How SA can power green investments and end loadshedding

With SA’s energy crisis showing no sign of slowing down, the need to accelerate green investments is now more urgent than ever.

By Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander

While South Africa is considered the best area for investment in Africa by investors from various countries around the world – topping the list of foreign direct investment with 31 projects in 2020 according to the Attractiveness Report Africa by global professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) – the country hasn’t done enough to build on this advantage and scale up renewable energy investments.

What should South Africa do?

So, what should South Africa be doing to establish itself as a green investment hub?

Understandably, many bemoan loadshedding as it continues to be a massive drag on productivity and output in key sectors of the economy. But there is a silver lining; loadshedding presents the most opportune moment for South Africa to speed up the transition to renewables and decarbonise by creating an environment conducive for green investments.

With its abundant sun and wind, South Africa has the basic resources to attract investments in that space. But we should be doing more to lure green investors.

Ramping up targeted incentives to companies operating in the renewable energy space could be one of the most effective ways to spur green investments into the country, and thus keep the lights on – which is necessary to fire up the economy and to make a meaningful dent in unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Huge tax benefits, which could effectively address green economy challenges and changes in consumer behaviour, are one of the most important factors influencing green investment decisions today. This can be seen in countries that top EY’s investment attractiveness index, including the US, the UK and Germany. Examples of sustainable activities that receive substantial tax credits in those countries are in energy-efficient renovations especially in residential buildings. There are also credits for companies that invest in solar panels, wind and solar energy equipment. Companies that send waste from landfills for recycling or reuse also qualify for tax benefits.

A recent study conducted by global research firm Kantar on behalf of Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, shows that there is a growing appetite to invest in the green economy globally and many governments are putting in place clear and targeted measures to make it easier and more incentivised for players in that market.

The US, for example, recently promulgated the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which includes almost $400-billion in clean energy and climaterelated spending. The law partly puts an emphasis on subsidies and tax credits to stimulate investment in clean-energy technologies rather than on a carbon price or penalties. In broad terms, it aims to ramp up investments in domestic manufacturing capacity, encourage domestic procurement and the diversification of supply chains, and incentivise research and development and commercialisation of clean technologies like carbon capture, storage and clean hydrogen.

A major portion of the funding under the new law is directed towards clean energy through a mix of tax incentives, grants and loan guarantees, with the ultimate goal of drastically lowering US carbon emissions. The largest amount of funding will support clean energy and transmission, followed by clean transportation, including a switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

Similarly, the UK provides generous tax breaks for companies that operate in a sustainable manner. A Climate Change Levy (CCL) is paid by businesses in key sectors, including industrial, commercial and agricultural or public services for electricity, gas and solid fuels.

But if the firm uses small amounts of energy (for example, when energy is not used as fuel), or uses domestic energy, it doesn’t need to pay the main rate of CCL on certain supplies. A company can also claim “enhanced capital allowances” when buying energy-efficient, low or zero-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles or zero-emission trucks. This reduces the amount of tax to pay. A company can also obtain tax breaks if it sends waste from landfills to be recycled, incinerated or reused.

The European Green Deal

Meanwhile, in 2019 a law on climate protection was introduced in Germany. The law includes, among other measures, tax incentives for energy-efficient renovation measures in residential buildings or a mobility bonus for people who commute to work. The “European Green Deal” – with the aim of achieving climate-neutral business activity by 2050 – also gives the tax policy a decisive role in the transition to greener and more sustainable growth.

By 2030 Germany plans to produce at least 65% of all its electricity from renewable sources, and all electricity generated in the country should be greenhouse-gas neutral before 2050.

To secure the green transition, the German government plans to invest €1.5-billion in green hydrogen to help decarbonise the economy. Such measures send a clear message to investors that renewables will be supported and builds confidence.

Meticulously prepared top-down plans of a country on sustainable development give potential investors a defined road map and show investment opportunities in a clear way.

In South Africa, incentives to fast-track the transition to a green economy have hardly moved the needle, amid lack of clarity on key government policies. The political will is there, for the most part. What is needed is urgent and decisive action.

Collaboration in the Western Cape

The energy crisis will not be fixed by any one stakeholder and the collaboration of the public and private sectors will be the catalyst for getting this right. The Western Cape is taking the lead on that front with Premier Alan Winde recently stating that the province is looking into ways in which private businesses can be provided with the necessary support to ramp up more investment into alternatives. The province has always emphasised the importance of intensifying and expanding the green energy drive by boosting relations with local and international partners.

South Africa has the potential to attract more green investments by implementing policies and initiatives that promote the use of clean energy and sustainable development. This could include setting clear renewable energy targets, providing lucrative financial incentives for clean energy development and creating a predictable regulatory environment.

By implementing policies and initiatives that promote clean energy and sustainable development, South Africa can accelerate the massive rollout of renewable energy, crucial to end the crippling loadshedding crisis. But this will require a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves the government, private sector and civil society. Only then can SA build a much more attractive environment for green investors, accelerate the drive to a low-carbon economy, and end loadshedding which has become the biggest handbrake on the economy. ■

Improving the business environment and supporting members

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working with members to promote growth and build a smarter economy.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Africa’s oldest member-based business chamber, was established in 1804. We have firmly cemented our place as a catalyst for economic growth for over two centuries, and pride ourselves on being an instrumental player in establishing our region as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s major centres of trade, industry and innovation – a legacy that continues today.

As a dynamic organisation in a fast-changing world, we focus on remaining relevant to the current challenges affecting business. Our key mandate is to improve the overall business environment, promoting growth and sustainability and supporting our members’ interests. We lobby key government departments and institutions, creating public-private dialogue through task teams and discussion forums to address system blockages. Through dialogue we strive to facilitate consensus around critical issues and through targeted action we effect meaningful change. Strengthening public-private dialogue in turn strengthens business competitiveness and steers us towards a smarter network economy.

Collective action

We mobilise all economic stakeholders – private sector, business organisations, local government and national government – to collectively address sector-specific, industry-identified constraints and bottlenecks. This entails setting up task teams to identify needs and effect legislative and regulatory change on key issues, a process galvanised by the post-pandemic economic milieu. We encourage businesses to join hands with us and strengthen the dialogue. Through collective action we strive to make all stakeholders more globally competitive.

In line with our collaborative approach, and as part of our service offering, we provide a state-of-the-art digital platform where members interact and share skills and services. Our website forums and data portals function as a muchneeded digital library and notice board aimed at keeping our members informed. We encourage skills development, enterprise development, knowledge sharing and partnership through topical webinars, seminars, workshops and business networking events.

The Chamber’s professional team assists with a wide range of business enquiries, from local issues to international trade and investment. Our advice and information is current, timeous and relevant. Information is sourced on a continual basis from a broad network of local and international partners. Our International Trade desk is the first point of contact for international business, and we arrange opportunities for collaboration and networking, giving our members visibility and access to global markets. Together we can actively shape our future success. capechamber.co.za