- Renewable energy will enhance South Africa’s economy.
- Mantashe states that 9213 MW is planned for procurement in 2022 and early 2023.
- IPP programs attract R212.4 billion in investment from national and international funders.
Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, claims that South Africa has natural renewable energy resources to kickstart its economy and position the country on a just energy transition trajectory.
In a speech at the Solar Power Africa conference on Wednesday, the Minister emphasised the potential of South Africa’s solar resources. “This represents 44% of the total Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 target of 31,488MW for the new additional capacity required by 2030.”
He added, “Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) is currently at the preferred-bidder stage, with a financial close expected by the end of April this year.”
Mantashe stated that a further 9213MW is planned for procurement in 2022 and early 2023 but did not provide a breakdown by technology type. However, Ministerial determinations for gas-to-power, coal, and battery energy storage have also been published.