MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 MARCH 2026

[Richards Bay, South Africa] The KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Government has successfully concluded the two‑day KwaZulu‑Natal Energy Indaba, held in Richards Bay from 12–13 March 2026. Hosted in partnership with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), the Indaba convened national and provincial leaders, state‑owned enterprises, industry experts, financial institutions, innovators, investors and young professionals to shape KwaZulu‑Natal’s long‑term energy roadmap.

Over the course of two days, delegates engaged in high‑level discussions on policy reform, infrastructure development, financing models, innovation, the just energy transition, skills development, and youth empowerment all framed within the province’s commitment to establishing Richards Bay as a strategic energy hub.

Stakeholders emphasised the need for streamlined approvals, strengthened regulatory coordination, and accelerated licensing to unlock priority energy projects across KwaZulu‑Natal.

Financiers, DFIs and private investors explored blended finance, PPP mechanisms and derisking instruments to enable large‑scale clean, alternative and gas‑based energy investments.

Presentations showcased the role of smart‑grid technologies, digital optimisation, LNG applications, battery storage solutions and renewable innovation in supporting a modern energy ecosystem, and delegates reflected on grid readiness, port‑linked infrastructure, industrial baseload support and the need for future‑ready energy corridors.

A defining highlight to close the Indaba was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) and the Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) marking a major step in advancing KwaZulu‑Natal’s gas development agenda.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Honourable Rev. Musa Zondi, with the MoU signed by RBIDZ CEO, Mr Thabane Zulu, and ZET Project Owner and Director, Mr Oliver Naidu.

Zululand Energy Terminal a partnership between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines is developing South Africa’s first LNG import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. Under the agreement that ZET will lead the development, operation and integration of LNG import and regasification infrastructure, and that ZET and RBIDZ will collaborate on a Gas Custody Transfer Station to enable distribution of regasified LNG to transmission pipelines and industrial users.

The partnership aims to unlock downstream gas industries, support gas‑to‑power opportunities, and enhance national energy security.

ZET Project Owner and Director, Oliver Naidu said the signing of the MOU between Zululand Energy Terminal and RBIDZ marked a significant step toward establishing a modern gas economy for KwaZulu‑Natal and South Africa. Our partnership with the RBIDZ lays the groundwork for an energy corridor that will unlock industrial growth, enhance energy security and create new opportunities for local businesses and communities.”

The MoU signing closed the last day of the KZN Energy Indaba on a high, reinforcing confidence in KwaZulu‑Natal’s energy investment prospects.

The Premier of KwaZulu‑Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli emphasised the importance of collaboration and decisive action, noting that KwaZulu‑Natal cannot attract investment or sustain industrial growth without a reliable and modernised energy system. This Indaba is about confronting constraints, coordinating our efforts, and positioning this province as a competitive, energy‑secure investment destination.”

MEC Zondi highlighted the developmental significance of the Indaba, ‘Energy is the backbone of our economic future. Without stable and affordable energy, factories cannot operate, businesses cannot expand and young people cannot access meaningful work. This Indaba aligns our policy direction, our investment priorities and our innovation efforts to ensure KwaZulu‑Natal secures a just, sustainable and future‑focused energy transition.”

“The RBIDZ stands ready to build the infrastructure and investment ecosystem required to position this region as a national centre for energy development. Our partnership with the Zululand Energy Terminal and the province is vital in unlocking projects that support industrialisation, job creation and long‑term energy resilience, quipped RBIDZ CEO, Thabane Zulu”

The RBIDZ announced the scale of energy‑linked investment opportunities currently in progress totalling to R273billion investment pipeline with R243billion (77%) attributed to energy dedicated projects as well as all earmarked for Richards Bay, awaiting finalisation of statutory processes by the Department of Electricity and Energy

Day 2 focused on forward‑looking priorities essential to shaping KZN’s long‑term energy landscape and experts explored strategies to close the gap between consumption and generation, with discussions covering baseload security, distributed generation and diversified supply.

Panels emphasised a transition that leaves no one behind, protecting workers, supporting vulnerable communities and ensuring equitable access to new opportunities.

Young innovators, entrepreneurs and graduates participated in discussions on energy‑tech solutions, skills for future energy industries, youth‑led innovation and opportunities in LNG, renewables and digital energy systems

Industry and academia reflected on the skills pipeline needed to support emerging energy sectors, including engineering, digital operations, automation and green‑tech capabilities.

The two‑day KZN Energy Indaba concluded with strong commitments to:

• Accelerating energy infrastructure
• Expanding investment opportunities
• Advancing industrial growth
• Enabling a just energy transition
• Driving technology and innovation
• Empowering youth participation
• Strengthening Richards Bay as a strategic national energy hub

KwaZulu‑Natal now moves forward with renewed purpose, strengthened partnerships and a unified vision for a secure, inclusive and future‑ready energy future.

ENDS

For further information:

Ms Sinenhlanhla Mthembu
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson
KZN EDTEA
083 461 0113

Choice Sihiya
Communications Manager
RBIDZ
Contact: 084 207 5823

Mfundo Ndwandwe
Head of Corporate Affairs
Zululand Energy Terminals
Contact: 083 555 7459