Women in Green Economy, Women in Renewable Energy

Key outcomes from WIN. How do we better involve women in the green economy?

Posted on by admin
13
Jun

In this dedicated article by ESI Africa, we dive into some of the key outcomes and discussion points from the Women In Green Economy breakfast, hosted at Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2024.

“Research doe by the European Investment Fund shows that companies with greater representation of women in leadership have better track records in adopting environmentally friendly practices and climate actions Nonetheless, women still lack representation in climate negotiations.

During a Women In Green Economy breakfast at Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Nalishebo Meebelo, the africa Lead for CACCI, stressed this fact while presenting her opening remarks. In pursuit of creating green jobs in Africa’s green economy, Meebelo also said that women’s employment should be neglected.”

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Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence, Women in Energy, Women in Renewable Energy

Katherine Persson, Head of Group Company | SOLA Assets (Pty) Ltd at The SOLA Group

Posted on by admin
13
Jun

Bio 

Katherine is a renewable energy enthusiast with a remarkable track record of over 18 years of professional experience. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of creating and expanding renewable energy businesses and teams, predominantly in Southern and East Africa. Her expertise spans various crucial areas, including project development, project finance, project management, environmental management, stakeholder engagement, and asset management.

Graduating with degrees (BSc Hons and MSc) in 2003 and 2004, Katherine later complemented her specialist skills with valuable business acumen. In 2016, she graduated with distinction, earning an MBA from the prestigious University of Stellenbosch. This comprehensive knowledge has proven instrumental in her success as a leader in the renewable energy sector.

Katherine has enjoyed exposure to executive responsibilities in her corporate roles and has demonstrated her commitment to the industry by serving on the boards of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC). She is a qualified director under the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), further underscoring her commitment to professional excellence and governance.

Currently, Katherine holds the position of Head of SOLA Assets Pty Ltd at SOLA Group. In her role, she leads SOLA’s Project Development and Project Finance teams, as well as overseeing the Asset Management division. SOLA Group is renowned as South Africa’s leading provider of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) under Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs), with a particular expertise in large wheeling transactions. Prior to her time at SOLA, Katherine spent a decade working for the international wind energy developer, Windlab.

Katherine actively champions diversity and inclusion in the energy sector. She is a mentor to women in the industry, and an advocate for increased representation of women in executive positions. Outside her busy professional life, Katherine finds joy as a mother of two and is a renowned endurance open water swimmer, demonstrating her determination and tenacity beyond the boardroom.

Personal Questions

In your position at SOLA Group, what are you doing to support the careers of other women in the municipality?

At SOLA Group, we embrace the imperative of enhancing women’s development and promoting diversity, especially in our senior leadership positions. Our commitment to this cause is exemplified by our tailored women in leadership development program, which provides comprehensive business coaching to our talented female team members. Through this initiative, women in our organization engage in direct conversations with our executive team, actively shaping the future of our business.

Aside from our internal activities we also promote female development and empowerment in our projects.  One example is that we are currently constructing two large solar PV plants where we have surpassed our own targets for the percentage of women in the workforce, with over 30% of the employees on site being female.  It’s great to visit our site and see young women in positions of responsibility, supervising teams and providing top quality professional services in the construction sector.

In your opinion, why do you think the energy sector in its current state has less female representation and do you see it increasing?

The energy sector, like many other industries, faces a gender representation imbalance, particularly at senior and executive levels. Overcoming centuries of entrenched institutional and societal systems that limited diversity is an ongoing challenge. However, the encouraging part is that times are changing rapidly.

South Africa’s green energy industry stands out as a beacon of progress, actively fostering more opportunities for women. This positive shift is evident in the increased representation of women in senior management and executive teams across public, private, and non-profit organizations. Seeing this transformation is really exciting!

As we move forward, my hope is that young women considering a career in the renewable energy sector recognize the expanding space for them to thrive and contribute significantly. Times are evolving, and the path is becoming ever more exciting and promising for women seeking fruitful and rewarding careers in this dynamic field.

Industry Question

What recent legal or regulatory changes do you think have the potential to make a positive impact on energy access in Africa?

In South Africa, recent regulatory changes (specifically the lifting of the licensing cap by the energy regulator) have paved the way for exciting projects that provide renewable energy to corporate buyers under private Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).  The grid-connected renewable energy market was dominated by government-led procurement until late 2021, when SOLA Group entered into the first corporate PPA with wheeling, where SOLA sells renewable energy to Amazon and delivers this from a 10MW renewable energy plant in the Northern Cape, to Amazon’s facilities in Cape Town.

