Page 16 - Energize September 2022

NEWS

Eskom supports development of industry associations namely, the South
The respective renewable energy
renewable energy artisan skills African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)

and the South African Solar Photovoltaic
Industry Association (SAPVIA) are
an integral part of the South African
skom and the South African Renewable industries that can be scaled up as a renewable energy industry as they
Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) result of the transition, particularly the promote innovation and cohesion amongst
Ehave signed a Memorandum of renewables industry. all the role players and stakeholders. Most
Agreement (MOA) to formalise the As an initiative of the Department of importantly, both Eskom and SARETEC, as
collaboration to develop renewable energy Higher Education and Training through members of these associations, continue
artisan skills in South Africa, to support the the National Skills Fund, SARETEC was to draw ongoing support which is well
implementation of the Eskom Just Energy established as the first national renewable demonstrated on this project.
Transition (JET) Strategy. energy technology centre and is managed
Eskom has developed a comprehensive by the Cape Peninsula University of Objective
JET Strategy which places equal importance Technology. SARETEC expedites specialised The objective is to educate, reskill, and
on the ‘transition to lower carbon industry-related and accredited training for upskill Eskom Komati Power Station
technologies,’ and the ability to do so the entire renewable energy (RE) industry staff and qualifying beneficiaries from
in a manner that is ‘just’. In support of including short courses and workshops. the surrounding communities in the
this strategy, Eskom has a pipeline of Mpumalanga region. This is in line with
clean energy projects at various stages of Renewable energy subject matter Eskom’s Just Energy Transition drive and
development and recognises that there is a expert SARETEC’s vision to ensure a pipeline of
dire lack of skills along the value chain. SARETEC has, since its inception, local skills responding to economic needs
established itself not only as a renewable and readiness for the inevitable transition.
The need and the solution energy subject matter expert but has Eskom and SARETEC are committed to
Given the accelerated global movement significantly contributed to the national continue to partner with key stakeholders
towards investment in a clean energy skills pool of artisans and technicians with to ensure that the JET goals are met in
transition, there is a need in South Africa a special focus on wind and solar. SARETEC an inclusive and collaborative manner,
to upskill, retrain and develop a workforce will support Eskom for the next 36 months drawing on the skills of all key role players.
to take full advantage of the opportunities to establish a similar renewable energy
presented by this transition. Moreover, training facility fit for purpose to train Contact Eskom,
the risk of job losses and redundancy, due artisans and technicians at Eskom’s Komati Phone 011 800-3433/5944/6050,
to the transition, presents an opportunity Power Station. The facility will be managed mediadesk@eskom.co.za,
to provide training and upskilling for new by Eskom’s Academy of Learning (EAL). www.eskom.co.za

energize | September 2022 | 14