When it comes to navigating the changing landscape of the energy industry, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) believes that South Africa and India share many challenges. Hence, there is a pressing need to engage with industry leaders in South Africa and India regarding to explore mutual investment opportunities.

Key topics at Matla-Urja 2024

Themed ‘Energy synergy’, Matla-Urja 2024 will cover a wide range of topics on 28 November 2024, including these: 

• Efficient power equipment
• Efficient operations and innovations in the energy sector
• Emerging trends in emission-free energy
• Energy infrastructure: Focus on smart grids and metering systems.
   

With its massive energy infrastructure and manufacturing, India is forecasted to double over the next 7 years, reaching a market valuation of US$130 billion by 2030. It presents itself as a 1-stop solution, from the industry leader in efficient energy equipment manufacturing to the latest innovation in transmission and distribution.

South Africa’s path to sustainable energy

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, India and South Africa explore various renewable energy sources to enhance their energy security. Indian companies can help South Africa reform its energy infrastructure to become more sustainable and ready for the future.

Matla-Urja 2024 will delve into different energy types, including solar, wind and hydro, highlighting their potential to transform the energy landscape. Additionally, discussions will cover implementing advanced meter systems that optimise energy consumption and improve efficiency.

In South Africa, the role of nuclear power stations will also be examined, as they contribute significantly to the country’s energy mix and help achieve sustainability goals.

The conference will convene business leaders, energy professionals, experts, energy financers and thought leaders to share insights, discuss emerging trends and collectively shape the future of the energy sector in India and South Africa, including unlocking investment potential. 

Post-conference visits to Sasol and Eskom

Wits Business School (WBS) and the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg will host a 2-day conference at WBS. This event will feature the following:

• Networking opportunities
  Business leaders, energy professionals and thought leaders will come together to share insights and discuss emerging trends.
  
  
• Site visits
  Delegates will visit leading energy players in South Africa, including Sasol and Eskom, fostering impactful engagement.
   

The station’s design life and the implementation of the grid initiatives outlined in the Transmission Development Plan 2023–2032 (TDP) will unlock grid capacity, enabling more new generation capacity to connect in grid-constrained areas.

Balancing the cost of supply, environmental impact, and emissions reduction goals  in the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is crucial. At the same time, just energy transitions in South Africa demands significant efforts to make the  energy sector more sustainable and address climate change.

Indian experience from power deficit to power surplus 

India has made remarkable strides in transforming its energy landscape, achieving a total installed capacity of 370 106 gigawatt-hour (GWh) compared to just 1 362 GWh at the time of independence in 1947. This transformation reflects the commitment of the Indian government to enhance energy security and accessibility.

India’s growing energy infrastructure

Capacity additions (2023–2032)

The following capacity additions are currently underway:

• Thermal capacity
  • Under construction: 27 180 megawatt (MW)
  • Total anticipated capacity by 2031–2032: 87 910 MW
     
• Hydro capacity
  • Under construction: 18 033,5 MW (including stalled projects)
  • Total anticipated capacity by 2031–2032: 42 014 MW
     
• Nuclear energy capacity
  • Under construction: 8 000 MW
  • Total anticipated capacity by 2031–2032: 12 200 MW
     
• Renewable energy capacity
  • Under construction: 78 935 MW
  • Total anticipated capacity by 2031–2032: 322 000 MW

This comprehensive approach underscores India's goal to provide secure, accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy to its vast population. The focus on revamping the entire energy supply chain is a testament to India's resilience and a valuable model for South Africa, which shares similar energy ambitions.

Amith Singh, speaker on Trends in Energy Financing in Africa

Amith Singh is a MCom graduate and a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) with a TGM from Insead.  

Amith currently heads up the Energy Finance Team at Nedbank CIB, which is one of the most successful energy teams in Africa. He is a specialist transactor in the African power sector and has been in this role for most of his professional career.

He has structured, negotiated, and banked transactions across numerous geographics and technologies, and led the Energy Finance Team to steer one of the leading renewable energy programmes in Africa, including many strategic power projects in Africa.

Amith has extensive experience in the energy sector and significant relationships with world-leading independent power producers.