- As South Africa advances towards a more open and competitive electricity market, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has unveiled a pivotal initiative to equip future market participants: the SAWEM School.
Launching in July 2025, SAWEM School is a structured, three-day-per-month programme that combines theoretical insight with practical simulations to prepare Independent Power Producers (IPPs), aggregators, traders, large customers and other stakeholders for participation in the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM).
“SAWEM School is your launchpad into the competitive electricity market,” said Keith Bowen, Senior Manager: Market Operations at NTCSA. “It’s a vital step in building a knowledgeable, compliant and capable participant base.”
Certification from the SAWEM School is compulsory for market entry, in line with the SAWEM requirements. Only those who complete the programme will be eligible to operate in the SAWEM market once live.
The curriculum includes:
- In-depth understanding of market roles and responsibilities
- Practical training on dispatch, gate closure and balancing mechanisms
- Financial settlement, credit requirements and risk management
- Real-world case studies led by NTCSA experts
“Our priority is system integrity and participant readiness. SAWEM School plays a critical role in achieving both,” Bowen added.
SAWEM School forms part of NTCSA’s commitment to creating a stable, fair and efficient electricity market that supports economic growth and energy sustainability.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: NTCSA
