Cape Town: JET Municipal Conference was held between August 26, 2024 and August 27, 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The conference was hosted by the Presidency and shared the insights on green energy transition successes, highlighting the infrastructure investments.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Energy – Alderman Xanthea Limberg participated in the panel discussion on municipal financing, and said that earlier this week, she attended the Inaugural Just Energy Transition (JET) Municipal Conference and participated in a high-level panel discussion over green energy transition financing for municipalities.
The conference gathered key stakeholders to define the effective steps for successfully executing the cabinet that approved JET Municipal Portfolio, outlined in the JET Implementation Plan (JET IP).
Limberg expressed, “I am delighted that this important conference was convened not only because of the shared national vision for a more energy resilient and secure South Africa, but also to highlight the significant role of municipalities, in general and metros in particular have realised the objectives that are contained in the JET Implementation Plan.”
However, JET municipal financing is one of the crucial levers that are required to unlock the full potential of growing renewable energy ecosystem of South Africa. The total of 165 out of 257 municipalities operating in the country as electricity service providers.
The local government sphere owns approximately half of the distribution grid of the country. It makes local government a significant partner in achieving JET objectives, but also a key role player in the development of the growing energy market, attracting the investment and opportunities, for all.
City of Cape Town is leading a proactive transition towards energy security, marked by record infrastructure investments across all the City Directorates, including R9.4 billion in 2023-24 and an ambitious R39.5 billion planned from the year 2024 to 2027.
The infrastructure pipeline includes the Cape Town’s planned R4 billion electricity grid expansion and upgrades, laying the foundation for a dynamic energy future with multiple power sources and thousands of small-scale generators.
Notably, it was an absolute pleasure to attend and participate in the panel discussion on ‘JET financing in the municipal sector’, sharing the sound financial management strategies of the city which have enabled to plan and rollout a multi-billion Rand infrastructure and energy resilience programme for Cape Town.
Xanthea explained that, as one of the outcomes of the conference was that they support and welcome the establishment of a JET Municipal Council focusing on municipal capacity development, financing and energy access.
She said, “It is our view that the JET is essential for South Africa’s clean energy future, sustainable development and economic growth. It is particularly important, as it will benefit all residents by aiming to alleviate energy poverty, harnessing new energy supply and optimising our energy, among others.”
Furthermore, municipalities play an important role as the drivers of the energy future when it comes to providing clean and affordable energy to communities, businesses and industry. The conference also gave the City an opportunity to learn from stakeholders across the country and we look forward to building and achieving the sustainable energy future together.