environmental authorities, the industry continues to strengthen its approach to avian conservation through research, monitoring, mitigation and continuous improvement.

This work includes the implementation of the Birds and Wind Energy Best Practice Guidelines, extensive pre- and post-construction bird monitoring, species-specific conservation initiatives for vulnerable birds such as the Cape Vulture and Black Harrier, and the exploration of innovative solutions such as blade patterning to reduce bird collisions. SAWEA and BirdLife South Africa have also partnered on industry knowledge-sharing initiatives, including Turbine Talks, to advance evidence-based approaches to avifaunal mitigation across the sector.

A resilient energy future depends on balancing infrastructure development with environmental responsibility.
Today, we recognise the collective efforts of our members and partners who continue to demonstrate that renewable energy development and biodiversity conservation can advance together.

To preserve.
To protect.
To power sustainably.

#InternationalDayOfBiologicalDiversity #BirdLifeSouthAfrica #SAWEA

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Friday Insights | Delivery Focused: Implementation over Intention

It is whether their actions, today, this week, this quarter, are removing barriers or reinforcing them.

2026 has been defined as the Year of Implementation, and with that comes a clear shift in how progress is measured.

The metric has changed. It is no longer about what is promised, but about what is actually built.

As projects move into execution, the reality of the sector becomes more visible. Implementation exposes the constraints that planning alone cannot resolve, grid limitations, land access delays, procurement bottlenecks, and critical skills gaps across the value chain.

Momentum in the energy transition cannot be taken for granted. It is perishable. Capital moves, investment priorities shift, and policy windows do not remain open indefinitely.

The projects that move now, those that reach financial close, break ground, and connect to the grid, are the ones that will ultimately succeed.

The question for every stakeholder is simple:

Are your actions removing barriers, or adding to them?

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Wind energy can deliver megawatts.


But impact? That depends on the choices we make.

Jobs, localisation, community value, these don’t happen automatically.

They’re built through:

- Local content strategies

- Skills development pipelines
- Community participation models
- Inclusive procurement frameworks

Left to the market alone, the transition risks being technically strong, but socially limited.

At SAWEA, the focus is clear:

Scale not just capacity, but impact, because a transition that excludes is not sustainable.

https://t.co/Td5EXci9Mz

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #WIIP

[SAWEA @_sawea]

@Goldwind_Global Powers the "End of the World": World’s Southernmost Wind Project Now Operational

The off-grid project combines Goldwind’s 4.2 MW direct-drive turbines with battery storage to power remote industrial facilities in Patagonia.

Key highlights:
- World’s southernmost wind farm
- Wind + BESS hybrid system
- Built for sub-zero temperatures and extreme winds
- Long-term O&M contract included

A strong example of how wind and storage can deliver reliable, low-carbon power in the harshest environments.

Read more below: https://t.co/adePlncPHA

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #Goldwind #TotalEnergies #WindWorks #RenewableEnergy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Management Development Programme (MDP) 2026 - Building Leadership Capacity for South Africa’s Renewable Energy Future

Developing skilled, future-focused leaders remains essential to supporting the continued growth and resilience of South Africa’s renewable energy sector. Initiatives such as the Management Development Programme play an important role in strengthening the leadership pipeline needed to support the country’s evolving energy landscape.

With the 2026 cohort officially underway as of 18 May, the programme continues to equip emerging professionals with the strategic, operational and leadership capabilities needed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and executive decision-making.

SAWEA is proud to support this initiative and the exceptional group of participants representing the talent, diversity and potential shaping the future of the sector. Our Chief Communications Officer, Morongoa Ramaboa, highlighted the strength of this collaboration and its commitment to advancing female leadership development and organisational excellence.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (@ewseta) for sponsoring the programme, and to Wits Business School (@witsbschool) as the implementation and academic partner delivering this impactful learning journey.

By investing in people, partnerships and leadership development, the sector continues to strengthen the pipeline of professionals needed to drive South Africa’s energy transition forward.

This week, we are proud to spotlight the 2026 cohort and celebrate the next generation of renewable energy leaders.

#SAWEA #WomenInRenewableEnergy #ManagementDevelopmentProgramme #WindEnergy #EnergyTransition #WitsBusinessSchool

[SAWEA @_sawea]

@GWECGlobalWind records sharp rise in wind turbine installations, as five OEMs exceed 100 GW

According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), five wind turbine manufacturers have each surpassed 100 GW of cumulative installed capacity, highlighting the scale and growing maturity of the global wind sector.

