Johannesburg: The Energy Council of South Africa has launched a nationwide campaign to empower South Africans to gain a better understanding of and engage in the energy transition. South Africa has committed to lowering carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 and usher in a green economy. In that regard, government has also committed to an energy transition which is just, inclusive and which responds to South Africa’s developmental needs – leaving no one behind.

According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign focuses on six technical energy topics. These include transitioning from a polarised ‘supply mix’ ideology to a practical, integrated system planning and delivery approach, addressing South Africa’s carbon footprint, examining coal’s role in the energy mix, exploring the role of gas in bridging the transition, scaling renewables and storage, and reforming the energy market.

The campaign aims to balance supply side actions with demand response, address the critical issue of a competitive marketplace, and understand the benefits of a competitive wholesale electricity market. The Energy Council estimates that R2 trillion will be required by 2035 for new technology financing and system upgrades. Government policy and commitment is clear, with two key drivers of the energy reform agenda now anchored in law: The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2004 and the Climate Change Act, 2024.

Energy Council CEO James Mackay emphasized that energy literacy is fundamental for informed decision-making, collaboration, and driving investment and economic growth. The campaign seeks to connect South Africans with factual information to understand challenges and opportunities in the energy transition. The Energy Council stressed the importance of informed responses leading the transition, ensuring collaboration across all stakeholders to create sustainable, long-term solutions for South Africa’s energy future.