Green Economy Journal Issue 41

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.
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