Celebrating a decade of unwavering commitment and excellence in the renewable energy sector, BTE Renewables and the company’s technical project development manager, Vuyolwethu Matiwane, have emerged as industry leaders making profound contributions to South Africa’s wind energy landscape.
Their recent accolades at the South African Wind Energy Association’s industry awards event, held in conjunction with this year’s Windaba conference in Cape Town, demonstrates this leadership. At the heart of this recognition is the prestigious “Watt-a-Woman” award bestowed upon Matiwane at the event. This award acknowledges exceptional female leaders who are trailblazers in the renewable energy sector.
“We are proud of Vuyo’s achievement and pleased that she has been recognised for her hard work in the industry, marked by over a decade of professional experience in the energy field, which bears testimony to her unwavering commitment to the advancement of renewable energy,” says Robert Skjodt, CEO of BTE Renewables.
She is recognised in the industry as the first female to be elected by the IPP industry to the Grid Code Advisory Committee (GCAC), contributing significantly to industry advocacy efforts related to the grid code, work that will inform the progress of the country’s energy future.
Excerpts from a recent interview offer valuable glimpses into her professional journey and advocacy within the renewable energy sector. Below are some key takeaways:
- A lifelong passion. Growing up in a rural village without electricity, her initial exposure to a small solar PV panel, battery and an AC inverter ignited her passion for renewable energy. It was this spark that set her on the path she treads today.
- Renewable energy in South Africa. She believes that the renewable energy industry in South Africa is at its peak. The removal of the 100MW licensing cap was a significant step forward, enabling more capacity for renewable energy generation, quickening decarbonisation, attracting investments, and generating employment opportunities.
- Major projects and local impact. She considers each project she works on as significant, emphasising their role in maintaining a stable power supply. Beyond this, the projects contribute to local economic and social development, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, education initiatives and other socio-economic projects.
- Challenges and opportunities. Having embraced the challenges of being the youngest and the only woman in the room, using them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. The experiences in her early career shaped her into the dedicated and confident professional she is today.
- Innovations and technologies. She highlighted the growing role of battery energy storage and the development of green hydrogen solutions in South Africa. These technologies are diversifying the energy mix and contributing to sustainability.
- South Africa’s global role. South Africa, with its abundant renewable energy potential, is poised to lead the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources. Initiatives like the REIPPPP have placed the country at the forefront of global decarbonisation efforts.
- The power of collaboration. Organisations like SAWEA and SAPVIA have fostered collaboration among various stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, playing a pivotal role in the country’s transition to renewable energy.
- Future goals and vision. Her vision is to see increased electrification in rural areas and inspire more women to join STEM fields. She is dedicated to mentoring and empowering young girls to contribute to the industry’s diversity.
- Personal connection to sustainability. Her personal experience of growing up without electricity continues to be a driving force in her career. She aims to bring the life-changing experience of electricity to every child who still studies by candlelight.
- Navigating a male-dominated industry. Vuyolwethu’s advice to young South African women aspiring to make a difference in the renewable energy sector is to work diligently, believe in themselves, and know that they deserve a seat at the table. Confidence, hard work, and expertise are the keys to success.