Seriti Green calls for faster permitting to support energy transition, job creation

Renewable energy developer Seriti Green says faster project permitting and expanded grid infrastructure will be critical to unlocking investment, supporting industrialisation and creating jobs in Mpumalanga. CEO Peter Venn said in an interview at the African Energy Forum in Cape Town that Mpumalanga is well positioned to remain South Africa's energy heartland as the country transitions from coal to a more diversified energy mix that includes wind, solar and battery energy storage. Venn noted that while access to grid capacity remains a challenge for many renewable energy projects, Mpumalanga benefits from both available grid infrastructure and proximity to major demand centres. He argued that renewable energy development can play an important role in supporting local economies, both through direct employment during construction and by stimulating broader economic activity in surrounding communities. Venn said shortening permitting timelines would help accelerate project development and enable a larger pipeline of investments to move forward. He also stressed that a successful energy transition must be a just transition, with a strong focus on skills development, local participation and creating opportunities for workers and businesses in coal-dependent regions. For more visit www.engineeringnews.co.za