27 JULY 2023
Empowering Communities and Industries through Localized Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has long been recognised as a vital strategy to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. By using technology and practices that require less energy to perform the same function, energy efficiency offers the potential to make a significant impact on waste reduction and environmental preservation. This webinar explored the transformative potential of energy efficiency when localized and implemented at both industrial and community levels. AWEaP brought together experts to shed light on the numerous opportunities that arise from adopting energy-efficient practices.
During the AWEaP webinar, participants delved into how energy efficiency localization can empower communities by providing greater control over energy consumption. The overarching goal was to encourage communities to take ownership of their energy usage, resulting in reduced costs, enhanced sustainability, and a positive impact on the environment. Leading industry players, like our platinum sponsor Rockwell Automation, emphasised the importance of gaining control over energy costs through comprehensive energy flow measurement systems. This approach aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions on a global scale.
Our gold sponsor Energy Drive highlighted the vital role of investment in meeting the ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions. While renewable energy plays a significant role, it alone cannot fully meet global energy demands. The OEM highlighted that substantial investment in energy efficiency is essential to reduce demand and move towards net-zero goals. Both Rockwell Automation and Energy Drive presented case studies on Energy Efficiency, both showcased practical examples of successful energy efficiency implementations.
The webinar also featured a panel discussion focused on community engagement, demand-side management, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the energy sector. The panel emphasised the importance of energy services and encouraged project proposals for distribution available at Eskom. Additionally, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) presented numerous opportunities in the energy ecosystem for entrepreneurs, calling for diverse skill acquisition and increased participation to achieve energy efficiency goals.
During the panel discussion, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure highlighted tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs within the energy efficiency sector in South Africa. While the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation showcased the availability of various programmes in the country for entrepreneurs to explore. The webinar effectively illuminated the growth potential and opportunities within the energy efficiency landscape.
The webinar also hosted leading industry player, Sibanye, who offered a powerful testimonial on the benefits of localised energy efficiency. As a responsible mining company, Sibanye recognised the value of integrating energy-efficient solutions throughout its operations, showcasing the real-world benefits of energy efficiency implementation.
With a focus on community empowerment, investment opportunities, and inclusive interventions, South Africa stands ready to harness the power of energy efficiency for a sustainable and cleaner future.
Our theme for 2023 is: Together, we can make inclusion in Africa's energy and power sector a competitive edge.
The following stakeholders were invited to share insights on the construct of energy value chains and opportunities emerging as countries endeavour to achieve security of energy supply:
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):
Our monthly webinars included OEMs like Rockwell Automation for the following reasons: OEMs design and manufacture products, services, solutions, and systems sought by utilities and different large power users in the energy and power sector. We invite them to share trends in electricity system digitisation, decarbonisation, and decentralisation. We invite them to showcase how they enable access to technology for SMMEs, especially women-owned companies.
Industry Associations:
To build reciprocal value-adding networks is fundamental to the success of any entrepreneur. Industry Associations like The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association serve as a unified voice for individual enterprises within a given industry. This provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, debate issues, build standards, and establish norms for best practices within the energy industry. AWEaP is a non-competitive platform and organisation. We collaborate with other associations to build a supportive and inclusive energy ecosystem.
Government Departments:
The webinar aimed to foster collaborations, facilitate knowledge sharing, and encourage meaningful dialogue among influential decision-makers and thought leaders. The central objective is to drive forward the agenda of gender equality and inclusivity within the energy domain. This forum provides an invaluable opportunity for government stakeholders like the Department of Mineral resources to explicate their efforts in integrating gender mainstreaming principles into policies, programs, and practices within the energy sector. By acknowledging and addressing women’s diverse needs, roles, and aspirations, we can cultivate a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape. Inviting government stakeholders to speak provides a unique platform for exploring effective strategies, sharing experiences, and identifying actionable steps toward achieving this pivotal goal.

Programme | Content Framework | Webinar 7 | Speaker |
Introduction | Introduction to AWEaP Purpose of the webinar and Introduction to the topics | AWEaP | MS. BERTHA DLAMINI |
Platinum Sponsor: | Technology that supports utilities as they integrate renewable energy into their energy system | Rockwell Automation | MR. THOMAS MALOMANE |
Sponsor | Driving energy efficiency in the industrial sector | Energy Drive | MR. JAMES HYND |
A focus on community engagement, demand side management and entrepreneurial opportunities | |||
1. SANEDI – on ESCOs:
3. Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) – Support for SMMEs – 4. Eskom: Demand Side Management Programme and support for Energy service companies (ESCOs) | MODERATOR: | ||
A discussion of Localization in Energy Efficiency | |||
5. DTIC – Localisation in Energy Efficiency Products in South Africa – TBC
1. Testimony: ESCO | |||
Case Study: Energy Efficiency: An Industrial View – A case study discussion | |||
1. Energy Drive – Industrial Energy Efficiency: Support Testimonial: 20 minutes Sibanye, a leading industry player, offers a powerful testimonial on the benefits of localized energy efficiency. As a responsible mining company, Sibanye has recognized the value of integrating energy-efficient solutions throughout its operations. 3. Sibanye Stillwater:
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Closing Remarks | Working together to build an inclusive energy market | AWEaP | MS. BERTHA DLAMINI |
Watch our webinar and download presentations shared by speakers:

We encourage you to do the following:
- Visit our YouTube channel
- Watch previous webinars
- Take notes from the presentations given
- Note the tips shared on how you can gain entry into the energy and power sector as an entrepreneur
- Note programmes in place to address some of the barriers:
- Access to market
- Access to skills development
- Access to finance
- Access to technology
- Download presentations and listen to the recorded webinar again
- Follow through by: visiting websites and taking the initiative to build the network necessary to enable your participation.