SASSCAL (Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management) made a significant impact at the 2024 SADC Sustainable Energy Week. The event, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Solutions for an Energy Secure SADC Region,” from February 24th to 28th in Gaborone, Botswana. Organized by the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), the Botswana Ministry of Minerals and Energy, and SADC, the event aimed to address sustainable energy challenges and opportunities across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The SADC Sustainable Energy Week was officially opened by President Advocate Duma Boko, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable energy development across the region. He called upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to prioritize sustainable energy policies in their national development strategies.
The week-long event featured a comprehensive program including high-level presentations, panel discussion, and exhibitions. SASSCAL participated as a key exhibitor, showcasing its pioneering work in climate change mitigation initiatives through the Atlas for Green Hydrogen production potential in Southern Africa, Green Hydrogen pilot projects, capacity building, and other related SASSCAL initiatives towards achieving net zero emissions.
Following the official opening ceremony, high-level dignitaries toured the exhibition stands. Among them, His Excellency, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of Botswana and Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo visited the SASSCAL booth, where they were briefed on SASSCAL’s initiatives in green hydrogen and renewable energy, including the H2Atlas, Green Hydrogen pilot projects and capacity building programs including the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship.
President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo and high-level dignitaries visits to SASSCAL booth at the 2024 SADC Sustainable Energy Week.
SASSCAL also played a key role in a panel discussion focused on ” Green Hydrogen: Pathway to a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future in the SADC Region.” Dr. Budzanani Tacheba, Acting Executive Director of SASSCAL, participated as a panellist, emphasizing SASSCAL’s commitment to enhancing climate resilience and sustainable land management in Southern Africa. He highlighted the organization’s work in scientific research, policy advocacy, and community-based green hydrogen initiatives to address the challenges of climate change and energy poverty in the region.
Panelists at the “Green Hydrogen: Pathway to a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future in the SADC Region” session during the SADC Sustainable Energy Week 2024.
During the session, Dr. Tacheba outlined the importance of comprehensive policy frameworks, investment in capacity building, and collaborative efforts to drive green hydrogen initiatives. He also emphasized the role of H2Atlas-Africa online platform in providing data-driven insights to guide decision-making and the impact of pilot projects like the Daures Green Hydrogen Village and Cleanergy Solutions Namibia Pilot Project in demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen production.
SASSCAL’s presence at the event provided a valuable platform to:
Showcase Research and Online Services: SASSCAL presented its research products and online services related to green hydrogen, capacity development programs, and pilot projects to key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and experts.
Enhance Brand Visibility: The event offered an excellent opportunity to promote and enhance the visibility of the SASSCAL brand, highlighting its sustainable energy initiatives and climate change programs.
Engage with Media and Stakeholders: SASSCAL interacted with media outlets from the SADC region and engaged with high-level authorities, research institutions, students, and interest groups.
Promote Climate Change Mitigation: SASSCAL exhibited its work on climate change mitigation through green hydrogen pilot projects, capacity building, and other related initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.
The SADC Sustainable Energy Week provided an excellent opportunity for SASSCAL to connect with regional partners, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions in the SADC region.
SASSCAL representatives at the SADC Sustainable Energy Week; Mr. Balisi Gopolang, SASSCAL Governing Board Member, Botswana, Dr. Budzanani Tacheba, Acting Executive Director of SASSCAL and a fellow staff member.
