Stellenbosch became a hub of international collaboration on 2 March 2026 as leading researchers and industry representatives gathered for the HyREC2A 2nd Innovation Workshop. The event was organised by the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) as part of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Collaborative Climate Action (HyREC2A) project, a joint initiative with Germany’s Deggendorf Institute of Technology, and it was hosted at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS)
The workshop brought together stakeholders from across sectors to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the interconnected water, energy, and food systems known as the WEF Nexus. With climate pressures intensifying, the need for integrated, cross-disciplinary solutions has become increasingly urgent, and the HyREC2A platform aims to respond to this through international cooperation.
Participants at the HYREC2A 2nd Innovation Workshop
From the outset, the tone was set for a day of engagement and forward-looking discussion. Presentations outlined the strategic vision of the project, highlighting how collaboration between South Africa and Bavaria can unlock innovation in hybrid renewable energy systems. Participants were introduced to ongoing research initiatives, as well as the structures in place to support innovation and technology transfer.
A key moment in the programme came during a panel discussion that united voices from academia, industry and government. The session sparked robust conversation around the barriers to achieving sustainable WEF systems, while also pointing to practical opportunities for collaboration. The exchange underscored the importance of partnerships that extend beyond traditional institutional boundaries.
As the day progressed, attention turned to the core pillars of the HyREC2A project, including research and technology development, skills training, funding opportunities and commercialisation pathways. These discussions moved beyond theory, focusing on how ideas can be translated into tangible solutions. Breakout sessions encouraged participants to engage directly with these themes, generating concrete proposals and identifying next steps for collaboration.
The workshop concluded on a more informal note, with an evening networking session that allowed participants to deepen connections and explore potential partnerships. Conversations continued well beyond the formal programme, reflecting a shared commitment to driving innovation in the WEF Nexus.
By the end of the day, the workshop had not only strengthened ties between South African and German partners, but also reinforced CRSES’s role as a key facilitator of collaborative research and innovation. More importantly, it demonstrated the power of bringing diverse stakeholders together to address complex sustainability challenges in a coordinated and meaningful way.
