eThekwini Municipality will implement “strategic reforms” focused on renewable energy to stabilise the city’s energy supply and is hosting its first-ever ‘Energy Transformation Summit’ to plot the way forward with residents, energy producers and businesses next month.
The summit will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from March 1-2.
The municipality has called on residents and businesses to register to attend the free summit, which aims to deliberate on the energy transformation agenda to revolutionise the way power is generated in the city.
Guided by the theme ‘Building Energy Security Today’, the municipality is expected to outline its strategic reforms in relation to declining energy security, recovering from economic devastation caused by the pandemic and floods, and the uncertain future of crude oil refineries in the South Durban Basin, which are a major economic impediment to revenue generation. Focus will also be on the city’s role in developing energy markets such as the hydrogen economy, the procurement of new generation capacity from independent power producers (IPPs), and energy efficiency demand side management eThekwini Municipal Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, said, the city was “pulling out all the stops” to respond to the demands related to electricity, especially in light of the current energy challenges.
“The City views energy security as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development. We want to assure investors that the economic climate of Durban is changing dramatically and the city remains open for business partnerships in its energy future. eThekwini is a hub for energy infrastructure investment,” Kaunda said.
It is hoped that the summit will inspire the advancement and transfer of innovative ideas, technology, and investment across borders and between the public and private sectors in South Africa, helping stimulate sustainable economic growth in the region. It will also evaluate local funding instruments and investment opportunities for the gas economy, renewable energy, nuclear industry, thermal power generation, and adoption of new market technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture technologies and coal to liquids options. A discussion will focus on reviewing the current regulatory frameworks to enable speedy investment for power generation infrastructure projects, the hydrogen economy, and energy efficiency demand side management.
The summit aims to build stronger relationships with business leaders, regional municipalities, development partners, public funders, and research and development institutions on the opportunities available in the region.
Businesses are encouraged to be part of the summit.
