Powering South Africa's green future
Pierre Bekker | Published 3 hours ago
South Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. Driven by a commitment to cleaner energy and the swift uptake of solar power, the renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth.
This expansion, spearheaded by both established Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private sector entities investing in their renewable energy initiatives, marks a clear shift from the government-led REIPPP programme of the past.
However, this rapid growth brings with it a serious challenge: ensuring the availability of a skilled and adaptable workforce to support the development, installation, and long-term maintenance of solar farms and other renewable energy projects across the country. This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can step in to play a vital role in meeting South Africa's clean energy needs. The workforce scaling challenge in the renewables sector
The expertise first honed by established IPPs is now being put to work in the private sector. At the same time, many new companies are starting up, which is good for using local materials and workers in the industry, but this changing situation is making a big difference in the demand for skilled workers at all job levels.
Initially, renewable energy projects in rural areas often encountered a scarcity of even basic electrical skills. Today, the influx of projects nationwide is facilitating the growth of semi-skilled and skilled electricians in regions where such expertise was previously limited. However, at the senior management and specialist levels, the national demand is so high that finding the right talent remains a considerable hurdle for individual companies.
Addressing this fluctuating demand for skilled labour in energy projects is a core strength of TES providers, and their ability to offer a flexible workforce is exactly what is needed in an industry characterised by project-based work with varying timelines and technical requirements.
In addition to providing on-demand access to a competent workforce, TES providers play a vital role in helping companies navigate the complexities of local regulations and industry standards. Many companies, especially international firms or those new to a region, may lack a deep understanding of local bargaining council agreements, infrastructure limitations, or even the local political landscape.
TES providers, with an established presence and experience in various regions across the country, can offer invaluable insights and support in ensuring compliance to steer clear of difficulties and keep projects on track. They can also bridge language and cultural barriers, fostering smoother collaboration on project sites. This flexibility is not only convenient; it is critical to the efficient execution of projects and for managing costs effectively.
Given the often-reactive nature of renewable energy projects, where timelines can shift and staffing needs can change rapidly, TES providers offer a significant advantage. They can scale workforces up and down with far greater agility than individual companies.
Unlike a company based in a metropolitan area trying to manage staffing from afar in a remote region, TES providers have a local presence and established networks within those areas. This allows for the swift mobilisation of skilled workers onto project sites and an equally efficient reduction in workforce as project phases are completed.
More than simply supplying labour, TES providers play a vital role in ensuring compliance with local regulations and industry standards – a significant challenge for companies unfamiliar with the nuances of the South African landscape.
TES providers, with their on-the-ground experience, are well-versed in these areas. They understand the local political context, and their learnings drawn from experience in specific regions can help newcomer companies to avoid problems.
Looking ahead, the consistent expansion of the renewable energy sector in South Africa will continue to drive high demand for specific skills, including health and safety professionals, artisans (especially electricians and semi-skilled electricians), junior engineers, construction managers, and quality control specialists.
TES providers are uniquely positioned to help companies secure these critical skills at the right time. Their existing databases offer companies access to individuals with a proven track record on previous projects, and they can identify semi-skilled workers ready for upskilling into artisan roles and junior professionals prepared to take on more responsibility. Additionally, the national reach of established TES providers offers a significant advantage over companies trying to build recruitment networks from scratch.
In short, TES providers are an indispensable part of South Africa's going green. Their experience and lessons learned from past projects help companies work better and faster. Because these providers can quickly find and manage workers, renewable energy projects can be built much quicker than if companies tried to do it all themselves.
For businesses venturing into or expanding a presence in South Africa's green energy world, partnering with experienced TES providers offers a smart move as they play an invaluable role in managing the workforce, from end to end, including payroll, human resources, labour relations, safety and compliance.
Talking to these providers early on is advisable to avoid the usual headaches associated with hiring, following rules, and understanding the local situation.
