The second meeting of the Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) took place from 30 April- 02 May 2025 in Cape Town, Western Cape. The meeting was chaired by the Acting Director- General of the Department of Electricity and Energy- Mr Subesh Pillay.
Opening Remarks were delivered by Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, calling for the principals of solidarity, sustainability and equality be seen as a clarion call for the international community to place people at the centre of energy transitions. Minister emphasised that Energy security and Energy transition are not competing priorities and emphasized the need to de- risk energy security.
The meeting served as a platform for South Africa to present, engage on and build consensus on the priorities proposed by South Africa. There was support that the outcomes would be divided into a South Africa’s G20 Presidency publications and Consensus Document by G20 Member States through a Ministerial Communique. The priorities were presented in three sessions as follows:
Priority 1: Energy Security, Affordable and Reliable Access
Focused on enhancing global energy access and affordability by promoting resilient and sustainable energy systems. This includes developing robust infrastructure, diversifying energy sources.
Priority 2: Just, Affordable and Inclusive Energy Transitions
Which seeks to amplify the need for a just, balanced, and inclusive transition that leaves no one behind, emphasising the socio-economic equity needed to balance climate goals with industrial growth, while ensuring that the benefits of the transition are shared equitably.
Priority 3: African Interconnectivity
Focusing on strengthening regional energy collaborations and cooperation and promoting cross-border energy trade and regional power pools as a tool for efficiently integrating cleaner energy systems and ensuring affordable and secure energy for all.
Presentations were made by designated Knowledge Partners in each of the three Sessions, followed by inputs and comments by the G20 delegates, invited Guest Countries and International Organisations.
There was overall commitment towards establishing a consensus based ministerial declaration from G20 Members and a first draft of the ministerial declaration will be negotiated in the next working group meeting scheduled for 30 July -1 August 2025.
