The South African and German governments this week signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral dialogue and practical cooperation in the energy sector through the establishment of an energy partnership.
The main objective of the energy partnership would be to improve and develop sustainable energy infrastructure, in particular through the increased use of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.
The energy partnership would complement the existing Declarations of Intent for the South African – German Cooperation in the Area of Energy and Climate, as well as the South African Renewables Initiative.
The two countries agreed to continue with their existing cooperation programmes and projects on energy.
They would focus on renewable energies and their use in the generation of electricity and heat; the promotion of energy efficiency; the promotion of new and upscaled carbon market instruments for financing investments in the field of renewable energies and energy efficiency; opportunities for cooperation in the field of nuclear safety and security; and criteria for sustainability and environmental integrity of project activities.
The partnership would further see the countries focus on technological cooperation in the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS); capacity building and skills development in the green technology sector; and research and development cooperation.
The countries planned to strengthen their cooperation on capacity building, institutional arrangements, including public awareness-raising, personnel exchange and training.
They would also encourage private sector companies to cooperate closely and to explore further business opportunities.