State-owned power utility Eskom this week unveiled a Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei power station, marking a practical milestone in linking South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) to new local economic opportunities in climate-smart food production and skills development. Together with the government of the Netherlands, and with support from Enterprising Africa Regional Network, Mpumalanga Green Cluster, Seed2Feed Foundation, Holland Green Tech, Ridder and other agricultural organisations, eight community members from the Dipaleseng municipality are being trained as greenhouse facilitators.
Even if only incremental steps are taken, South Africa must continue to progress its electricity market liberalisation and reform agenda, such as launching the South Africa Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM), even if only involving a few organisations. Further, while there were many competing challenges to be addressed to ensure progress, grid access was highlighted as a key element in the coming year by the experts who participated in the ‘South Africa’s Energy Outlook 2026 – Sustaining Reform Momentum’ webinar hosted by Creamer Media on January 28.