Page 14 - Energize September 2021 HR

NEWS

Strategy to address key issues of today’s

changing energy landscape

t is widely understood that the energy sector is the backbone of the South African economy.
However, this sector faces various challenges which must be addressed for wider socio-
Ieconomic advancement. In light of this, the South African National Energy Development
Institute (SANEDI) has developed a new strategic plan which positions the institute to address
key energy sector issues.
SANEDI’s interim CEO, Lethabo Manamela explains: “SANEDI was established in terms of the
National Energy Act in 2011, as an agency of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
(DMRE). The institute has since been directing applied energy research in South Africa and
implementing energy efficiency measures in the country, working with local and international
partners. However, the energy landscape has greatly changed in the ten years since SANEDI’s Lethabo Manamela
inception, and we as an institute must adapt to these changes.”
The new strategy is set to address three key issues facing the energy sector and wider South
African community. “The first issue is climate change and decarbonisation, which is a prominent Grid Programme provides a significant
concern in our energy landscape, which is still dominated by coal. In response, SANEDI aims area of opportunity, based on the current
to drive the accelerated adoption of clean energy and mitigation solutions towards meeting state of municipalities and the future trend
national and international commitments,” explains Manamela. The institute will focus on towards increased urbanisation and SMART
decarbonisation through technological programmes, compliance monitoring, and awareness cities,” says Manamela.
campaigns. “With our new strategic vision, we are
The second issue is service delivery within the municipal environment, which SANEDI confident that SANEDI will continue making
will address through its Smart Grids programme, particularly as it relates to transport, progress towards a more sustainable and
energy, revenue and asset management. “Through smart grids, e-mobility, revenue and efficient energy sector which is equipped
asset management and energy efficiency initiatives, significant opportunities exist within the to support South Africa’s economic and
municipal environment to drive service delivery, enhance performance and create a lasting social development and improving the
impact,” says Manamela. competitiveness of the country and the
The third issue is information, knowledge, and technological convergence. “Information lives of her people,” concludes Manamela.
is being generated at a rapid rate, where centralised sources of information can be utilised to While focus is placed on this programme,
derive real insights that can influence decision-making. This improved decision making has the the institute remains dedicated to its
power to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country. Manamela adds, national and international commitments
“SANEDI is setting out to improve information and knowledge management, to increase the towards decarbonisation, which is a global
national dataset on energy-related information. Through this, we look forward to contributing to focus as the world aims to mitigate climate
improving public sector policy making and private sector investment decisions.” change.
“Beyond this, we acknowledge that we must focus on programmes that create maximum
impact, so that we can make the best use of our effort and resources. We believe that our Smart Contact SANEDI, www.sanedi.org.za

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