Latest news with #EWSETA
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
UNDP celebrates Energy Performance Certificate graduates at Nkangala TVET College
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa recently celebrated the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of students from the Energy Efficiency Skills Programme at Nkangala TVET College. Following two successful graduations at Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni TVET College, the UNDP wrapped it up with a bang on June 25 at Nkangala, celebrating the progress made by the 25 young people and five lecturers who were being awarded with certifications in energy efficiency. Phumla Hlathi, head of the inclusive growth portfolio at UNDP South Africa, said, the programme, implemented in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), is aimed at equipping young people with the skills needed to become energy efficiency practitioners. 'The young people who have been trained in this college are now ready to go into industry and make a meaningful contribution to driving energy efficiency in South Africa,' she said. The programme was facilitated by the Institute of Energy Professionals Africa, and according to Phumla, the lecturers who participated in the training are now equipped to continue training future students, and the college has also received the necessary accreditation. 'Going forward with the learners, we plan to place them into internship programmes where they can start applying in the place of work the skills they have learnt in the classroom,' Phumla said. Robyn Vilakazi, executive for skills delivery at EWSETA, expressed excitement and pride in the work that the certified practitioners will be doing to drive energy efficiency in the country. 'We're very excited to celebrate with them, and we look forward to witnessing what the future has in store for them,' she said. UNDP in South Africa celebrated graduates who were being awarded with certifications in energy efficiency. Photo: Lindokuhle Ndhlovu. UNDP in South Africa celebrated graduates who were being awarded with certifications in energy efficiency. Photo: Lindokuhle Ndhlovu. UNDP in South Africa celebrated graduates who were being awarded with certifications in energy efficiency. Photo: Lindokuhle Ndhlovu. UNDP in South Africa celebrated graduates who were being awarded with certifications in energy efficiency. Photo: Lindokuhle Ndhlovu. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa's energy landscape's dramatic turnaround
National Energy Month is a good time to look at South Africa's energy landscape's dramatic turnaround that has moved it from crippling power shortages to a more resilient and diversified energy system as well as created thousands of jobs. Yellow Door Energy's hybrid solar installation at Waterberg Boerdery farm in Limpopo, one of the largest growers and suppliers of potatoes in South Africa (Image supplied) The Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) has thus far supported 3,657 unemployed learners with access to energy sector programmes. Driven by bold policy reforms, improving Eskom performance and a surge in public and private renewable energy projects, the energy sector has moved it from crippling power shortages to a more resilient and diversified energy system. Gains and progress National Energy Month creates a moment to reflect on these gains as well as other signs of progress. South Africa's energy crisis has primed the country to take advantage of global energy trends. One example is the growing affordability and capacity of battery energy storage systems (BESS) solutions. These make it more feasible for industrial, commercial, and public sector players to adopt hybrid energy solutions by combining several energy sources. Over 4,400 megawatts (MW) of commercial and residential solar panels were installed locally by 2023, according to PwC. By mid-2024, the amount of installed rooftop solar exceeded the output of Eskom's largest coal-fired power station. Additionally, large-scale solar sites added 2,287 MW. Wind energy is another key contributor, generating over 46,480 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually. Energy demands have also fast-tracked crucial policy development. The new energy wheeling framework approved in March by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nresa) will enable renewables to provide clean and affordable energy to the country. Building the new energy future These factors contribute to a robust local energy market, of which Yellow Door Energy (YDE) is an active participant. It has partnered with a large commercial farm in Limpopo to establish over 3,200 solar panels and BESS units, producing 3,400 megawatt-hours of clean electricity in the first year of operation and reducing carbon emissions by 3.5 million kilograms. YDE is also helping large customers establish on-site photovoltaic capacity, battery storage, and solar wheeling. Clean and abundant energy is one of the pillars of the 21st century. National Energy Month is an opportunity to celebrate that change. Next year, there will be even more to celebrate as we tackle the priorities and challenges for a secure energy future. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Forbes Padayachee
