Introduction to AWEaP Just Energy Transition Programme

for Municipal Electricity Utilities

The African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) Just Energy Transition Programme is a groundbreaking initiative tailored to empower women leaders, managers, and operators within Municipal Electricity Utilities and other essential utilities integral to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme. Recognizing the pivotal role that utilities play in driving the energy transition, this programme is specifically designed to equip women professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to navigate and lead within this evolving landscape.

The programme focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities that the Just Energy Transition presents to municipal utilities, enabling participants to answer critical questions such as: What is the Just Energy Transition? How does it apply to my utility environment? How can I design and implement a JET strategy that benefits my organization and the broader community? Additionally, the programme explores how utilities can leverage the JET to stimulate local economies, achieve organizational socio-economic development goals, and facilitate operational changes that align with JET ambitions.

AWEaP’s Just Energy Transition Programme is more than a training initiative; it is a catalyst for systemic change within the energy sector. It supports sustainable development goals by promoting gender equality, access to clean energy, sustainable employment, and partnerships for the goals. By fostering a deep understanding of energy value chains, energy policy and regulations, energy transition dynamics, and grid management, the programme prepares women in utilities to take on leadership roles that drive South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

This programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of women professionals in the energy sector, offering flexible delivery options, including face-to-face contact sessions and live streaming lectures. It emphasizes local relevance by incorporating performance metrics that ensure the sustained development of municipal areas, with a strong focus on inclusive and gender-mainstreamed procurement plans, youth empowerment, and support for persons with disabilities.

Through this comprehensive programme, AWEaP aims to build the capacity of women in municipal utilities to lead the charge in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous energy future

The Alignment of AWEaP JET Skills Development Programme with the President’s Key Points

(Municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) Conference 26 to 27 August 2024, attended by Mayors, Technical Managers and Municipal Managers from all provinces.)

President’s Key Points

AWEaP JET Skills Development Programme Alignment

Central Role of Municipalities: Municipalities are central to the decarbonization of the energy sector and play a key role in providing clean, affordable energy.

Programme Focus: AWEaP’s programme targets municipal electricity utility leaders, equipping them with knowledge and tools to lead decarbonization efforts and provide sustainable energy solutions.

Affordable Clean Energy Access: The need to ensure that the energy transition does not contribute to energy poverty or deepen inequality.

Module on Equity and Inclusivity: The programme will include modules on how to ensure equitable access to clean energy, avoiding energy poverty, and how to design socially inclusive JET strategies.

Sustainable Financing: The requirement for substantial investment in electricity infrastructure and grid modernization.

Module on Sustainable Financing: The programme includes training on sustainable financing options for grid modernization and renewable energy projects, including how to leverage public-private partnerships and access concessional loans.

Capacity Building and Skill Development: Extensive training and upskilling are needed for municipalities to manage the energy transition effectively.

Capacity Building Module: AWEaP’s programme will provide extensive training to build the capacity of utility operators, managers, and leaders, preparing them to manage and execute the energy transition within their municipalities.

Economic Diversification and Industrialization: Promoting economic diversification, transformation, and industrialization in the renewable energy sector, empowering marginalized communities and businesses.

Module on Economic Diversification: The programme will cover strategies for municipalities to promote local economic development, support local businesses, and drive industrialization through renewable energy projects.

Programme Modules and Lectures

The programme is designed to provide a deep understanding of the energy value chains, policy and regulations, energy transition, and grid management. Below is an overview of the modules, dates, and esteemed lecturers:

  • Module: Energy Value Chains

    LEACTURER: Dr. Silas Mulaudzi
    DATES: : 29 - 31 October 2024
    VENUE: Wits Business School, 2 St Davids Pl &, St Andrew Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

  • Module: Energy Transition in SA

    LEACTURER: Lungile Mashile
    DATES: : 12 - 14 November 2024
    VENUE: Wits Business School, 2 St Davids Pl &, St Andrew Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

  • Module: Energy Policy and Regulation

    LEACTURER: Dr. Rod Crompton
    DATES: : 25,26 & 28 November 2024
    VENUE: Wits Business School, 2 St Davids Pl &, St Andrew Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

  • Module: Grid Management

    LEACTURER: Dr. Bruce Young
    DATES: :02 - 04 December 2024
    VENUE: Wits Business School, 2 St Davids Pl &, St Andrew Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

  • Certification Ceremony

    LEACTURER: N/A
    DATES: :05 December 2024
    VENUE: Wits Business School, 2 St Davids Pl &, St Andrew Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

Class Timing: Lectures will start promptly at 8h30 on the scheduled dates.

Topics within the modules for AWEaP's Just Energy Transition Skills Development Programme

for Municipal Electricity Utilities

The programme is designed to provide a deep understanding of the energy value chains, policy and regulations, energy transition, and grid management. Below is an overview of the modules, dates, and esteemed lecturers:

1. Introduction to Just Energy Transition (JET) and Its Relevance to Municipalities

Understanding the fundamentals of JET and its significance for municipalities, including an overview of global and local energy transition goals.

2. Municipalities’ Role in Decarbonization and Energy Diversification

Exploring the pivotal role municipalities play in decarbonizing the energy sector and diversifying energy sources to support economic growth.

3. Sustainable Financing for Electricity Infrastructure

Training on identifying and accessing sustainable financing options for upgrading and modernizing municipal grid infrastructure, including public-private partnerships and concessional loans.

4. Designing and Implementing Inclusive JET Strategies

Practical guidance on developing JET strategies that address equity, avoid energy poverty, and promote inclusivity, with a focus on marginalized communities.

5. Grid Management and Stability in the Context of JET

Technical module on modernizing grid infrastructure to support renewable energy integration, smart metering, and energy storage systems.

6. Economic Diversification and Local Economic Development through JET

Strategies for leveraging JET to stimulate local economic development, support local businesses, and promote industrialization in the renewable energy sector.

7. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Supporting JET

Understanding the policy and regulatory frameworks that enable energy diversification, investment, and grid modernization at the municipal level.

8. Capacity Building and Skills Development for Municipal Utility Leaders

Building the skills and capacity of municipal leaders to manage and execute JET strategies effectively, with an emphasis on best practices and leadership in a transitioning energy landscape.

9. Engaging Communities in the Energy Transition

Techniques for involving communities in the energy transition, including public campaigns, accessible communication strategies, and fostering community ownership of energy projects.

10. Monitoring and Evaluation of JET Projects

Developing metrics and systems for monitoring and evaluating the progress of JET projects within municipalities to ensure they are meeting their intended goals and contributing to economic growth and sustainability.

These modules will equip municipal leaders with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future in their communities.

ENDORSING PARTNERS

AMEU
Eskom
UN Women South Africa
Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency
SANEDI
Busa