Since this breakthrough, SOLA’s success has soared, with the completion of financing and initiation of construction for two 100MW solar PV projects in late 2022, followed by another 100MW PV project in early 2023. Furthermore, 2023 also witnessed the conclusion of the first corporate PPA projects by IPPs involving wind energy.

These achievements signal the rapid opening up of the renewable energy market in South Africa and serve as a promising example for other African countries to follow suit. With the recent approval of the first license needed for the creation of a new National Transmission Operator by the energy regulator in South Africa, the stage is set for rapid market evolution. This creates diverse opportunities for both small and large businesses to play a vital role in resolving the South African energy crisis.

This ongoing transformation opens up numerous prospects for women-owned and women-led enterprises to participate in this crucial sector. Moreover, it presents young women with ample opportunities to enter and thrive in the renewable energy field, contributing to the development of a more sustainable energy future in the region.

Women in Green Economy, Women in Logistics, Women in Oil and Gas, Women in Renewable Energy, Women in Transportation

Thabisile Ledwaba, Founder & Managing Director of Solar Stokvel as Etimbili Renewable Energy

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13
Jun

Bio 

Ms. Thabisile Ledwaba, a South African citizen born in Ga-Pila, Mokopane, Limpopo and a businesswoman who co-founded Ga-Pila Education Trust and has vast experience and interests in various sectors of the economy including circular economy, smart cities, green sanitation, energy, transport & logistics, consulting, mining, ICT, television production and skills development. She has vast experience in consulting in ICT projects in the regulatory, insurance, banking, financial, and public sectors.

She has self-published a self-help book titled “Procrastination” in 2015 which is published globally. Though her work at Ga-Pila Education Trust, she gets to mentor youth in their personal and academic development.

She founded Solar Stokvel trading as Etimbili Renewable Energy and Power in 2016, Ndala Energy and Liphezulu Energy in 2021, specializing in development, construction, operation, maintenance, commissioning, and financing of residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale renewable energy projects. She was appointed as Local Representative, equity partner and Executive by SEMCO International – a renewable energy company based in California US.

Questions

How did you end up in the energy sector and what advice would you give to other women wanting to follow a similar career trajectory?

I fell in love with energy after becoming a mentee of Dr Strive Masiyiwa who challenged us to take advantage of opportunities in green sanitation, energy, food security, telecommunications, fintech, etcetera and I challenged myself to study for renewable energy and sustainability studies at Stellenbosch University.

In your position at Solar Stokvel what are you doing to support the careers of other women in the municipality?

I am planning to establish an energy academy that will focus on bursaries, scholarships and imparting of skills to women by starting at grass roots levels.

How does your business actively encourage women empowerment and development?

I mostly prioritise working with women entrepreneurs in my projects before I consider men.

In your opinion, why do you think the energy sector in its current state has less female representation and do you see it increasing?

Gender mainstreaming is still an issue and gap as energy sector is still dominated by men and considered a male industry. More studies and research needs to be done to mainstream gender into the energy sector so that we see women taking lead across all the levels and decision-making of energy sector.

What are some of the major changes you’ve seen during your time in this industry?

Local companies can compete in utility-scale independent power producer programs by energy departments, municipalities, mining, corporate, and industrial.

What do you see as the role of women in ensuring energy security and resilience in the power sector?

Women are disproportionately impacted by energy security as they are primary caregivers and have to find creative ways to secure electricity in the midst of loadshedding. Therefore, are best placed to advise of the negative impact of energy insecurity and safer energy mix options to close the gap. With women forward we can have resilient energy policies.

What message do you have for other women entering a male-dominated sector?

The great place to start is to learn the industry by understanding energy policies, procurement frameworks, global trends, and development finance.

What unique opportunities do you see for women in your sector?

I see women dominating in the energy policy and financing landscape opportunities presented by just energy transition and climate action.

How do you hope to see women more included in the energy sector?

Energy studies should dominate the academic space so that it can be more visible to women without having to travel far to study.

How do you think men can support a more equal workplace as well as help accelerate women in their careers?

Men can support women by seeing them as their equal by having confidence in their ability and capability without seeing them as empowerment checklist.

What is the most important conversation we should be having in the sector?

