GREEN ENERGY TRAINING

conjunction with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the skills gap in the energy sector is most pressing in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy management.

As a result, the country needs more engineers, technicians, and project managers skilled in renewable energy technologies and systems.

Consequently, workers must be adequately trained, particularly in the following skills:

• Renewable energy technologies and systems

• Energy efficiency

• Energy management and analysis

• Sustainable development practices

• Project management and implementation to support energy skills development. The EWSETA already offers a range of training programmes and initiatives, including apprenticeships, internships, learnerships, and skills programmes. One such example is the first in the country – the Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Practitioner skills programme which seeks to drive knowledge in the energy sector.

Inevitably, the workforce of the future must be proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as these can provide the foundation critical to understanding and applying renewable energy technologies.

Striving to stay ahead of the game in providing the sector with programmes that will support businesses and the Government in keeping the pipeline qualified and empowered with the appropriate skill set, the EWSETA has finalised the first-of-its-kind skills programme for hydrogen system practitioners to be run by QCTO accredited providers. The intention is to expand the skills programme to a full qualification, and we are currently working with the industry in scoping the full qualification course curriculum.

... the country needs more engineers, technicians, and project managers skilled in renewable energy technologies and systems.

Indeed, this imperative comes via the JETP Political Declaration, which makes clear that the Government aims to “establish an ambitious long-term partnership to support South Africa’s pathway to low emissions and climate-resilient development, to accelerate the just transition and the decarbonisation of the electricity system, and to develop new economic opportunities such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles amongst other interventions to support South Africa’s shift towards a low carbon future.”

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Practitioner skills programme

EWSETA has been keen to promote collaboration between the government, business, and academia

Recognising that skills development has to evolve in line with the country’s needs of business – and the country, the EWSETA is proud of its Renewable Energy Specialisation Skills Development Programme in collaboration with Power Africa, a U.S. Government initiative coordinated by USAID, which develops skills in renewable energy among 100 unemployed women and 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lecturers in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The programme’s long-term impact will equip Mpumalanga’s workforce with the skills to meet the demands of the changing economy and create opportunities for inclusive economic participation, especially for women and youth. The inclusion of TVET college lecturers in this training is a crucial component of the programme’s sustainability, enabling them to train future cohorts and adapt to new renewable technologies.

Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme

Another of their key initiatives is the Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme, which promotes energy efficiency and reduces demand in South Africa.

The initiative is a partnership between EWSETA and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and seeks to advance research on skills required to support emerging technologies and to deliver skills development projects that respond to South Africa’s legislation around Carbon Tax Act and Energy Performance Certificate Regulations to support EEDSM.

The EWSETA is making a vital contribution to skills development in the country via the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC).

SARETEC provides training and skills development programmes focused on renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, and biomass. They also offer a range of courses and certifications, including a wind turbine service technician programme. These initiatives demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the government, business, and academia in promoting energy skills development and supporting the growth of the energy industry in South Africa.

EU working with SA to implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership

According to the High Representative/VicePresident Josep Borrell during the 15th SouthAfrica-European Union (EU) Ministerial Dialogue on 27 January 2023, the EU assured delegates of its full commitment to supporting South Africa's vision for a greener and cleaner energy future. Borrell stated that the EU is actively working with South Africa to implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and emphasised the importance of a just energy transition.

He also announced that the EU will provide €35 million in grants and €1 billion of concessional loans through the European Investment Bank to support the transition.

“The significance of skills development cannot be overstated when it comes to achieving the ambitious goals of the Just Energy Transition. Our commitment to meeting the country's needs in this regard remains unwavering,” states Mookapele.

“Therefore, EWSETA calls upon businesses, academia, and government departments to unite in their efforts to equip South Africa with the necessary talent. It is imperative that we proactively develop the skills required to successfully implement the Just Energy Transition and ensure a sustainable future for our nation. Together, let us embrace this transformative journey and empower South Africa with the expertise needed to drive positive change.”

About EWSETA

EWSETA is a skills development authority serving the energy and water sectors. It is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established in South Africa in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 – amended. It plays a crucial function in ensuring that the National Skills and Development Strategy is executed within the energy and water sectors.

The main areas of focus of the EWSETA are energy, renewable energy, gas and water services sector, as determined by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training in terms of section 9(2) of the SDA, read in conjunction with Government Gazette No 33756, RG 9417, No. R1055 of 11 November 2010.

www.ewseta.or.za