OVER 53 GW of wind energy projects are currently in development, representing an almost 60% increase since 2023, according to the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea). This surge signals growing investor confidence, sectoral readiness, and the country’s deepening commitment to a cleaner, more inclusive energy future. With swift and strategic action, current grid constraints could soon become a challenge of the past.
Windaba 2025 is returning to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 21 to 23 Oc-tober and taking an action-oriented approach with the theme: “Break the Gridlock! Wire for Growth!”. It is a rallying call to accelerate implementation and unlock wind investment opportunities. Hosted by Sawea, the 14th annual conference will convene policymakers, industry leaders, global partners, and civil society to drive practical solutions that unlock wind investment, expand grid capacity, support industrialisation, and strengthen South Africa’s energy security, with wind energy at the centre.
“The wind 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, reliable and clean energy,” says Morongoa Ramaboa, chief communication officer of Sawea. “Windaba 2025 is de-signed as a solutions-driven platform where collaboration leads to action, and action leads to progress.”
Sawea says that at the heart of effective energy planning lies credible scientific data – essential for shap-ing the environment needed to build and sustain a reliable energy supply. Insights from the 2024 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) reaffirm the urgent need for grid expansion and high-light 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 (JET-IP), 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,” adds Ramaboa.
With the approval of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) and the wind allocations outlined in the revised Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), South Africa 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.
This year’s conference will spotlight 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, like the Grid Connection Ca-pacity Assessment (GCCA) and Transmission Development Plan (TDP), to support strategic planning and investment. The conference provides a credible and independent platform for key stakeholders to en-gage, share insights, and maintain transparency, while driving implementation forward.
“With strong public and private sector engagement, 2025 is set to be a defining year,” Ramaboa con-cludes. “Windaba is not just a dialogue – it’s a launchpad for change, putting South Africa’s energy secu-rity and global competitiveness at the heart of the conversation.”