TES providers have solid systems in place to find the workers needed efficiently, and because of their ability to scale up or down rapidly, projects stay on schedule, thanks to their ability to get the right people in place at the right time to make South Africa's green energy future happen.
Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
How technology is modernising recruitment in Temporary Employment Services
Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing Image: Supplied In the Temporary Employment Services (TES) sector, technology is redefining how companies connect with the right talent, and how quickly and accurately it can happen. With smart tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and integrated digital platforms, TES providers in South Africa are now working more efficiently and delivering better results for both employers and job seekers. But this shift isn't about replacing recruitment specialists with machines. Instead, it's about empowering TES professionals to work smarter, focus on strategic relationships, and offer real value in a fast-changing labour market. AI makes smarter, faster matches One of the biggest challenges in the TES environment is managing high volumes of CVs while in the pursuit of matching the right candidate to the right role in record time. Traditionally, this meant that recruiters would spend hours manually reviewing CVs and cross-referencing job descriptions. But AI is changing that. By analysing job descriptions and comparing them to candidate profiles using keywords and contextual relevance, AI tools can quickly identify patterns, rank applicants, and prioritise the best matches. These algorithms continuously improve over time, learning from past hiring decisions to enhance future results. This doesn't just reduce the time it takes to fill a position; it also improves the quality of the match because AI considers factors like availability, experience, and even previous performance to ensure the right person lands in the right role, the first time. Automation shifts the recruiter's focus More than just sophisticated candidate matching, automation streamlines many of the repetitive administrative tasks that have, until now, slowed recruiters down. Tasks such as interview scheduling, document collection, and sending follow-up messages can now be handled automatically. This frees up recruiters' time to play a more strategic and consultative role. Instead of spending hours on paperwork or scheduling, they can focus on understanding client needs, building relationships, and enhancing employer branding. This shift in focus leads to better long-term planning and workforce strategies, allowing TES providers to act not only as staffing suppliers but as trusted workforce partners. Digital platforms also help recruiters rethink the end-to-end hiring process. These platforms centralise everything - from job postings and candidate databases to communication and task tracking. For TES providers, this means a more organised, transparent process as communication between recruiters, clients, and candidates becomes smoother and faster, with fewer dropped balls. Real-time dashboards and reporting tools give clients insights into hiring progress and trends, while candidates benefit from quicker feedback and clearer application journeys. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It's not just about speed, it's about outcomes For clients, the adoption of technology by TES providers translates into faster turnaround times, improved quality of hires, and greater visibility into the recruitment process. Predictive analytics and labour market data give deeper insights into talent availability and hiring trends, which is critical when working on projects like plant shutdowns or ramping up new operations. Here, candidates benefit too. With better data and AI-assisted matching, job seekers receive more relevant opportunities, quicker responses, and a smoother application experience. The whole process feels less like a black hole and more like a guided journey. While faster hiring is important, TES providers are recognising that speed alone isn't enough. Prioritising speed over fit can result in poor hires, higher turnover, and long-term reputational damage. By focusing on quality placements, TES providers help build more stable, productive workforces for their clients. The right fit leads to better job satisfaction, stronger performance, and lower employee churn - outcomes that benefit everyone involved. Technology enhances the value of TES providers The demands on TES providers are skyrocketing. Clients seek more flexible, agile staffing solutions that can respond to shifts in workforce requirements at short notice. Whether it's responding to a regulatory change, expanding a production line, or supporting a temporary project, TES providers must move quickly and confidently. Smart technologies, such as real-time labour market analytics and predictive forecasting, can equip TES teams to anticipate skills shortages, adjust talent pipelines, and support clients with effective workforce planning. These capabilities are vital in helping businesses stay competitive and compliant. Importantly, technology isn't here to replace the human touch in recruitment - it's here to support and strengthen it. For TES firms, digital tools are helping shift the role from admin-heavy tasks to more strategic, consultative work. With streamlined processes and access to deeper insights, South African TES providers are now better positioned to respond to shifting labour market needs, build lasting client relationships, and offer a smoother, more positive experience for candidates throughout the hiring journey. Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing
