Eskom Hosts 3rd Clean Energy Conference as Part of G20 Energy Transitions Working Group

2025-10-08

Eskom Hosts 3rd Clean Energy Conference as Part of G20 Energy Transitions Working Group

Eskom's Research, Testing and Development department has hosted its third Clean Energy Conference as an official side event of the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG). The two-day conference, held on October 8-9, 2025, brought together national and international energy stakeholders under the theme 'Advancing a Clean Energy Transition for Our Context – Just, Affordable, Accessible, Inclusive.'

Focus on Collaborative Energy Solutions

The conference served as a platform for industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for Africa's clean energy transition. This aligns with the broader G20 ETWG priorities while emphasizing South Africa's specific energy context.

Prudence Madiba, General Manager for Eskom's Research, Testing and Development, highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing: "The Clean Energy Conference provides a platform for industry experts and researchers to engage on the technologies, policies, and partnerships needed to accelerate the clean energy transition."

Evolution from Renewable to Clean Energy Focus

Nontokozo Hadebe, Eskom Group Executive for Strategy and Sustainability, explained the event's evolution from a Renewable Energy Conference to the broader Clean Energy Conference, reflecting the changing energy landscape. The expanded focus now includes innovations and contributions from across South Africa and beyond.

"It is designed to catalyse Africa-driven, action-oriented responses to the global clean energy transition, reinforcing the continent's voice and leadership in shaping a sustainable energy future," said Hadebe.

Eskom's Renewable Energy Strategy

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, emphasized that energy security remains a central pillar of South Africa's development while outlining the utility's approach to the energy transition.

"Eskom is well-positioned to support the country's energy transition and economic growth agenda. Our focus is on ensuring a balanced energy mix that supports both affordability and sustainability," Marokane stated.

He stressed that Eskom's strategy is not framed as coal versus renewables, but rather a measured shift toward cleaner energy sources that ensures inclusivity.

Renewable Energy Projects and Targets

The conference highlighted Eskom's renewable energy milestones, including the Sere Wind Farm near Vredendal in the Western Cape, commissioned in March 2015. This 100MW facility powers over 60,000 homes and represented Eskom's first large-scale renewable energy project.

Looking forward, Eskom outlined ambitious targets through its dedicated renewable energy business:

• 2GW of construction-ready projects by 2026
• Expansion to 6GW by 2030
• Ultimately reaching 32GW, including Green Hydrogen, by 2040

Outlook for South Africa's Energy Transition

While Eskom has made significant progress in stabilizing the grid after years of loadshedding challenges, the conference underscores the utility's recognition that a more diverse energy mix is crucial for long-term sustainability. The focus on "just, affordable, accessible, inclusive" transitions indicates awareness of the socioeconomic implications of energy policy changes.

The integration of renewable energy represents a strategic shift for Eskom, which has traditionally relied heavily on coal power. This conference signals continued momentum toward the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, though significant challenges remain in balancing this transition with affordable electricity provision.

Key Terms Explained

G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG): A working group of the G20 that focuses on sustainable energy transitions and accelerating the implementation of clean energy solutions globally.

Clean Energy Transition: The shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to those that rely on renewable and low-carbon sources, with consideration for economic and social impacts.

Net-Zero Emissions: A state where greenhouse gas emissions produced are balanced by those removed from the atmosphere, typically through a combination of emission reductions and carbon offsets.

Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels, resulting in minimal carbon emissions. It's considered a key component in decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify directly.

Gigawatt (GW): A unit of power equal to one billion watts. For context, 1GW can power approximately 650,000 to 750,000 homes, depending on electricity consumption patterns.

Just Transition: An approach to environmental sustainability that considers the social and economic effects on communities dependent on fossil fuel industries, ensuring workers and vulnerable groups aren't left behind during energy system changes.