Green Economy Journal Issue 41

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ENERGY Bringing all your resources to light: Women in power In honour of Women’s Month, the Green Economy Journal speaks to Karen de Bruyn, Head of Development, G7 Renewable Energies, and co-founder of #WEConnect, a networking platform for women working in renewable energy across South Africa. In your opinion, what is the status quo of the renewable energy sector in South Africa? Opportunities galore if you have the patience. We are at the cusp of renewable energy uptake in South Africa. We still rely heavily on outdated energy sources with coal meeting 72% and renewable energy sources meeting 12% of our energy needs. When considering the climate crises, and the role we play in it as the 14th largest emitter in the world, the rollout of renewable energy is taking place at a scale and pace that does not match the urgency. The shift away from fossil fuels has been slow going with prolonged dry spells in procurement of renewable energy. However, this is set to change. The promulgated Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) provides the blueprint for decommissioning of our ageing coal fleet and addition of new generation, including procurement of renewable energy up to 2030. Adding 1 600MW of wind per annum from 2022 to 2030 and 1 000MW of solar for most years during the same period is a very promising step in the right direction for a few reasons: • Environmentally: It brings us closer to our climate change goals and commitments to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for energy • Economically: The cost of renewable energy rapidly falling and the positive impact on the economy and communities • Socially: The opportunity to create much needed job opportunities in areas in South Africa with truly little development taking place. Installed Base Coal RE Other Coal; 37 419MW (72%) Other; 6 189MW (12% RE; 8 466MW (16%) Women make up just 32% of the global renewable energy sector workforce. Coal current base = 37 419MW Renewable energy currently (hydro, storage, PV, wind, CSP) 2100 + 2912 + 1474 + 1980 = 8 466MW Nuclear, gas, diesel, and other: 1860 + 3830 + 499 = 6 189MW 16 greeneconomy.media
ENERGY There are a lot of opportunities that are subjects of many talk shops. Green hydrogen for instance is enjoying unprecedented political and business momentum and there are increasing talks of possibilities for South Africa to become an exporter of green hydrogen due to our superior wind and solar resources. Globally, massive innovations are taking shape such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and big data, Blockchain, mini-grids, super grids and battery storage. Cost reductions of the latter is a key component to modern energy solutions. Karen de Bruyn, Head of Development, G7 Renewable Energies and Co-Founder of #WEConnect The status quo is a sector ready to successfully roll out the IRP 2019 as soon as the government gives the green light facilitating a steady rollout of request for proposals, followed by timely awarding of projects. The energy transition is taking place worldwide, radically transforming the energy systems as we know them now, and South Africa should not be left behind in this energy “revolution”. What role can renewable energy projects provide in the economic recovery post-Covid? Our economy is under unprecedented pressure. We need to avoid adding the pressures of load-shedding by procuring new generation capacity with urgency. Stakeholders and industry experts are increasingly adding their voices to call for the accelerated implementation of the IRP 2019 so that renewable energy projects can contribute to a post-Covid-19 recovery in South Africa. This was recently discussed in a SAWEA webinar where panellists explained that a large renewables-led green stimulus is one of the few substantial recovery opportunities available that does not require any fiscal resources. The wind sector alone could invest between R300- and R400-billion in South Africa by 2030 should the 1 600MW allocation be sustained. Renewable energy development attracting investments of this magnitude just makes sense to support. A recent report by IRENA states numerous reasons why we need renewable energy as a post-Covid-19 recovery equality: The energy transition provides a crucial link to medium- and long-term global climate and sustainability goals. These benefits include job creation, resilient economies, and increased willingness to invest in renewables. What are some of the innovative trends to look forward to in the next three to five years? Eskom was established in 1923. I believe that by the time it turns 100, the South African energy sector will look quite different. We can expect further increased tariffs from Eskom as it can recover reduced revenue because of Covid-19 versus its predicted revenues through its regulatory clearance account mechanism. This will in turn increase its tariffs in the following year. Expensive electricity coupled with the carbon tax coming into full effect, will accelerate the need for private power purchase agreements procuring renewable energy at a fraction of Eskom tariffs to sustain energy intensive industries. As a woman in the renewable energy sector, what have been some of your biggest challenges and successes? I am proud to be part of the G7 Renewables team that developed the Roggeveld Wind Farm in South Africa with the lowest tariff awarded to date – at R0.56c/kWh in April 2014. I proceeded to lead this team as G7’s head of development. I am the first female to take on this role in our company. Many people in leadership roles, regardless of age or gender, suffer from the impostor syndrome – even though you are completely capable you will sometimes question yourself. And I think this is often truer for females working in male dominated industries, and especially younger people. My journey, as I believe for most women, has not been without challenges: being underestimated based on age or appearance is something that fuels hunger for success. How are you personally innovating in this sector, especially in the time of Covid-19? I was and still can lead our G7 team while working remotely, encouraging everyone daily through our regular meetings and maintaining strong achievable targets. I believe that throughout this time, our daily routine provided structure and support to all of us. Secondly, the successful launch of #WEConnect during Covid-19, was a personal highlight for me. In fact, the lockdown forced us to innovate – leading to more regular online sessions, making it easier to arrange than real time physical events and allowing for women across the continent to benefit from it. How does #WEConnect improve the presence of women in the renewable energy sector in South Africa? A gender perspective study by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) found that women make up a mere 32% of the global renewable energy workforce and 21% of the wind energy workforce. The same study found that women can be supported through increased networking opportunities, mentorships, and knowledge sharing. #WEConnect launched in May 2020 and is focusing on these three areas to improve gender diversity. Several studies indicate that up to 80% of job opportunities are filled through a network. If you are not part of a network, you are already on the backfoot. In terms of knowledge sharing, there is no lack of technical capabilities amongst our members and therefore for the next six months, we are hosting monthly online events focusing on softer topics and challenges women face. What more can be done to encourage young girls and women to pursue a career in renewables and the broader green economy other than mentorship? It’s really simple. Encourage young girls and women in the same way we encourage boys and young men – through equal access to opportunities, education, equal encouragement, and positive female and male role models. Role models play a big role – to believe it is possible for women to succeed in this industry, it helps to see women achieve it before you. greeneconomy.media 17
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Green Economy Journal Issue 41

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