Lack of access to inclusive financing for SMEs is an important conversation we should have because when you submit bid to build a power station you are required to have letter of intention to fund. A 100 MW solar project will cost around 1.5 billion rand minimum and access to land of 300 hectares is part of the submission requirement. So, without access of finance to fund the construction and land, women will be excluded from participating in just energy transition.

What recent legal or regulatory changes do you think have the potential to make a positive impact on energy access in Africa?

The lifting off licensing requirements for independent power producer projects of up to 100MW which department of energy and President Ramaphosa announced in August 2021 was a game changer as licensing authorisations take too long.

Women in Engineering, Women in Mining, Women in Renewable Energy

Feature – Refilwe Mokgosi, Chief Area Engineer Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Posted on by admin
13
Jun

Bio 

My name is Refilwe Mokgosi, I am an electrical engineer registered as professional technologist. Employed as Chief Area Engineer responsible for Springs and Nigel Energy Department at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Previously appointed as Executive Director: Public Works in Emfuleni Local Municipality. I am responsible for Electricity Department, Roads AND Stormwater Department and Environmental Management and Planning Department.

I have been in the engineering industry for 21 years. I have been in held several positions with the electricity and energy industry in different municipalities (City of Tshwane, City Power, City of Ekurhuleni) and Eskom (Generation and Distribution).

I hold several qualifications, some being, B-Tech in Electrical Engineering Heavy Current, Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) and Executive Development Management Program

I am ambitious, fearless, self-driven and I multi-tasking. I am immediate past President of Association of Municipal Electricity Utility (AMEU) President and Women in Electricity former Chairperson and Sponsor. I serve at the GCC commission of examiners at the Department of Labour, in several committees including ECSA IDoEW.

Socially I am wife and mother of two boys passionate about sports. I am Runner, Cyclist and aspiring swimmer. Completed 10 comrades’ marathons and 9 Two Oceans. Participated in several cycling events such as 94.7, Cape Argus, one day 3 stage Jock classic, Maluti Double 90, Double Century race and I’m recently aspired triathlon.

Questions

In your opinion, why do you think the energy sector in its current state has less female representation and do you see it increasing?

“The engineering profession and Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration database still reflects a higher number of male engineering practitioners compared to the female counterparts. While strides are being made to bridge the gap and ensure transformation of the profession, it is acknowledged that more still needs to be done.” The sector still has a significant imbalance between male and female employees. The sector largely been male-oriented in previous years which a concerted efforts to encourage more females to join different roles and we have seen greater improvement though there is still much to be done to level the playing field. If you compare 10 years ago to date, there is significant improving. This will not be an overnight change, but it will take few more years to have balanced sector.

What message do you have for other women entering a male-dominated sector?

My message to women entering this sector or planning to enter the industry is don’t allow any of your colleagues makes you feel you don’t belong here, do you best to master space. Like any other person when you are joining any company spent a lot of time learning the business, knowledge is important, do the tidy work “site visiting, ask as many questions as you could to understand your roles in the business, go extra mile for your sake. Networking is very important there are so much pool of experienced women you can tap into their knowledge. Look for them and make it your priority number one to engage and learn from them. We have groups such as AMEU “women in electricity” etc. they can join to acquire more skill and knowledge.

How did you end up in the energy sector and what advice would you give to other women wanting to follow a similar career trajectory?

Two of my brothers are in similar engineering sector one in mining and the other in telecommuting. They both inspired me so much growing up and all I knew that time was I want to be an engineer. Hence my choice of subject at high school level. A good mentorship is needed to assist in building a good care foundation.

What message do you have for other women entering a male-dominated sector?

I still say when women participate fully in an economy, they form resilient businesses and enable achievement of economic and development goals. The benefits of investing in women expand beyond their immediate families, to their communities and countries, too. Stand your grounds in what you believe and go out there and shine, I believe in you and all you need to do is to believe in yourself.

What opportunities do you see in Africa’s energy market?

The sector is expanding and it’s for us to crab the opportunity to play more in the renewable energy or alternative energy space. There are so many programmes that are available and waiting for us to participate. Read a lot especial the engineering magazines and newsletters. Join webinars and conference to expand your knowledge and grab opportunities.

What role do women play in the decision-making authorities regulating energy transition issues in your organisation?

Mostly women play a leadership role and provide direction. It is natural for women to produce solutions in a complex environment. Be part of committees that deals with industry policies, volunteer your time, and forget about the rest, and all will fall into places. As women you need to be self-driven and if you don’t have that character, you better build it because no one is going to come push you, you must push yourself to the limits.