As governments around the world aim to drive renewable energy and energy efficient initiatives to curb climate change, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), is excited to be receiving an international award for its efforts in this regard.

“We have been selected for the international Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Sub-Saharan Africa Region Institutional Energy Management Award for 2021,” says SANEDI Interim CEO, Lethabo Manamela. “We are so honoured by this and are delighted that our hard work in the South African energy sector has been globally recognised, especially considering South Africa’s transition from a carbon-intensive energy sector towards a cleaner and energy efficient society.” The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) – presents annual awards to individuals and organisations around the world to recognise their dedication and performance in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry.  

“SANEDI has been focused on providing an optimal energy research, development and deployment environment, collaborating with individuals, associations and institutions undertaking related energy programmes locally and internationally, to ensure that international learnings and best practice are shared and, where relevant, adopted and applied in South Africa. I feel that our efforts are paying off and have firmly put us on the map,” says Manamela. 

Successful collaboration between SANEDI and industry has allowed the institute to drive several research, development and pilot projects, that significantly contribute to the national energy and environmental objectives in the country. In this regard, SANEDI has facilitated and supported several National and Provincial Departments to understand possible mitigation actions that would lead to more efficient and swift deployment of renewable energy interventions in the country.

In addition to the Energy Management Award, SANEDI’s Barry Bredenkamp – General Manager, Energy Efficiency and Corporate Communications – has been recognised with the Sub-Saharan Africa Region Energy Practitioner of the Year Award. “Barry has been instrumental in getting many of our energy efficiency initiatives off the ground and he truly deserves this recognition,” comments Manamela.  

The awards event will take place on 19 October 2021 in New Orleans, USA, concurrent to the AEE World Energy Conference and Expo. The mission of AEE is to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the global energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development. “This vision is clearly aligned to the work of SANEDI and we look forward to the awards ceremony, and to network with other individuals and companies leading the game in clean energy development,” says Manamela.