South Africa's wind industry is a beacon of hope for job creation,environmental sustainability, and economic growth amid rising unemployment. Picture: SAWEA
“Amid South Africa’s economic challenges, the wind industry emerges as a key player in job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) said in a media release.
According to Statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate slightly increased to 32.1% in the last quarter of 2023, with significant job losses in community services, construction, agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.
The SAWEA reported that wind energy contributed 4.9% of the country’s electricity in the first quarter of 2024, making it the leading renewable energy technology in South Africa’s energy mix.
Speaking on job creation, the association said that the wind industry's “rapid expansion necessitates a diverse range of skills and roles, including engineers, project managers, environmental experts, and data analysts”.
Santosh Sookgrim, senior technical advisor at SAWEA, highlighted the need for a multifaceted talent pool saying: “the wind industry requires a blend of technical, policy, legal, and environmental expertise across the full value chain.
“We are seeing an increasing need for professionals in monitoring and control systems, AI-based maintenance, and data analysis."
To address these needs, the industry is expanding its talent pool through initiatives like SAWEA’s Wind Industry Internship Programme and the Management Development Programme for Women in Renewable Energy.
Over the past decade, the sector has attracted investments exceeding R89 billion, creating over 23,000 job-years and powering more than three million homes annually. Wind farms also support local communities through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme, funding educational, food security, healthcare, and community safety initiatives.
Technological advancements are driving job creation in the wind sector. Innovations extend beyond turbine technology to include advanced monitoring and control systems, AI-driven maintenance, and avifaunal detection systems aimed at reducing bird strikes.
The local manufacturing sector is also benefiting, exemplified by Nordex’s concrete tower manufacturing facility in the Eastern Cape. Despite the promising outlook, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, grid integration, and the need for continuous innovation remain.
Sookgrim stressed the importance of strategic planning, enhanced training programmes, supportive policies, and industry-government collaboration to overcome these obstacles.
“The wind industry’s future in South Africa is promising, with job growth projections closely tied to the sector’s expansion. As the demand for renewable energy rises, so will the need for a skilled workforce.
“We are committed to meeting today’s energy needs and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future. By investing in technological innovation, skills development, and community engagement, the wind industry can be a catalyst for transformative economic and environmental change,” Sookgrim concluded.
IOL