Windaba 2025, happening at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 21 to 23 October, is taking action under the theme ‘Break the Gridlock! Wire for Growth!’ to accelerate implementation and unlock wind energy investment opportunities.
Hosted by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), the 14th annual conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, global partners, and civil society to drive practical solutions that unlock investment in wind energy, expand grid capacity, support industrialisation, and strengthen the country’s energy security, with wind power at the core.
“The wind [energy] sector continues to demonstrate its resilience and steady growth. We now need to match this momentum with enabling infrastructure that will ensure a reliable supply of affordable clean energy,” says Morongoa Ramaboa, SAWEA’s chief communications officer.
“Windaba 2025 is a solutions-driven platform where collaboration leads to action, and action leads to progress.”
Grid needs urgent expansion
At the heart of effective energy planning lies credible scientific data, which is essential for shaping the environment needed to build and sustain a reliable energy supply. Insights from the 2024 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey reaffirm the urgent need for grid expansion and highlight opportunities for regional growth, particularly in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
These findings align with the objectives of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, offering a clear roadmap for future development.
“Platforms such as Windaba play an instrumental role in translating this data into action, facilitating dialogue, aligning stakeholders, and supporting government interventions that drive progress in South Africa’s energy transition,” explains Ramaboa.
With the approval of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan and the wind allocations outlined in the revised Integrated Resource Plan, the country is sending strong signals that it is ready for accelerated renewable energy expansion.
These developments are positive market indicators, highlighting a policy environment that supports growth, localisation, and increased grid integration.
Strengthening local manufacturing and advancing wind policy
This year’s conference will focus on the resulting opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, drive industrial development, and advance the implementation of forward-looking policies that stimulate the wind energy market.
The Windaba 2025 programme will also showcase tools and frameworks such as the Generation Connection Capacity Assessment and Transmission Development Plan to support strategic planning and investment.
The conference offers a credible, independent platform for key stakeholders to engage, share insights, and maintain transparency while driving implementation forward.
“With strong public-private engagement, 2025 is set to be a defining year. Windaba is not just a dialogue; it’s a launchpad for change, putting South Africa’s energy security and global competitiveness at the heart of the conversation,” concludes Ramaboa.
For more information, visit sawea.org.za/windaba. Register for Windaba 2025 at windaba.co.za.
