South Africa & Germany strengthens collaboration for wind and solar development!

Formalised relationships by South Africa and Germany’s respective wind and solar energy industries are set to drive greater cooperation in these sectors. 

In June 2024, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), creating a foundation for formal cooperation between the two bodies. 

 Also in June, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and the German Solar Association (BSW), reaffirmed their existing commitment by updating and signing their MoU during the Intersolar Europe conference in Munich.   

These developments followed a successful dialogue, hosted by the South African-German Energy Partnership in September 2023, between German and South African renewable energy industry associations. 

“These MoUs represent important milestones in promoting renewable energy solutions in both countries,” says Henrik Hartmann, Head of Secretariat for the South African-German Energy Partnership. 

“They are grounded on mutual information sharing and cooperation based on organisational development, technical support and the exploration of business opportunities for the respective members.” 

Further to the signing of the MoUs, a programme of action is being conceptualised and developed by the respective associations, with the support of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE). It is anticipated to be agreed upon by October 2024, after which it will be implemented.