Wind sector can up its employment by up to 400% – Vestas CEO

8th July 2026

By: Irma Venter

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

The broader South African wind energy sector will need to up its employment by between 300% and 400% by 2042 if it is to keep pace with the proposed expansion of wind energy in the country, says Vestas Southern and Eastern Africa MD Johannes Helberg.

Speaking at the recent Africa Energy Forum 2026 at a South African Renewable Energy Masterplan roundtable, he said South Africa’s installed wind energy base was expected to reach 7.5 GW by the end of the year, expanding to 43 GW by 2042.