The Windaba Conference and Exhibition is scheduled to take place from October 1-3, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This event is focused on the wind energy sector and aims to promote resilience and innovation through the theme of “Building resilience through wind power.” The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is organizing the conference. The event is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to discuss the way forward towards a sustainable, low-carbon future powered primarily by wind energy.
Building on last year’s discussions centered on “Beyond the turbines,” Windaba 2024 aims to go deeper into the operational, technological, and strategic advancements driving the wind energy sector. The conference will highlight how these innovations are not only about energy generation but also about building a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the pressures of climate change and meeting the increasing demand for global energy.
Windaba 2024 is a conference that will focus on the important role of wind energy in the global transition to clean energy. Africa, and especially South Africa, has a large resource base for wind energy projects, making it an important area for development. Currently, South Africa is leading the continent in wind energy capacity, accounting for 30% of Africa’s total capacity with ongoing projects. The conference will discuss how these resources can be utilized more effectively and how Africa can become an even more attractive destination for investing in wind energy development.
This year’s event will showcase innovative models of collaboration across different sectors to enhance the shift towards renewable energy sources. The discussions will include the integration of disruptive technologies and green innovations that align with global sustainability goals, such as those set by COP28. These goals include tripling renewable energy production by 2030 and keeping the average global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
A significant portion of the Windaba 2024 conference will focus on the vital role of the private sector in driving sustainable development within the wind energy sector. The conference will examine how private investments are facilitating technological advancements and infrastructure, while also addressing broader challenges like climate change mitigation and improving global energy access.
Windaba 2024 will have a comprehensive program that includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions. These gatherings are specifically designed to promote knowledge sharing, encourage networking among delegates, and facilitate collaborative projects. The conference will serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and opportunities, and showcase the latest innovations in wind technology.
Each year, Windaba attracts over 600 delegates, including industry leaders and exhibitors, making it one of the most significant gatherings in the renewable energy sector in Africa. The conference is committed to delivering up-to-date and relevant information that aids participants in making informed strategic decisions that will shape the future of wind energy globally.
Windaba 2024 is expected to be a significant event in the renewable energy calendar. It will highlight the technological advancements and sustainable practices that define modern wind energy while emphasizing the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in achieving these goals. The conference discussions and outcomes are anticipated to influence energy policies and investment decisions across Africa and beyond, driving the continent towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
Source: ESI Africa
