Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of the Republic of South Africa (South Africa), was appointed to this position by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024. From 2010 to 2016, he was the mayor of the city of Zwane, and later Ramokgopa became a member of the Executive Committee for Economic Development, Agriculture and Environment of Gauteng Province.
– What is the priority issue in the South African energy sector?
– We are interested in using the BRICS platform to meet the energy needs of our country. BRICS is an excellent platform for exchanging opinions, ideas, technologies and experiences on issues of mutual interest to the participating countries. As is already known, the BRICS is the largest association of countries outside the UN. We account for about 35 percent of global GDP.
Russia, China and India have a fleet of coal-fired power plants. We want to learn from these states how they do it in order to introduce these technologies in our country and solve our own energy problems. We know that the BRICS countries have made significant progress in the production of renewable energy sources and the development of advanced technologies. We believe that by working together we can benefit the South African economy, our citizens and industry, and our commitment to energy transition will become a reality.
– What do you think about the diversification of energy supply? How is it possible to maintain a balance between traditional and renewable sources?
– I like the way you put it – “maintain balance.” That is, it does not mean choosing one thing, but involves using it together to achieve goals. We decided on our own what to call nationally determined contributions. These are voluntary goals because we understand that there is a need and commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to reduce them. There is a link between emissions and climate change. That is why we say that it is necessary to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix — solar and wind. But we are not giving up coal. We are not giving up gas. We are not abandoning fossil fuels because clean technologies are not always available.
– How do you assess the role of the BRICS countries in the global energy sector?
– The role of BRICS has increased with the accession of new countries to the group. Currently, the association accounts for about 35 percent of global GDP. It is also an important player in Sub-Saharan Africa: the group includes Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt, located north of it. One of the priorities for us, at least for South Africa, is to ensure access to energy. We can implement solar photovoltaic systems to provide rural and remote areas with electricity using modern and environmentally friendly technologies. Thus, we can offer them a number of measures to solve the problem of energy poverty. As I said, BRICS accounts for 35 percent of global GDP, and other countries’ interest in our group is growing. BRICS is a community of states that aims at the development of humanity through common views. This is the essence of BRICS.
– Should artificial intelligence be used in the energy industry?
– Yes, of course. I believe that the development of artificial intelligence, as well as its introduction into the energy industry, should be welcomed, as it can expand our capabilities. This will benefit our country, industry, the people of South Africa, the BRICS member countries, as well as the whole world.
The full version of interview: https://tvbrics.com/en/video/kgosientsho-ramokgopa-brics-is-the-best-place-to-create-new-future-for-its-members/
Source https://tvbrics.com/news/ministr-energetiki-yuar-kgosientsho-ramokgopa-briks-eto-prekrasnaya-platforma-dlya-obmena-mneniyami-/
