The renewable energy sector is preparing for the August 16 close of submissions for Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), as well as the next two bidding rounds, by sourcing specialist skills to deliver on renewable energy projects, says South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) CEO Ntombifuthi Ntuli.

“We are anticipating jobs in manufacturing, logistics, finance, construction and operational phases. These comprise professional services, business services and sales.

Requirements include engineering, project management, project development and skills in environmental authorisations, besides others.

“Direct jobs can already be seen through the employment drives that have been undertaken by various companies operating in the renewables sector,” Ntuli says.

SAWEA is supporting the employment drive within the renewables industry with a new vacancies portal on its Web platform.

“We are supporting members by listing their vacancies and helping to increase reach to potential candidates who may be looking for jobs in the renewables industry, this also includes internships and scholarship opportunities,” adds Ntuli, who says that the sector has responded positively to this service offering.

Many jobs were lost during the sector’s seven-year hiatus, with the manufacturing sector being one of the first to feel the impact. The extended delay on procurement of power from independent power producers resulted directly in the closure of one tower manufacturing facility, which had employed over 150 people. The impasse placed significant strain on another facility.

“The industry and country lost hundreds of skilled people, who sought employment elsewhere, and the industry is now playing catch-up and working hard at attracting talent back. Considering that the industry to date has already delivered more than 45 000 job-years for South African citizens, the next ten years promises to deliver much-needed skilled and unskilled work opportunities,” says Ntuli.

Procurement under the REIPPPP will help drive an estimated R40-billion of investment a year.