First G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) Meeting
The Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) convened the inaugural meeting on 27 – 28 February 2025, virtually. The meeting held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), was co-chaired by Mr Jacob Mbele and Mr Subesh Pillay, Directors-General of Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Department of Electricity end Energy, respectively.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa who outlined that significant global developments underscore the complex relationship between energy policies, geopolitical realities, and economic imperatives. The political economy of energy continues to shape global stability, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, compelling a need to strike a delicate balance between national sovereign interests and our shared global commitments.
The meeting outlined South Africa’s vision for the ETWG that seeks to leverage the collective strength of G20 nations to forge innovative pathways towards inclusive, sustainable, and resilient energy futures guided by the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, recognizing the unique needs of developing nations while fulfilling our global responsibilities.
The meeting also provided a platform for G20 members to engage and build consensus on the priorities proposed by South Africa for this Working Group during its presidency. These priorities include:
Priority 1: Energy Security, Affordability and Reliable Access
- Development of a comprehensive G20 Energy Security Framework, with innovative financial models and technologies to bridge the existing energy access gap.
- Focus on enhancing global energy access and affordability by promoting resilient and sustainable energy systems.
Priority 2: Just, Affordable and Inclusive Energy Transitions
- Roadmap and action plan for establishing Green Industrialisation Hubs in Africa, Socio-economic safeguards and support initiatives for coal-dependent regions, targeting job preservation, workforce reskilling, and economic diversification.
Priority 3: African Interconnectivity and Power Pools
- Ten-year Infrastructure Investment Plan for key African cross-border energy projects, identifying significant regional energy interconnection initiatives and establishing robust financing mechanisms with international partners.
Invited guest countries and international organizations in attendance were also afforded an opportunity to comment on the presidency’s priorities.
South Africa was congratulated for the comprehensive and ambitious plan and vision, with a commitment of support from all delegations, particularly with regards to priority 1 on Energy Security, Affordability and Reliable Access.
The next G20 ETWG meeting will take place in person from 30 April – 2 May 2025 in the Western Cape. The co-chairs welcomed the valuable contribution and inputs made by delegation as well as the appetite for collaboration and further input from international organization and partners.
