The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has issued a call for stakeholders to participate in reviewing and providing feedback on the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM). The master plan, developed over the past 18 months in collaboration with industry experts and government departments, aims to capitalize on the growing renewable energy and battery storage market, fostering inclusive and industrial development of the sector in South Africa.
SAREM’s vision, objectives, and action plan seeks to leverage the rising demand for renewable energy solutions both domestically and globally. As part of the National Development Plan (NDP), the DMRE aims to ensure that the contribution of renewable energy and battery storage value chains aligns with South Africa’s development goals.
The master plan is anchored on four key areas, including supporting local demand for renewable energy and storage, driving industrial development in the sector, fostering inclusivity, and building local capabilities through development skills and technological innovation.
Chaired by the DMRE, the SAREM process has involved various stakeholders, including labor unions, industry players, and community representatives, in crafting a plan that supports the country’s objectives and needs. The goal is to create a social compact that promotes the development of renewable energy and battery storage value chains.
By seeking input from stakeholders, the DMRE aims to ensure that SAREM maximizes the potential for renewable energy to contribute positively to South Africa’s sustainable development. The draft master plan is the result of extensive consultations, expert working groups, and inputs from all social compact partners and relevant government entities.
The review process is expected to further enhance the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan’s effectiveness in driving the nation’s renewable energy goals and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.