Domestic and Global renewable energy stakeholders are gearing up to attend Windaba Conference and Exhibition taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 8 & 9 October. Windaba which is hosted by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) in proud partnership with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), is now in its 9th Consecutive year. A focal point for this year's conference is how economic development is made possible by renewable power, particularly wind.

In an expression of continued confidence in the sector event, both the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy and the IPP Office responsible for South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers’ Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has confirmed participation in ‘Africa’s premier wind energy conference’. His Honourable, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Samson Mantashe will open the Day One plenary along with representatives from the African Union and European Union Commission. 

The theme of this year's conference is: ‘Unleashing renewable power for African economic development’. Discussions at the two-day conference are strengthened by the inaugural strategic partnership of the Windaba with the African-European Union Energy Partnership (AEEP). The Africa-EU Energy Partnership is one of the key strategic partnerships between Africa and Europe providing a long term framework for a strategic dialogue on sustainable energy.

From a domestic market perspective, while the country awaits the release of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the conference programme will provide key strategic direction. A highlight at the event is the Industry Forum, taking place on Day Two where the discussion will address pertinent questions on issues including Job Creation, Local Manufacturing and how to unlock 18GW in the SADC region. The panellists comprise of market leaders participating in South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers’ Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and globally. Newly appointed Acting Head of the IPP Office, Advocate Sandra Coetzee and Maduna Ngobeni, who has also led the Renewable Energy programme on behalf of the former Department of Energy will participate as panellists during the landmark conference. 

The conference includes 3 plenaries, 12 Breakaways and 2 Official Side-events. To view the latest Programme and secure your attendance visit: www.windaba.co.za

As well as participating in the conference programme,  the South African Wind Energy Programme (SAWEP) – Phase 2 financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Environment Facility, the IPP Office and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will be showcasing their work at the Windaba Exhibition.