On the 12 January 2022, the Johannesburg Multi-Party Government announced a golden start for the City, as a precursor to our vision of building a City of Golden Opportunities. In this announcement, it was made clear that we need to find solutions that set us on a path towards reliable energy supply that sustains economic activity.

To find sustainable and innovative solutions to Johannesburg’s most pressing power challenges the City will be hosting the first Joburg Energy Indaba on the 23rd and 24th May 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

The first gathering of its kind, led by the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) and City Power will be launched the theme: of Re-Imagining Energy

Persistent rolling blackouts have become part of our lives but that does not mean we should merely accept it.

This Indaba is about building a different future where Joburg does not only rely on Eskom for its electricity needs. One where we are resilient to rolling blackouts, the economic havoc that it causes, and keeping the lights on does not break the bank.

Not only will the City articulate its plans to implement alternative energy sources to mitigate against loadshedding and improve the reliability of power supply but investment opportunities in the City’s energy sector will also be showcased.

The City has invited energy industry and policy experts, scholars, and potential Independent Power Producers alongside government representatives for the two-day gathering. With the goal of devising clear plans and timelines for Joburg’s energy strategy moving forward. 

This is an opportunity for us to draw together the brightest minds in the Energy space from business, public sector, academia, and civil society.

The Indaba follows City Power’s recently unveiled Energy Mix Plan which seeks to generate an extra 500MW capacity of alternative energy – including gas and solar - over the medium to long term. The plan seeks to increase capacity to the city grid to rapidly secure reliable and affordable power supply for the growing developmental needs of the residents of Joburg. 

The City is always actively looking for innovative ways to increase our energy capacity, and will use this Indaba to explore all possibilities – nothing must be off the table, including taking advantage of the amendment of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act allowing for the construction of power plants of up to 100MW. Investors should know opportunities are ripe for the taking.

 

Issued by City of Johannesburg