About SAGEN

Our aim is to support South African partners in advancing the country’s transition to a reliable, affordable and clean energy future. We believe that a decarbonised energy system will be the backbone of a successful economy, inclusive society and healthy environment.

South Africa faces a prolonged energy crisis with issues such as electricity shortages, frequent load shedding, and rising energy costs impacting daily lives and harming industries. This crisis contributes to unemployment, inequality, and poverty. The aging power plant infrastructure heavily reliant on coal exacerbates global warming, leading to severe climate consequences like floods.

Despite these challenges, South Africa has a unique opportunity for a historic shift towards renewable energy. Abundant wind and solar resources position the country for reliable and sustainable energy, aligning with the growing global demand for low-carbon products.

Transitioning to renewable energy requires addressing new challenges, but it presents a chance to create a cleaner, more reliable energy system. Moreover, it offers an opportunity for job retraining, reskilling, and new employment opportunities, particularly in coal-producing regions. Accelerating the adoption of renewables is crucial for a just energy transition.

The South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) was established in 2011. It was strategically conceptualised between the South African and German government to support a reliable, affordable and clean energy future for all.

SAGEN is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the National Treasury of South Africa, Eskom, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

SAGEN’s activities have been guided by the evolving energy landscape and key priorities identified in collaboration with partners from both government and the private sector. Throughout all collaboration, the underlying intention has been to promote a diverse and inclusive energy transition.

The SAGEN programme is currently in its fourth phase. With each phase, the evolving energy landscape has been re-evaluated and the project contribution and programme focus reassessed and refined. This ensures relevant support, in light of the most pertinent developments the sector is likely to face during the next implementation timeframe.

Fields of Intervention

Capacity Building

We support tailored training and knowledge exchange formats to refine expertise and strengthen sustainable energy practices.

Embedded Generation

We work with municipalities to support energy security and self- sufficiency for a stronger grid.

Gender Mainstreaming

We contribute to the implementation of gender responsive measures to create an inclusive and dynamic energy industry.

Municipal Energy Management Systems

We assist local municipalities in implementing effective energy management systems and enhancing energy efficiency.

Power Sector Reform and Regulation

We assist our partners with advisory services on the liberalisation of the electricity sector as well as supporting the updating of associated policy and regulation.

Power System Planning and Operation

We employ advanced planning and operational strategies to enhance the resilience of power systems.