- South Africa plans to develop 2600MW of solar and wind power.
- Government calls for expression of interest under its REIPPP program.
- The program is in its sixth phase.
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has announced a launch of a new tender for the acquisition of 2,600MW of solar and wind projects. The call for expressions of interest is part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
The program, in its sixth phase, targets the acquisition of 1600MW of wind power and 1000MW of solar photovoltaic systems. Interested independent power producers (IPPs) have until 22 August 2022 to submit their proposals.
According to a statement by DMRE, “Given the energy challenges facing the country, the qualification criteria have been developed to promote the participation of projects that are fully developed and can be constructed and connected to the national grid as soon as possible, but no later than 24 months after financial close.”
The South African government wants to accelerate its energy transition in line with its international commitments. The southern African country has agreed to reduce its coal fleet over the next few years with the support of developed countries, which pledged $8.5 billion in funding at the 2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26).