Page 47 - Energize July 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Times of turmoil inspire us to

seek hope and plan action

by Godfrey Marema, Eaton

lobal and local events are like a rollercoaster at the moment – from military action in
Eastern Europe to political turmoil in Western Europe, natural disasters and consistent slow
Geconomic growth here in South Africa – all surging forward as the world slowly recovers
from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic of the last two years.
While the news is heart-breaking and the events are daunting, we need to look beyond the
immediate turmoil and seek hope, identify opportunities, and plan action. The last two pandemic
years have shown us what is possible if we put our minds to it: commerce and trade carried on
from people’s dining room tables and patios while innovations such as telemedicine were adopted
without hesitation. Once it was all over, the world rebounded, having learned lessons in efficiency, Godfrey Marema
on-demand retail, and how to work together to survive a global nightmare.
With the pandemic subsiding, new challenges have emerged. For example, the conflict in disruptions currently experienced across the
Eastern Europe has sent energy prices soaring – which has in turn compelled the world’s most world should be seen as catalysts for the rapid
energy-dependant countries to re-evaluate their source markets, and indeed their whole approach technological and behavioural change that
to energy. we need to shift away from an unsustainable
In time, this is likely to accelerate innovation in renewable energy installations as countries seek energy system that’s centred around non-
to limit their dependence on other nations for key resources. At the same time, reducing costs and renewable fossil-fuel resources.
supporting moves to limit their impact on climate change remain paramount objectives. Eaton welcomes the recently announced
The vulnerability of South Africa’s energy resources has again been highlighted by the opening of Bid Window 6 of the Renewable
implementation of emergency load shedding, with more expected through the winter. Energy Independent Power Producers
Although significant increases in energy tariffs have been agreed to by the energy regulator, Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) for this
it’s likely that Eskom’s cost base will increase as coal prices surge due to scarcity in Europe, and the reason, and is looking forward to more such
demand for coal exports rises as other countries’ hunger for the commodity grows. opportunities for the South African market
It’s clearer than ever that the transition to renewable energy needs to speed up, and the to become a global leader in alternative
energy sources, from solar to hydrogen, and
everything in between.
A collaborative effort from both the
private and public sectors can help provide
solutions and technologies which respond to
the social issues around us.
This could be through bringing innovative
solutions like microgrids to suburbs and
communities, and through investing in skills
development among the people who work for
us so that they can grow and become leaders
in their own right.
There really is no time like the present to
approach current challenges as opportunities
to change our business model, take action to
change the way we seek energy, the way we
harness and store it, and limit the climatic
consequences of our actions, for the benefit
and survival of future generations.

Godfrey Marema is the managing director and
plant manager for Eaton in Southern Africa

Send your comments to
rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

energize | July 2022 | 45