Background

Recent amendments to South Africa’s Electricity Regulation Act have highlighted the dramatic shifts in the country’s energy landscape. The African continent and the international energy sector as a whole are undergoing substantial structural changes. These changes necessitate urgent action in three key areas: technological innovation, regulatory reform, and environmental considerations. Such measures are necessary in order to create an environment conducive to a sustainable power system that can meet the growing demand for electricity. Moreover, this energy transition has to be achieved while balancing multiple objectives: decarbonizing the sector to combat climate change, ensuring equitable access to clean energy, and fostering new economic opportunities within the industry. This conference will provide a platform to attendees, from the region and beyond, to deliberate on subjects that expand on how we can build, transform, and adapt a sustainable power system in the energy transition on the continent.

The discussions and knowledge exchange at this conference will be between industry stakeholders: electric utilities (generation/transmission/ distribution), regional power pools, municipalities, system operators, regulators, policy makers manufacturers and suppliers, universities, standardizing bodies, research laboratories and other authorities in the field of the development of electrical systems, primarily in Africa, with a global perspective.

Preferential Subjects

Papers across all 16 CIGRE study committees are invited, focusing on:

1. Technology Changes
   • Data-Driven Power Grids: Solutions for a Sustainable Grid
   • Technological advancements for renewable energy integration
   • Grid stability and resilience
2. Regulatory Changes
   • Markets and consumer behavior
   • Energy policy and regulations
   • Tariff re-structuring and energy sector reform
3. Decarbonization & Climate Change
   • Energy efficiency and sustainability
   • Environmental changes for new grids
   • Just Energy Transition
   • Grid security in the face of climate change and intermittent generation

Abstract Submission

Participants wishing to present papers should submit abstracts of not more than 500 words by following instructions on the conference website. The template is available on the conference website. Kindly note all submissions must be in English. Authors should be available to present at the conference. Postgraduate research student participation is encouraged. All submissions must be in English and made via the EasyChair conference management system.

Click Here to access EasyChair

Please note: Submitted papers must not have been and cannot be submitted for any other conference, including the 2026 CIGRE Paris Session. All presenters must register to attend the conference.

Review Process

All submissions will be assessed by at least two independent reviewers. Selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings.

Deadlines

• Abstract submission: 16 March 2025
• Abstract acceptance: 7 April 2025
• Paper submission: 20 June 2025
• Paper acceptance: 18 August 2025

Contacts

Organizing Committee Lead:

Sharon Mushabe (arigyes@ntcsa.co.za)

Technical Committee Lead:

Jana Breedt (breedtjn@ntcsa.co.za)

Enquiries / Registration:

Anelja de Bok (anelja@activecapture.co.za)

Registration

Registration opens on 5 May 2025