African-first hydrogen course EWSETA launches an

While the new skills required to drive the Just Energy Transition (JET) are paramount, more important will be the behavioural change needed to ensure that all citizens, corporates, civil society, academia and learners understand the importance of this journey – not only for economic benefits but for a cleaner planet.

By the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA)

Achieving a just energy transition is the goal of the Presidential Climate Commission, to ensure that the people and communities tied to high-emitting energy industries (e.g., coal) are not left behind in the shift towards a low-emissions economy. As a result, the energy transition must be fair and inclusive.

Thus, South Africa’s move towards a Just Energy Transition seeks to diversify the energy mix, lessening our reliance on traditional sources such as coal towards cleaner and greener energy choices. The JET has a goal to bring about a better future while leaving no one behind. Our government, in line with global organisations and environmentalists, predict that this would result in improved air quality and water use, the longevity of the country’s rich biodiversity, and the potential for new career paths and higher employment rates. School children and youth must be encouraged to study math and science in school to enable youth to explore exciting new careers in energy.

An innovative skills programme for hydrogen system practitioners

With a mandate to anticipate, build and strategically plan and manage skills development in South Africa, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), strives to close the scarce and critical skills gap as per the requirements of the National Skills Development Plan 2030. One of the new training programmes just launched by EWSETA is an innovative skills programme for hydrogen system practitioners – the first in Africa – and potentially a game-changer in the renewables energy sector.

“As a government organisation, EWSETA is at the centre of efforts to drive the skills change. In line with our legislated mandate, our aim is to promote skills development in the energy and water sectors through among others, partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and key stakeholders with a passion for capacitating our workforce through a strengthened post-school education and training system,” says Mpho Mookapele, CEO EWSETA.

“There is potential to transform skills development through the capacitation of our Technical and Vocational Training Colleges (TVET Colleges). Simultaneously, the involvement of the entire higher education, NGO and private sectors needs to be harnessed to create the ecosystem to support the Just Energy Transition.

“While mindful that it is necessary that the 'just transition' strives to reduce the harmful impact on workers and communities in transitioning to a zero-carbon economy, we must ensure that benefits are equitably distributed. Skills are an essential component of this new paradigm,” he adds.

Five-year investment plan to support SA’s goal of achieving a low-carbon economy

The five-year investment plan (2023-2027) supporting South Africa’s goal of achieving a low-carbon economy and a climate-resilient society is expected to occur through the following interventions:

• Creating quality jobs in new sectors like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

• Increasing energy security and ending load shedding through a massive rollout of new, sustainable energy sources.

• Addressing the risks of climate change and positioning South Africa to be an essential global player in the green economy of the future.

• Boosting economic growth through more than R1 trillion of new investment in the South African economy.

The Just Energy Transition Plan highlights the commitment of multiple partners to facilitate a fair transition in South Africa, recognising its impact on livelihoods, workers, and communities. In line with EWSETA's mission to forge a sustainable future through skills, our goals are crystal clear: to ensure adequate upskilling for the forthcoming energy transition.

“As an authority, EWSETA must ascertain the requisite skills needed as the world shifts toward renewable energy sources, and then provide strategies for upskilling and reskilling workers to meet these new demands,” says Mookapele.

The energy sector has already been in transition as the shift towards clean energy and a greater focus on renewable sources becomes imperative. However, the transformation in mindset has merely shown up the skills gap in the sector, with a shortage of workers with the necessary skills and knowledge ready to support the transition.

Skills gap in energy sector is most pressing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, & energy management

According to research conducted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in