Cape Town — Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson says renewable energy presents an opportunity for Africa to improve energy security, access and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Briefing journalists shortly after opening the South African International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC 2015) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on Monday, the Minister said the roll-out of renewable energy will also ensure sustainable development and improve socio-economic development significantly.
She urged countries and captains of the industry to take up the opportunities present in the renewable energy-rich African soil.
"As a continent, we are richly endowed with natural resources to generate energy.
"However, aside from hydropower, renewable energy is yet to start achieving its potential in Africa.
"We trust that this conference will encourage countries on our continent to harness energy sources, which could also contribute to developing regional electricity trade," she said.
The SAIREC 2015 conference, which is being held under the theme of Re-energising Africa, is a major gathering that has attracted over 3 600 delegates from 82 countries, including a number of cabinet Ministers.
First hosted in Bonn, Germany, in 2004, the conference is the sixth in a series of international conferences. This is the first time the meeting is held in South Africa.
Minister Joemat-Pettersson said the hosting of the conference was important for the continent given that it is currently progressing on an economic trajectory that challenges all countries on their ability to meet their energy needs.
"It is our belief that renewable energy provides a significant opportunity to improve energy access and security, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, ensure sustainable development and significantly improve socio-economic development," she said.
