SME mission to South Africa: Call for ‘Expressions of Interest’
Introduction
Small and medium sized UK businesses (SMEs) innovating in the power sector – including solar, storage, smart grids, electric vehicle infrastructure and other clean tech – have been invited by our partner Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) to submit an Expression of Interest to join a mission to South Africa in order to build partnerships and showcase their expertise.
ESC has already been working on a project in South Africa in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), energy utility Eskom and Sustainable Energy Africa – with the trip planned for Monday 30th March – Friday 3rd April 2020.
Background
As the second largest economy in Africa, with a population of over 58 million, South Africa’s energy resources are a crucial issue in the country. South Africa’s energy sector lacks diversity, as the country currently produces 80% of its electricity using coal and as a result it is one of the 15 largest emitters of CO2 worldwide. However, the deteriorating operational performance of the national electricity system, increasing electricity prices and falling cost for renewable generation provides significant potential in energy efficiency and to increase the share of renewable energy in country’s energy mix.
As highlighted in South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), small-scale embedded generation will play an increasing role in the future electricity system. Their carbon pricing system, support for energy efficiency and demand side management, coupled with the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), has seen South Africa become an attractive country for entrepreneurs and investors. In June 2018, the Independent Power Producer Office reported that the total investment in REIPPPP projects was Rand 201 billion (~£11bn), of which Rand 48.7 billion (~£2.5bn) originated from foreign investors and financiers.
Who should apply
UK small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) innovating in the electricity sector and interested in entering the South African market are encouraged to submit an application to join a mission to South Africa 30th March – 3rd April 2020.
Up to five SMEs will be selected by an expert panel and must qualify under the following criteria:
- Must be a UK registered business
- Must be an SME as defined by the European Commission
- Must be innovating in one of these areas:
- Power & Electricity
- Solar
- Energy Storage
- Smart Grid
- Clean Technologies
- Electrical Vehicles Infrastructure
How to apply
• UK SMEs and innovators active in the energy sectors (above) are invited: Submit an Expression of Interest.
• Please note: The mission is timed to coincide with the Solar Show Africa in Johannesburg 31st March – 1st April, which provides an opportunity for you to meet and network with South African sustainable energy professionals. SMES who are selected will be required to fund their own delegate passes to the Solar Show Africa.
Expressions of Interest close at midday Friday 14th February 2020. Successful applicants will be informed by 28th February.
