The Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) says it is moving forward with key implementation steps under the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM).

The SAREM executive oversight committee, comprising representatives from government, industry associations and labour unions and chaired by DEE Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams, met on September 30 to discuss and endorse key research and strategic documents that aim to advance the goals of SAREM.

Amid this background, Abrahams argues that this effort reinforces government’s commitment to advancing a sustainable energy transition while expanding local manufacturing to deliver affordable and reliable electricity.

“SAREM comes at an important point in the transformation of South Africa’s electricity sector.

“The starting point is straightforward: our energy transition must ultimately work for the South African consumer and for the South African economy [and] that means keeping accessibility and affordability firmly in view,” Abrahams adds.

She also notes that a SAREM project management office has now been established, with preparations under way to publish public and private procurement pipeline updates.

Further, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Independent Power Producers Office are said to be aligning on local manufacturing opportunities.

Coupled with this, the DEE says public comments are being gathered by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa on trade tools for renewable-energy and battery energy storage products, which are critical to scaling renewable-energy generation.

Supporting workforce readiness, the DEE also highlights that the third phase of the PowerUP skills platform is under way alongside expanded youth internship drives, while work is advancing on dedicated funding mechanisms to broaden economic participation across the energy value chain.

“Building a strong local supply chain directly reduces project delays and lowers energy costs over time.

“This structured approach will ensure that our transition delivers affordable and reliable electricity to households and businesses across the country,” Abrahams concludes.