Controversial Energy Council of South Africa launches Energise Mzansi

• The controversial Energy Council of South Africa , largely considered a fossil fuel lobby group, has launched Energise Mzansi, a nationwide campaign to boost energy literacy and empower South Africans to engage in the energy transition.
• Through a dedicated website and coordinated communications, the campaign makes key information, data, and tools accessible – enabling inclusive, informed dialogue on the path to a sustainable and equitable energy future.
• The Energy Council of South Africa recently scored a D+ in LobbyMap’s assessment of its engagement on climate policy. Read more
• The Presidency recently raised concern over the appointment of Bain & Co by the Energy Council of South Africa

Structured to maximise reach and engagement, the energy council says that Energise Mzansi leverages a strategic mix of traditional and digital media platforms, delivering a unified message that fosters a shared understanding of South Africa’s energy transition among key stakeholders.

Backed by ongoing research and energy modelling, the campaign focuses on 6 technical energy topics key to understanding the energy transition:

1. Energy is an integrated system: Shifting from a polarised “supply mix” ideology to a practical, integrated system planning and delivery approach. This aims to balance Supply side actions with Demand response and changing trends, the increasing importance of infrastructure and digital integration and the critical issue of a competitive marketplace.
2. Our vital emissions obligations: South Africa has an intensive carbon footprint and is now exposed to carbon tax and carbon border adjustments from 2026 with our biggest trade partner, Europe. What is the impact of emissions, do we have practical pathways to address them and how do we align to international commitments and policies driving the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future?
3. Our ongoing coal dependency: Examining coal’s critical role in South Africa’s energy mix, which is still planned to be in operation well beyond 2026. The need for cleaner, reliable and more efficient use, and the pathway to a strategic, balanced transition not compromising energy security and economic stability.
4. Bridging the transition with gas: Exploring how gas could provide crucial support to South Africa’s energy system by meeting fluctuating demand, system variability and bridging the gap as renewable energy grows and large coal stations are decommissioned.
5. Scaling renewables and storage: Evaluating the growing adoption of solar and wind energy as well as battery storage, focusing on the advantages of renewable energy, the barriers to widespread deployment, and the role of technology in making renewables a central part of South Africa’s energy future.
6. Reforming the Energy Market: Understanding the critical need and benefits of a competitive wholesale electricity market to unlock investment, drive efficiency and lower prices, as well as anchor South Africa’s future power sector eco-system.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal