Page 13 - Energize September 2022

NEWS

A seat at the table: Lena Chirwa appointed to

SAPVIA board

more detailed look at regulation since the inception of the Renewable it is really important to engage with all
and policy is required to support Energy Programme in South Africa in stakeholders, disseminate information
A w developments in the 2011 and I believe I can make a valuable around the efficiency of solar and talk
ne
renewable energy industry, says Lena contribution to the thought leadership to its capacity to change lives on an
Chirwa, Head of Legal and Corporate and the institutional knowledge of the everyday basis.
Affairs for sub-Saharan Africa at Enel association with the experience and “It is particularly important to include
Green Power South Africa (EGP RSA) insights I have gained over the years.” the youth as a key stakeholder in the
and recent appointee to the South A lawyer by training, Chirwa has future of the energy landscape in the
African Photovoltaic Industry Association accumulated extensive experience in country. As members of the association,
(SAPVIA) board. project finance and infrastructure deals I believe we should engage in awareness
Chirwa’s appointment to the SAPVIA in the renewable energy sector, having sessions and training programmes
board comes at a time of significant advised players in the industry from a to empower youth to start their own
development and change in the lending as well as a sponsor perspective. green enterprises and become active
renewable energy sector. In renewed Employed at EGP RSA, her primary participants and custodians of the
efforts to address South Africa’s energy responsibility is to manage and mitigate renewable energy sector.”
issues, President Cyril Ramaphosa legal risk in the business and, as a She concludes by saying solar is the
recently announced government’s member of the management team, to most efficient form of energy in terms
intention to accelerate the procurement help provide strategic decisions regarding of cost and speed of delivery. “The
of new capacity from renewables, gas project investments. challenge for the solar sector is that we
and battery storage. Chirwa says the private sector has still need further regulatory and policy
The licensing threshold for embedded a leading role to play in the country’s reform to deploy solar at the scale and
generation was also removed. This will energy transition. “SAPVIA can leverage pace that’s required to address the very
open the market to further opportunities its members experience, capabilities and urgent electricity needs in the country.”
for private power purchase arrangements market insights to collaborate with other
(PPAs) and solutions. In addition, relevant stakeholders and Government to support Contact Kim Thomas, SAPVIA, Phone
government departments are working the formulation of regulation and policies 021 200-5856, kim@sapvia.co.za,
together to ensure that all projects from for the renewable energy sector.” www.sapvia.co.za
Bid Window 5 of the renewable energy EGP RSA has achieved this with an
programme are able to start construction embedded localisation strategy and
on schedule. although it is part of a multinational
“These developments signal an group of companies, it is integrated
intention to liberalise the market and in the country and has localised its
introduce more renewables. They are expertise. Most of its employee base
welcome developments for the solar is made up of black South Africans
sector but will require review and and notably, the management group
expansion of the current conditions, comprises 80% black women.
regulations and policies to support them “I think EGP RSA’s unique
and further deploy renewable energy to contribution to associations like
the country – and this is where SAPVIA SAPVIA is to show that it is possible for
and similar bodies can play a meaningful renewable energy companies to deliver
role.” electricity needs, but at the same time
Chirwa believes she is well positioned do so in support of national development
to contribute positively to conversations needs,” notes Chirwa.
and solutions aimed at advancing the One of Chirwa’s key objectives as
solar sector in South Africa, while a SAPVIA board member is to promote
simultaneously supporting the country’s engagement amongst all stakeholders in
efforts to access energy and grow the the industry, including manufacturers,
economy. suppliers, consumers and youth. “There
“I have been involved in the sector is a lot of innovation in solar and I think

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