Africa's Research Engine for the Just Energy Transition.

Welcome to the JET (Just Energy Transition) Group at the Centre for New Energy Systems (CNES), University of Pretoria — Africa's leading university research group dedicated to solving the continent's most urgent energy challenges through groundbreaking research and real-world impact.

Established as a pillar of excellence within the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering, CNES has cultivated a reputation both nationally and internationally as a leader in energy management research. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced smart grids equipment and renewable energy systems, providing an ideal environment for innovation and development.

Our mission is twofold: to advance the understanding of new electricity systems and to apply this knowledge in practical, impactful ways. Through our extensive collaborations with industry leaders like SANEDI and various government agencies, we aim to empower small municipalities across South Africa with the tools and knowledge necessary for efficient asset management. This is critical in addressing the financial challenges these municipalities face due to poor asset management, which directly affects electricity tariffs and the cost of supply studies.

Among our exciting projects, the development of an asset assessment toolbox stands out as a revolutionary online tool designed for municipalities to assess and improve their asset management practices. Furthermore, our research extends to the exploration of distributed solar PV uptake in residential and commercial sectors and leading-edge training in hydrogen fuel cell systems in collaboration with Bambili Energy and the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.

At JET, we not only look to the future; we create it. Join us as we explore and develop sustainable solutions that do not just promise to change the world but are already on their way to doing so. For those interested in making a significant impact through energy research, CNES offers a vibrant platform for innovation, collaboration, and real-world application. Discover more about our projects and how we’re setting the standards for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.