The Current | Ep 1 | At the coalface of SA's energy transition

Loading player...
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the The Current, an Investec Focus Radio podcast series, in which your host Iman Rappetti takes you on a thought-provoking 10-part journey of South Africa's energy transition.

In this episode, Investec's Campbell Parry, Chris Holdsworth and Samantha Mooi are joined by James Mackay, CEO of the Energy Council of SA. Together they discuss the multifaceted social, economic, and environmental implications that South Africa faces amidst its journey towards a sustainable future.

00:00 Introduction
02:33 Meet the guests
03:11 Solving South Africa’s energy crisis
04:35 “South Africa is going to transition by mistake”
05:13 The economic impact of not undergoing a Just Energy Transition
07:58 Is it fair for developing countries to be penalised?
08:30 Managing the balance between profit and people
09:19 The European energy crisis
10:48 Government more committed to public-private partnerships
12:49 Progress on corporate emissions reductions and the REIPPP
15:00 Technology disruption is what’s really driving the value of the energy transition
15:35 Targets in the Integrated Resources Plan
16:50 Is nuclear an option?
17:56 The potential of natural gas as an alternative power sources
19:16 It’s time to implement our plans
20:20 What do we need to achieve in the next 10 years?
21:38 What impact will the energy transition have on jobs?
24:32 Affordability of renewable energy
25:42 Insights from COP28
27:21 Closing comments

Tune in to this enlightening conversation and be part of the dialogue that could shape the trajectory of South Africa's energy landscape. Whether you're an industry professional, policy-maker, or a concerned citizen, this episode promises to offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This episode was brought to you by Investec Wealth & Investment's Global Sustainability Equity Fund. Invest in world class companies dedicated to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that we believe can provide you with attractive returns. The fund strives to have a 100% net positive SDG impact. Learn more: https://www.investec.com/en_za/investment/invest-offshore/global-sustainable-equity-fund.html
26 Feb 2024 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

What next? | Rewiring finance for a better future

Group Chairman of Standard Chartered, José Viñals, Sarah Kemmitt, former lead of the UN Net Zero Banking Alliance and Dr. Nina Seeger, Director of CISL Centre for Sustainable Finance discuss how finance can accelerate sustainable development more effectively. From addressing the mispricing of climate and nature risk, to correcting market…
18 Dec 48 min

What next? | Bridging political fault-lines

Gillian Tett and Professor Bob Eccles discuss how anti-ESG sentiment and political tensions, particularly stemming from USA, are reshaping climate policy, corporate behaviour, and markets. These two globally respected interpreters of political economy and corporate purpose examine what this means for global action, and how leaders can navigate the fragmented…
11 Dec 39 min

Macro Monday Ep 99: Global growth remains strong

The latest global purchasing managers index numbers show that there’s little indication of a slowdown in global growth. Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, Investec Wealth & Investment International says the US numbers have also been strong, but key indicators show that US inflation is above target levels.
8 Dec 8 min

What next? | Powering Africa's future

A discussion of Africa’s energy transition as both an economic strategy and a question of agency, featuring insights from Professor Carlos Lopes and investment leader Jasandra Nyker. They argue that while the world often views Africa through the narrow lens of risk, fragility, or aid dependency, the continent increasingly sees…
3 Dec 48 min