Welcome by conference organisers

09:10-09:20 Welcome:
• Vusumuzi Dlamini, Director & Chairperson, EIUG

09:20-09:40 Keynote: Why South Africa needs to decarbonise industry
South Africa's industrial sector is a significant contributor to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, driven largely by its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. Decarbonising this sector is crucial for several reasons which will be discussed.

Speaker:
Mike Teke, Group CEO, Seriti Resources

09:40-10:50: Exploring Strategies to Accelerate the Adoption of C&I Solar and Storage Solutions in South Africa
During this insightful session we will delve into the current landscape of commercial and industrial solar and storage technologies. This session will also highlight effective strategies and innovative approaches to expedite their adoption, ensuring a sustainable and energy-efficient future for South Africa.

Moderator:
• Ayanda Noah, Group Chairperson, CEF

Speakers
• Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, Renewable energy manager, Sibanye Stillwater
• Precious Mpepele, Commercial Country Manager, Africa GreenCo
• Rosalind Dos Santos, Group energy manager, Mpact
• Rethabile Melamu, Chief Executive Officer, SAPVIA
• Matthew le Cordeur, Research manager, Just energy transition, Krutham

Join us for an insightful session focusing on the role of wind generation in South Africa's industrial power and energy sector.

Speakers:
Janice Finley, Economic Development Manager, Seriti Green

This session will focus on the integration of battery storage within Eskom's distribution network and its implications for large commercial and industrial (C&I) entities.

Monde Bala, Group Executive, Distribution, Eskom

In the quest for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, nuclear power remains a topic of significant debate. This session will explore the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of adopting nuclear energy for industrial power generation.

Speakers:
• Des Muller, Managing Director, NuEnergy Developments
• Bismark Tyobeka, Vice Chancellor, North-West University

As industries strive to become more sustainable and cost-efficient, optimizing energy use through energy efficiency and demand side management becomes essential. This session will delve into strategies, technologies, and best practices for enhancing energy efficiency and managing energy demand in industrial settings.

Management focus on production and not on energy efficiency
• Lack of awareness of financial and qualitative benefits
• Lack of technical skills internally
• Poor data and monitoring systems
• A disconnection between capital and operating budgets

Moderator:
Daniel SP Chowdhury, Adjunct Professor, Nelson Mandela University

Panellists:
• Willem Den Heijer, Energy Manager, Samancor Chrome
• Talent Duma, Senior Project Officer, DSM and Applied Energy, SANEDI
• Duduzile Makhathini, Goldfields
• Malcolm van Harte, Esko

This session will address the key aspects of network infrastructure development, focusing on investment requirements and cost allocation. We will explore open market development, discussing market liberalisation and competitive pricing strategies. Additionally, the session will cover structural adjustments, examining the roles of policy and regulation, as well as the broader economic impacts.

The biggest concerns I have at with regards to energy sector are:
1. Future pricing of electricity in South Africa
2. A return of loadshedding
3. That a lack of network access will make it impossible for me to pursue expansion into other provinces
4. All of the above

Moderator:
Khulekani Mathe, Designate CEO, BUSA

Panellists:
• Ronald Marais, Strategic Grid Planning Manager NTCSA
• James MacKay, CEO, Energy Council of South Africa
• Grove Steyn, Meridian Economics

Leslie Marbury, Southern Africa Mission Director, USAID

Silas Zimu, Special Adviser to the Minister of Electricity and Energy

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Energy Procument Options
This session focuses on the various energy procurement strategies available to the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector, specifically for those looking to procure or secure their own electricity generation. Industry experts will delve into multiple options, including Energy as a Service (EaaS), in front of the meter (IFM) and behind the meter (BTM) solutions, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Session Moderator:
Antjie Klauss-Vorreiter, Green Solar Academy and SAPVIA GOVCO member

Speakers:
• John Taylor, Head of C&I and M&A, Yellow Door Energy
• Claude Peters, Ren Energy and SAPVIA GOVCO member
• Oliver Johnston, Founder and CEO, SAPVIA/Solink

A deeper dive into the role of gas as a viable industrial generation option.

Considerations include:
• Strategies for integrating gas into existing energy frameworks
• Challenges and opportunities in the South African context

Craig Morkel, Chairperson, Gas Economy Leadership Team, SAOGA

As South Africa faces growing energy demands amidst environmental challenges, it is critical to address how diverse energy solutions can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of its industrial sector.

Moderator:
Xolile Msimanga, Secretary General, SANEA

Panellists:
• Sonwabo Damba, Energy Planning Specialist, Department of Energy
• Warwick Pierce, Principal Engineer, University of Stellenbosch
• Craig Morkel, Chairperson, Gas Economy Leadership Team, SAOGA
• Loyiso Tyabashe, Group CEO, NECSA
• Rethabile Melamu, CEO, SAPVIA
• Niveshen Govender, CEO, SAWEA

#1: What should be the top priority for South Africa’s energy-intensive users in optimising the energy mix over the next decade?
A. Delaying coal power station decommissioning to ensure baseload reliability
B. Expanding the role of gas as a transitional energy source
C.Investing in nuclear for long-term stability and sustainability
D.Supporting a balanced mix of energy sources, including coal, renewables, and gas
E.Improving energy storage and grid infrastructure for better reliability

#2: Which factor do you believe will have the most significant impact on procurement strategies for South Africa’s energy-intensive users over the next decade?

A. Baseload reliability and managing coal decommissioning
B. Affordability and flexibility of gas as a transitional fuel
C. Regulatory and policy support for a balanced energy mix
D. Technological advancements in energy generation and storage
E. Pressure from international markets and standards (e.g., CBAM compliance)

The session focuses on strategies for accelerating a just energy transition while addressing the challenges posed by carbon taxes and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The discourse aims to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations to ensure an equitable and sustainable shift to cleaner energy sources.

Moderator:
• Tsakani Mthombeni, Executive: Sustainable Development, Implats

Panellists:
• Storm Patel, Commercial Director, TASC
• Paseka Mabina, DFFE
• Hendrik de Villiers, Humamin
• Seutame Maimele, Economist, TIPS

Discussions emphasize the significance of collaborative efforts, strategic policies, and the active participation of industrial stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and inclusive shift to renewable energy sources.

Moderator:
• Titus Mathe, CEO, SANEDI

Panellists:
• Mzila Mthenjane, Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Council South Africa
• Neil Cole, Financing manager, JET Implementation plan project management unit (PMU), The Presidency