The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) supports the Leaders' Declaration adopted at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, particularly the commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and the focus on accelerating a just and inclusive energy transition across the African continent.

SAPVIA views the G20 Declaration as a landmark achievement under the South African Presidency, and as a critical global mandate that aligns perfectly with the country's efforts to rapidly deploy renewable energy, led by solar PV, to achieve energy security and economic growth.

"The G20 Leaders have delivered a resounding global mandate, the future is renewable, and solar PV is the engine of that future," said Sim Khuluse, Technical and Policy Manager of SAPVIA.

"The commitment to triple global renewables is not just a climate goal; it is a clear investment signal that will unlock trillions in finance. South Africa, with its abundant solar resources and established independent power producer market, is perfectly positioned to be a primary beneficiary and driver of this ambition,” he said.

The G20 Declaration specifically acknowledged the need to address the financing and technology gaps in developing nations, a priority championed by the South African Presidency.

SAPVIA highlights three critical areas where this global commitment must translate into immediate local action:

·Mobilising private capital: The G20's support for low-cost and innovative financing, the launch of the Africa Energy Efficiency Facility (AfEEF), a joint initiative of the African Union and South Africa, provides a critical opportunity that must be leveraged to de-risk investment across the South African solar PV sector. This support must include investment in the local manufacturing of solar components and storage, ensuring a truly just and localized value chain. Industrialization, driven by the growth of manufacturing of these Solar PV related components, is critical for enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and ensuring broad-based economic growth.

·Accelerated grid expansion and modernisation: To absorb the capacity required by the G20's tripling goal, immediate and significant investment in the transmission and distribution grid is non-negotiable. SAPVIA calls for the fast-tracking of transmission projects outlined in the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) to remove the largest constraint on large-scale solar deployment.

·Decisive policy implementation: The Declaration reinforces the need for clear, stable policy. SAPVIA urges the government to immediately implement the full capacity allocated to solar PV in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and further streamline permitting processes for both utility-scale and embedded generation projects to enable rapid market response.

"We commend President Ramaphosa and the entire G20 Presidency team for placing Africa's priorities of just energy transition financing and critical minerals at the heart of the global agenda," Khuluse added.

"SAPVIA stands ready to partner with government, private investors, financing institutions, and international partners to ensure South Africa not only meets this global momentous tripling task but leads the continent in delivering reliable, affordable, and clean power to its citizens."

SAPVIA will use the mandate of the G20 Declaration in its ongoing engagements with the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and relevant regulatory bodies to advocate for the necessary regulatory reforms and infrastructural investment required to cement South Africa’s position as a solar PV powerhouse.