SAWEA has confirmed that it is collaborating with the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and other members of the renewable energy industry to support the establishment of a renewable energy training facility at the Komati Power Station in Mpumalanga. This is in support of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Strategy. In response to a request from Eskom for assistance and direction to address skills gaps and the necessary skills development that will benefit the energy sector, SAWEA, speaking for the wind industry, offered its support.
Furthermore, SAWEA believes that should this new skills development centre be a success, others will be established in other areas of the country, where coal fired power stations are earmarked for decommissioning.
There is potential that the industry associations will help facilitate off taking of these new renewable energy skilled participants into full-time employment through their members.
The first phase of the agreement was signed today (22 August 2022), between key stakeholders, including Eskom, represented by its CEO Mr. De Ruyter as well as the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Nhlapo.
“Today’s event was the initiation of the programme, with the official signing between Eskom and SARETEC taking place at Komati on 23 September, where representatives from SAWEA, and other involved parties, will be in attendance,” said Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA).
The objective is to educate, reskill, and upskill Eskom Komati Power Station staff and qualifying beneficiaries from the surrounding communities in the Mpumalanga region.
Eskom has confirmed a pipeline of clean energy projects at various stages of development, and recognises that there is a dire lack of skills along the value chain.