IOL News
02-06-2025
- IOL News
How Western Cape is leading the charge in renewable energy
The Western Cape is positioning itself as a significant player in South Africa's renewable energy sector, as Premier Winde acknowledged the contributions of independent power producers (IPPs) such as Red Rocket to the province's energy resilience efforts. Premier Winde hosted Matteo Brambilla, CEO of Cape Town-based energy firm Red Rocket, during a special 'on-the-road' edition of the province's weekly energy digicon. The event was held at the company's head office, where Winde toured its state-of-the-art 'Command Centre', a digital hub that tracks real-time energy generation across Red Rocket's renewable projects stretching from the Western Cape to Uganda. Winde said the Western Cape Energy Resilience Programme aims to support the private sector and municipalities in generating a reliable and affordable supply of energy.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- IOL News
How South Africa is leading the charge in hybrid solar energy development
Explore how South Africa is transforming its energy landscape through hybrid solar solutions, enhancing grid stability and meeting net-zero commitments in the face of climate challenges. Image: File. As the global energy sector races to meet net-zero commitments, utility-scale solar is undergoing a fundamental transformation. No longer defined by megawatt capacity alone, solar projects are now being evaluated on their ability to deliver dispatchable power, enhance grid stability, and provide critical ancillary services. Nowhere is this evolution more pronounced than in Africa, particularly South Africa, where the Just Energy Transition is accelerating the shift towards resilient, grid-integrated renewable energy. 'Across the continent, and especially in South Africa, we're seeing a strategic move away from variable-only generation,'Jaco Uys, SVP Projects Sub-Sahara Africa at Scatec said. 'What matters now is whether a project can deliver clean energy consistently on demand day or night. This means thinking beyond solar panels, to fully integrated energy systems,' Uys said. South Africa's Eskom-constrained grid has spotlighted the urgent need for firm, responsive power. As Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are increasingly permitted to co-develop transmission infrastructure under the country's new Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) framework, the focus is shifting to hybrid models that combine generation with advanced control technologies. At the forefront of this movement is Scatec's Kenhardt project, a hybrid solar-battery development in the Northern Cape. Boasting 540 MW of solar PV paired with 225 MW/1,140 MWh of battery storage, Kenhardt delivers consistent dispatchable energy under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom. It was recently recognised at the 2025 Solar Energy Conference in Norway for its trailblazing approach in combining renewables with storage to strengthen energy reliability. 'Kenhardt isn't just a solar project,' Nic Bailey, SVP Operational Excellence and Digitalisation at Scatec said. Bailey, alongside Uys, is representing the company at Intersolar Europe in Munich this week. 'It's a demonstration of what's possible when you pair clean generation with flexible output. We're not just injecting power into the grid—we're actively supporting it,' Bailey added. Speaking from Munich both Bailey and Uys shared further reflections on the state of the industry: 'We're not witnessing seismic shifts in solar technology,' Bailey further said. 'Instead, we're seeing incremental improvements in efficiency, equipment size, and LCOE year on year. That's a positive for IPPs like us—it allows for predictability in planning and stability in execution.' 'Amid challenges in the solar module market, the booming battery energy storage (BESS) sector is emerging as a vital growth area. It's reshaping the value chain and fuelling supplier diversification,' said Uys. 'It's clear that Scatec continues to stand out as a reliable partner,' Bailey said. 'Suppliers consistently point to our ability to move challenging projects forward in complex markets—something few others are managing as consistently.' As South Africa continues to unlock private sector participation and modernise its energy infrastructure, the lessons from Kenhardt and other grid-resilient projects are resonating far beyond its borders. Hybrid solutions represent the next chapter in the solar story—offering not just power, but progress. BUSINESS REPORT
