Green Economy Journal Issue 60

ENERGY
ENERGY
WINDS OF CHANGE
Empowering South Africa’s renewable
energy workforce
South Africa’s wind energy sector has rapidly expanded, cementing its place on the global
renewable energy stage. However, this growth has unveiled a significant challenge: a widening
skills gap within the industry.
Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority
(EWSETA) and the South African Wind Energy Association
(SAWEA) have collaborated to explore how addressing the
operational skills and qualification gap will advance wind energy
in South Africa and contribute to the nation’s climate goals.
The skills gap challenge
The surge in wind energy projects across South Africa has created an
increased demand for skilled professionals. This demand encompasses
a wide array of expertise, ranging from engineers and technicians
to project developers and environmental specialists. Unfortunately,
there are insufficient skills to meet the demand in the South African
context. Currently, the actual challenge is that there are not enough
skilled and experienced workforce.
Several factors contribute to this skills gap, including the historical focus on
coal in the energy sector, insufficient wind energy qualifications and skills
development providers as well as a shortage of experienced professionals
in the field. These factors have led to a shortage of skilled workers capable
of supporting the growth of renewable energy in South Africa.
Opportunities abound
Despite the challenges posed by the skills gap, it presents a unique
opportunity for South Africa to cultivate a workforce capable of driving
the wind energy sector forward. Initiatives aimed at closing this gap
have the potential to offer substantial benefits to the nation’s economy
and its transition to a sustainable energy future.
A promising avenue to address this challenge is the collaboration
between EWSETA and SAWEA. EWSETA, which is responsible for skills
development in the energy and water sectors, has partnered with
SAWEA to create tailored training programs and apprenticeships
designed to meet the specific needs of the wind energy industry.
These programs encompass a wide range of skills, spanning installation
and maintenance to project development and management.
Empowering women and youth
South Africa must empower women and youth by actively involving
them in the wind energy sector. Encouraging their participation
addresses gender and youth unemployment disparities and fosters
diversity and innovation within the industry.
SAWEA and EWSETA have already taken significant steps in this
direction by launching the Renewable Energy Management
Advancement Programme aimed at advancing women to middle –
senior management positions in the sector through Wits Business
School. The intervention seeks to transform the sector and address
gender disparity. In addition, the partnership in the Wind Industry
Internship Programme which is currently in its second year provides
work experience to young graduates who are interested in pursuing
careers in wind energy. This initiative was successful through the
participation of the employers who have opened their workplaces
to enable this mentorship initiative. These initiatives provide access
to education and hands-on experience, paving the way for a more
inclusive and dynamic workforce.
To advance wind energy in South
Africa, it is imperative to invest in training
and development programmes that
produce highly skilled operational
technicians and engineers.
Companies operating in the wind energy sector must play a pivotal
role by actively promoting diversity and inclusion, dismantling barriers
and fostering a welcoming environment for all.
“A collaborative approach is essential, bringing together government,
industry and training providers to establish effective training capacity
for renewable energy. Traditional market-driven strategies may not
be suitable for this context. It’s also crucial to construct pathways for
training and employment that cater to a diverse labour force, including
marginalised groups outside the workforce. Furthermore, a holistic
perspective should be adopted, treating renewable energy as part
of an interconnected workforce “ecosystem” that enables seamless
transitions between renewable energy and adjacent sectors like
resources, infrastructure and manufacturing, says Khetsiwe Mtiyane,
EWSETA’s Energy Specialist.
Value-chain skills gap: advancing wind energy
While the skills gap mentioned earlier relates to the development
and construction phases of wind energy projects, addressing the
operational skills gap is equally crucial. Skilled workers are needed to
ensure the efficient and reliable operation of wind farms.
operational technicians and engineers. These professionals play
a pivotal role in maximising the energy output of wind farms and
ensuring their long-term sustainability.
As South Africa’s wind energy sector continues to expand, the skills gap
poses a multifaceted challenge that must be addressed strategically.
Collaboration between EWSETA and SAWEA is a promising step in
the right direction. By developing tailored training programmes and
apprenticeships, the nation can equip its workforce with the skills
needed to support the growth of renewable energy.
It is essential for the efficient and reliable operation of wind farms,
which contributes to South Africa’s climate goals and the long-term
success of its wind energy sector. By seizing the opportunities presented
by these skills gaps, the nation can unlock its wind energy potential
and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future. The rewards
for achieving these goals extend far beyond emissions reduction,
encompassing economic growth, energy security and a cleaner, more
sustainable future.
Operational skills encompass areas such as maintenance, troubleshooting
and performance optimisation. Without a well-trained operational
workforce, wind farms can suffer from downtime, reduced efficiency
and increased operational costs.
To advance wind energy in South Africa, it is imperative to invest in
training and development programmes that produce highly skilled
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