Press Release: South Africa Joins World Energy Council as Newest Member Committee

South Africa Joins World Energy Council as Newest Member Committee

20 February 2024: The World Energy Council proudly announces the addition of a new South African chapter as its latest Member Committee, further strengthening the global energy community network dedicated to making faster, fairer and more far reaching energy transitions happen. This development underscores South African commitments in advancing global energy-climate security with justice and inclusion.

The World Energy Council, the preeminent international organization promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all, is pleased to welcome a South African energy leadership community back into its esteemed network. One of 40 original founding members of the Council, the long-standing member committee dissolved in 2021 and has rejoined under new leadership and a strengthened vision at the Energy Council of South Africa.

As one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in Africa, South African energy leaders bring invaluable expertise and important perspectives to the World Energy Council’s humanising energy impact agenda. The country's rich energy resources, coupled with its commitment to realising globally inclusive sustainable development make it a pivotal player in shaping the future of global energy systems.

Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council, expressed her enthusiasm about South Africa's community membership, stating,

"We are thrilled to welcome our new South African Member Committee of the World Energy Council. Our shared vision and combined commitment to a more sustainable and climate-resilient energy future worldwide will help to deliver more inclusive impact at speed and scale. We look forward to working closely with South Africa’s most visionary energy leaders as we convene power for common good and accelerate clean and inclusive energy transitions with attention to emerging trade-offs and synergies."

Mr Fleetwood Grobler, CEO of Sasol and Chair of the World Energy Council’s South Africa Member Committee, shared his thoughts on this milestone achievement, remarking,

"Joining the World Energy Council is a momentous step for South Africa and the Energy Council of South Africa, underscoring our commitment to playing a proactive role in shaping South Africa’s Energy Transition and participation in the global energy agenda. The World Energy Council and the Energy Council of South Africa are very closely aligned on objectives and focus on implementing an energy transition that balances the energy trilemma of energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability. We look forward to establishing the South Africa Committee of the World Energy Council to work with and benefit from the international energy expertise and networks of the Council."

Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization and the World Energy Council's Chair, Africa, emphasized the significance of South Africa's inclusion, saying,

"South Africa's membership underscores the importance of African representation in the global energy landscape. As the continent continues to play a pivotal role in the energy transition, the participation of South Africa will enhance collaboration and drive innovation across the region."

For more information about the World Energy Council and its work, please visit www.worldenergy.org.

About the World Energy Council

The World Energy Council is the world's oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners. Through our Humanising Energy vision, we involve more people and communities in accelerating clean and inclusive energy transitions in all world regions. Formed in 1923, the Council is a UN-accredited global energy body that has convened diverse interests from across the full energy ecosystem for a century, and today has over 3,000 member organisations and a presence in more than 100 countries. Our global network draws from governments, private and state corporations, academia and civil society, as well as current and future energy leaders. We collaborate on impact programmes and inform local, regional and global energy agendas in support of our enduring mission: to promote the sustainable use and supply of energy for the benefit of all people. Further details at www.worldenergy.org and on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About The Energy Council of South Africa

The Energy Council of South Africa is a CEO-led initiative that brings together key public and private sector companies, business/industry associations and finance institutions that have a significant presence and actively participate in the energy sector.