- The Solar Exclusion Norm exempts certain solar photovoltaic facilities from obtaining environmental authorisation.
- This new policy applies to projects in areas considered to have low or medium environmental sensitivity.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) adopted the Solar Exclusion Norm, which exempts certain solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities from obtaining environmental authorisation. This new policy aims to drive solar energy development in South Africa.
This new policy applies to projects in areas considered to have low or medium environmental sensitivity. Before now, all solar PV installations required environmental approval, a process that could be lengthy and bureaucratic.
The Solar Exclusion Norm outlines specific criteria that projects must meet to qualify for the exemption. These criteria include size, location, and potential impact on sensitive ecosystems. The South African government hopes to encourage more investment in solar energy by streamlining the approval process.
This will contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, the Solar Exclusion Norm targets faster project approvals, reduced costs for developers, increased investment in solar energy, and more renewable energy generation.
Also, this new policy only applies to specific types of solar PV facilities, while projects in environmentally sensitive areas will still require environmental authorisation. Implementing the policy is a positive step for South Africa’s renewable energy sector. It will simplify the development process and pave the way for a greener future.