Electricity Minister Urges Collaboration Among BRICS Plus Group To Tackle Energy Challenges

Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa urged the BRICS Plus group of countries to work together to help each other to overcome energy challenges.

Ramokgopa, who gave the statement during his opening speech at the 9th Annual BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Moscow, Russia, urged member countries to explore their various strengths and abilities to support each other in maximizing their potential. He mentioned several opportunities, including mining and processing critical minerals and rare-earth elements needed for a green economy.

Other areas of focus include expanding hydropower, developing hydrogen solutions, utilizing gas and nuclear energy (including small modular reactors), and exploring renewables, energy storage, biofuels, clean coal, and carbon capture.

Ramokgopa noted that the meeting of BRICS Energy Ministers is important, as countries are looking for ways to shift towards low-carbon economies.

"We believe that this BRICS group of like-minded country members has a huge potential, and working together will strengthen this resolve through cooperation on energy security," he said, SA News reported.

He added, "[It will] also provide an opportunity to join efforts to annihilate the challenges diagnosed during the BRICS 2023 Summit held in South Africa, such as addressing the lack or absence of integrated energy policy framework, diversification and beneficiation at the source of critical minerals, infrastructure development, manufacturing, technology transfer and intellectual property, scaling up energy efficiency, mobilization of finance and investment, as well as skills and capacity building, amongst others."

The minister noted that the meeting is happening at an important time when countries are trying to balance their development goals with energy transition efforts.

He emphasized the need to make sure these transitions protect energy independence and security, support sustainable economic growth, provide universal access to energy, and address environmental needs while ensuring that no one is left out.

Ramokgopa also mentioned that the growth of the BRICS bloc shows the group's increasing importance and influence in the global energy landscape.

He explained that this is a crucial moment for BRICS to change and improve the global energy system. The aim is to ensure access to energy, security, and affordability, eliminate energy poverty, and promote a fair energy transition.

For South Africa, this is a good opportunity to express their shared position as a developing nation. The country wants to use its energy resources with innovative technologies that help shift from high-emission to low-emission energy systems, as per the minister.