Key milestones from the report:

- 28,395 new wind turbines installed worldwide in 2025

- 178 GW of wind turbine capacity mechanically installed (up 40% year-on-year)

- Wind turbine installations increased by 23%

- Wind energy now supplies 9.5% of global electricity demand

- @Vestas became the first manufacturer to exceed 200 GW of cumulative installations

The report underscores the critical role of wind power in strengthening energy security, expanding clean electricity generation and supporting industrial growth worldwide.

Read the full article below by clicking the link: https://t.co/FLWTYzVZzT .

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy #MemberNews #GlobalWind #RenewableEnergy #GWEC

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Friday Insights | Grid Readiness: From Capacity to Connectivity

A simple truth:
A megawatt not connected = a megawatt not delivered.

As wind projects move into construction, grid readiness is now the critical path.

This demands alignment across:


- Transmission expansion

- Grid strengthening

- Faster connection approvals

- Integration of variable renewables

@Eskom_SA's Transmission Development Plan underscores the urgency.

- No grid = stranded capacity
- No coordination = underutilised infrastructure

2026 success = synchronised execution.

Capacity installed is not enough, it must be connected and energised.

🔗 https://t.co/be9z7Vfptq

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

⚡🚛energyDrive Impact Highlights

Bringing renewable energy education directly into communities continues to make a meaningful impact across South Africa.

Since 2022, energyDrive has:
🚛 Reached more than 23,000 learners
🏫 Engaged over 120 schools
📍 Expanded across four provinces

🎥 Take a look at the video below from a previous energyDrive Cape Route journey, showcasing the scale, collaboration and community impact behind the programme.

2026 Programme Rollout:
📍 Mpumalanga: 27 July – 07 August
📍 Cape Route: 13 October – 05 November

For collaboration and sponsorship opportunities:
📧 Agnes Lekula (Mpumalanga Route): [email protected]
📧 Tshiamo Nare (Cape Route): [email protected]

Click on the link below to learn more about energyDrive:
https://t.co/s5USCSBWdq

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

@Goldwind_Global Africa partner, Dimsum Energy, to develop Eastern Cape renewables pipeline

Independent renewable energy developer Dimsum Energy has entered into a strategic partnership with global renewable energy company Goldwind Africa to develop Energy Fields, a large-scale portfolio of renewable energy projects in the Eastern Cape, targeting more than 2 GW of wind, solar and battery storage capacity.

Through this partnership, the parties intend to develop and build utility-scale wind and solar projects in high-resource areas of the Eastern Cape, integrate battery energy storage systems to enhance grid stability and dispachability, support corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) for industrial users and strengthen local supply chains and skills development.

To read more from this @EngNewsZA article, visit the link below: https://t.co/8OK8yowvLO

#SAWEA #LeadingWithWind #WindEnergyAdvocacy

[SAWEA @_sawea]

Industry Webinar |  Building South Africa’s Competitive Electricity Market Reform: The Role of Trading, Transmission and Market Reform.

South Africa’s electricity market is evolving, are you positioned for what comes next?

Hosted by EE Business Intelligence (@EEBizIntel), supported by @PresidencyZA.

Join this high-level webinar on market reform, trading & transmission.

12 May | 14:00 - 16:40 Free | Open to all

Contributing speakers include:
- Saul Musker, Director: Strategy and Delivery Support, Office of the Presidency.
- Khutso Sekgota, General Manager: Business Development, @Eskom_SA Renewables.
- Andrew Taylor, Co-Founder and Head of Trading, #NOA Group.
- Davide Pasi, Business Development Director, #RedRocket.
- Wayne Cowie, CEO, Energy Exchange of Southern Africa (#EXSA).
- Peter Attard Montalto, Managing Director and Global Lead for Capital Markets, Political Economy, and Just Energy Transition (JET), @kruthamX.

You want to be there.
Registration Link: https://t.co/eN1TpeNhGA
For more information and the programme: https://t.co/iCG9fDKTqK

Learn more about the speakers here:
https://t.co/G7AZngKbrI

#ElectricityMarketReform #SAWEM #Transmission #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #SouthAfrica