In the context of accelerating the realization of the dual carbon goal, China's photovoltaic industry is booming. South Africa's electricity minister will travel to China this week to meet six of the country's largest solar equipment makers in a bid to secure a reliable supply of solar panels amid power shortages.

Ramohaupa said there are only two solar panel manufacturers in South Africa, but they have invested all their output in major projects implemented by a number of mining companies. Solar panels for other projects in the country need to be imported from China. Even if there is supply, it will take three or four months, Mr. Ramohaupa said in an interview. 'We will say to the Chinese,' We are facing this problem, can you speed it up for us? '

South African Electricity Minister Ramohaupa

South Africa's national electricity company (Eskom) provides more than 90% of the country's electricity supply, but because its old and poorly maintained coal-fired power plants are struggling to meet demand, blackouts are common in South Africa, so South African businesses and households are increasingly choosing to reduce their dependence on the grid, and demand for alternative energy sources such as solar power is increasing.

Ramohaupa mentioned that the backlog of cargo and inefficiencies at South African ports may also limit the import of related power equipment, which the government is currently addressing. With funding in mind, Ramohaupa met with South Africa's four largest banks to discuss financing options for customers who wish to install rooftop solar panels. The South African government is also considering alternatives for low-income families.

According to the website of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, on April 20, 2023, Ambassador Chen Xiaodong of China to South Africa met with Ramohaopa on request to exchange in-depth views on China's support for South Africa's response to the power crisis. Ambassador Chen said that China attaches great importance to the difficulty of electricity shortage faced by South China and is willing to take the implementation of the important consensus of the two heads of state on strengthening energy cooperation as a guide, provide emergency support at present and deepen cooperation in the field of electricity in the long run. Ramohaupa thanked the Chinese side for supporting South Africa in dealing with the power crisis, saying that China's strong support will provide an important boost to South Africa in alleviating the power shortage problem, which is another example of the friendly friendship between the two countries.

On June 13 local time, at the China-South Africa New Energy Investment Cooperation Conference held in Johannesburg, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong said that South Africa is currently experiencing unprecedented power shortage. As a good brother, good friend and good partner, China sympathies with the difficulties faced by South Africa and is willing to provide support to South Africa within its capacity. The main purpose of this conference is to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, build a platform for information exchange and cooperation between relevant Chinese and South African enterprises and institutions, mobilize more forces to participate in the development of South Africa's new energy industry, help South Africa to alleviate the power crisis, and inject new impetus into China-South Africa practical cooperation. Editor/Xu Shengpeng