The Current | Ep 1 | At the coalface of SA's energy transition

Loading player...
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the The Current, an Investec Focus Radio podcast series, in which your host Iman Rappetti takes you on a thought-provoking 10-part journey of South Africa's energy transition.

In this episode, Investec's Campbell Parry, Chris Holdsworth and Samantha Mooi are joined by James Mackay, CEO of the Energy Council of SA. Together they discuss the multifaceted social, economic, and environmental implications that South Africa faces amidst its journey towards a sustainable future.

00:00 Introduction
02:33 Meet the guests
03:11 Solving South Africa’s energy crisis
04:35 “South Africa is going to transition by mistake”
05:13 The economic impact of not undergoing a Just Energy Transition
07:58 Is it fair for developing countries to be penalised?
08:30 Managing the balance between profit and people
09:19 The European energy crisis
10:48 Government more committed to public-private partnerships
12:49 Progress on corporate emissions reductions and the REIPPP
15:00 Technology disruption is what’s really driving the value of the energy transition
15:35 Targets in the Integrated Resources Plan
16:50 Is nuclear an option?
17:56 The potential of natural gas as an alternative power sources
19:16 It’s time to implement our plans
20:20 What do we need to achieve in the next 10 years?
21:38 What impact will the energy transition have on jobs?
24:32 Affordability of renewable energy
25:42 Insights from COP28
27:21 Closing comments

Tune in to this enlightening conversation and be part of the dialogue that could shape the trajectory of South Africa's energy landscape. Whether you're an industry professional, policy-maker, or a concerned citizen, this episode promises to offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This episode was brought to you by Investec Wealth & Investment's Global Sustainability Equity Fund. Invest in world class companies dedicated to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that we believe can provide you with attractive returns. The fund strives to have a 100% net positive SDG impact. Learn more: https://www.investec.com/en_za/investment/invest-offshore/global-sustainable-equity-fund.html
26 Feb 2024 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

No Ordinary Wednesday Ep 132: Investing in AI's next chapter

Artificial intelligence is moving faster than almost anyone expected. After attending two of the world's biggest technology conferences in Boston and San Francisco, Investec global equity analysts David Smith and Zane Bezuidenhout unpack what they learned from the executives shaping AI's future. From surging demand and infrastructure bottlenecks to agentic…
28 Jul 16 min

Everything Counts | Episode 52: Has saving lost its meaning?

We've all heard the advice. Save more. Spend less. Start earlier. In this episode of Everything Counts, Motheo Khoaripe is joined by Investec's Nirvashni Rajkumar (KZN team leader for the Investec financial planning team) and Dorothy Asomaning (Investec Wealth & Investment Wealth Manager) to explore why saving is about much…
28 Jul 27 min

Macro Monday Ep125: Excellent earnings season so far

Although US earnings for the second quarter have mostly beaten expectations, markets appear to have wanted more. Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, says even companies such as Alphabet that have beaten forecasts have seen declines in their prices after results.
27 Jul 7 min

Macro Monday Ep124: AI capex and competition concerns weigh on stock markets

Increased competition among LLMs and uncertainty about the return on investment on AI capex are all weighing on the market performance on momentum stocks, such as semiconductor firms. Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, looks at some of the dynamics in global stock markets.
20 Jul 8 min

NOW Ep 131: South Africa’s consumer crunch

Are South African consumers past the worst of the fuel shock? Household budgets have been hit by higher fuel prices, rising inflation and pressure on real wages. But fuel prices are starting to fall. The risk is timing. Will relief arrive before households are forced to cut back further? Host…
14 Jul 24 min