Question NW2524 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
14 July 2023 - NW2524
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 214 on 24 February 2023, regarding the partnership between Eskom and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), his department has any role to play in the just energy transmission programme (JETP); if not, why not; if so, (2) whether the retraining programme that is being implemented by Eskom and CPUT therefore is of no interest to his department as it has a role to play in the JEPT; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department has its own JETP; if not, (a) why not and (b) which department is responsible for ensuring a just transition in the energy supply chain; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether there are any plans to replicate or implement similar programmes as part of his department’s just energy transition plans; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details; (5) what total number of affected employees has his department targeted for retraining under its own JETP plan?
Reply:
1. As stated previously, the details of the partnership between Eskom and South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) could best be responded to by the relevant department. In so far as the JETP, the department continues to work with the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) and provides comments as and when it is necessary to do so.
2. The department is on record in saying that the transition programme is not an event but a process that should not be rushed as it has to adequately respond to the needs of the people, central to which is the issues of retention of jobs, skills and reskilling of people and ensuring that no one is worse of. To this effect, the department is conducting analysis on social impacts not only understand the extent of the impact, but to also inform the decision-making process on the protection of jobs, and the required skills and reskilling, including the issues of health.
3. The department has developed a Just Energy Transition Framework which forms the basis for developing indicators for monitoring the socio-economic impacts of the transition.
4. The analysis we are currently conducting on socio-economic impacts and the definition of indicators to monitor such impacts will outline the details of what actions the department will be taking in the next financial year.
5. Similarly, the analysis should inform us on this by the end of this financial year.