Eskom, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), the Danish Embassy and the Durban University of Technology are promoting renewable energy technologies in rural Mpumalanga schools this month.

The programme, energyDRIVE, comprises a custom-built, mobile edu-unit that showcases various technologies related to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources such as wind energy components, solar photovoltaic rooftops, battery storage, biogas digesters and solar water heater systems.

The energyDRIVE programme is expected to reach about 30 000 grade 6-12 learners in Mpumalanga over the next two weeks. A second phase is planned for July.

Learners will have an opportunity to learn about potential careers in the sector and to interact with technologies on the truck. Eskom will also deliver a presentation on electricity safety and the dangers of illegal connections.

SAWEA CEO, Niveshen Govender, says the purpose of the drive is to foster green skills in South Africa, particularly in a province that plays a central role in South Africa’s energy transition.

“We have found that young people do not necessarily consider careers in renewable energy because they think they need an engineering qualification or excellence in mathematics and science. Our job is to educate them about the many other opportunities that exist in areas such as operations, maintenance and project management, to name a few.”

The energyDRIVE programme launched in the Western Cape in 2017. In 2022, the programme expanded to Mpumalanga, visiting eight schools, and included a stop at Eskom’s Komati Power Station, which is transitioning to a renewable energy centre. The tour now covers Hendrina, Blinkpan, Komati, Middelburg, eMalahleni, Kriel, Lekwa West Circuit, Steve Tshwete and Nkangala districts.