South Africa’s wind energy sector is experiencing a record-breaking surge, with over 53 GW of wind projects in development, marking a nearly 60% increase since 2023. This growth reflects mounting investor confidence and a robust commitment to the country’s just energy transition. But with grid limitations posing real challenges, the call for reform is louder than ever.
Enter Windaba 2025, set to take place from 21 to 23 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Organised by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), the conference’s rallying theme, “Break the Gridlock! Wire for Growth!”, zeroes in on grid infrastructure as the key to unlocking wind energy’s full potential.
“The wind sector has proven its resilience and continues to grow steadily. Now we need infrastructure to match that momentum,” says Morongoa Ramaboa, SAWEA’s Chief Communication Officer.
As South Africa gears up to implement the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) and revised Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Windaba 2025 promises to be a launchpad for actionable change. The event will spotlight investment opportunities, localisation strategies, and industrial development pathways designed to strengthen South Africa’s energy security.
What to Expect at Windaba 2025:
- Insights from the 2024 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) highlighting urgent grid expansion needs.
- Policy-aligned planning tools like the Grid Connection Capacity Assessment (GCCA) and the Transmission Development Plan (TDP).
- Market-shaping discussions aligned with the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), especially in growth regions like Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
- A focus on local manufacturing and job creation through clean energy.
Ramaboa emphasises the critical role of the platform in facilitating public-private collaboration:
“Windaba is not just a dialogue, it’s a solutions-driven platform. It’s about aligning stakeholders, sharing data, and pushing implementation forward.”
With 2025 shaping up as a pivotal year for clean energy reform, Windaba 2025 positions itself at the epicentre of policy, investment, and infrastructure progress.
For more details or to register, visit www.sawea.org.za/windaba
