Silas Zimu is guest blogging for the Forum. He is the CEO of Suzlon Energy South Africa and is participating in the World Economic Forum on Africa
Cape Town is usually abuzz with activity – but this week, one corner of the city is especially charged with the power of some brilliant ideas by intellectuals from around the world. I am excited to be a part of WEF. It gives me the opportunity to step back and admire the transformation that is so quickly spreading across the continent. The rest of the world is taking note and is eager to be part of our development.
On the first day itself, I was leading a discussion on one of the most important elements in any nation’s growth story – energy. The panel, ‘New Energy Architecture’, started with simply reinstating the connotations of the letter ‘E’, it stands for Energy, Economy, Environment and Expectations. All interconnected aspects, none complete without the other – in fact, a precious balance needs to be maintained amongst them. To boost the economy and to meet its demands, we need a constant and secure supply of energy which is least disruptive to our environment, and sustainably fulfills most of our expectations.
At this juncture, South Africa’s expectations are very clear – job creation. A new report by Greenpeace Africa states that with the support of right policies, renewable energy can create 78,000 clean jobs in less than two decades. Minister for Energy, Dipuo Peters, in her keynote, said that the recently approved ‘Integrated Resource Plan’, has provisions for 42 per cent of South Africa’s energy to be derived from renewables. This shows that the government understands the needs of the Republic and is willing to take drastic steps to secure its future.
I have spent nearly two decades in the energy industry of South Africa and understand the landscape thoroughly. The dual challenges of employment and energy security have made me opt for a new direction in this industry – one which I believe can secure the future of South Africa. I am out to make most of the 30,000 MW of untapped wind energy potential of the nation.
We very clearly concluded that South Africa needs a more diversified energy portfolio, and also to step down from its position as the world’s 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The forum has brought together minds that can make this possible, and I am looking forward to being part of more discussions charting the future of South Africa; clean, green and secure.