Additional preferred bidders for REIPPPP Bid Window 4 announced

© Jörg Lantelme – za.fotolia.com

To date, 92 renewable energy projects have now been approved by the Department of Energy.

Public-private partnerships in renewable energy have seen the contribution of an extra 6327MW of capacity to the national electricity grid since 2011. This increases the investment by the private sector in renewable energy to R193bn. Across all Bid Windows to date a total contribution of R19.1bn has been committed to socio-economic development (to be spent over the 20-year life span of the projects), as well as R6bn for enterprise development initiatives.

This contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation, as well as to energy security and the increasing generation of "clean" electricity.

"The co-ordinated approach between government and the private sector to establish renewable energy development projects is making a positive impact on the socio-economic growth of South Africa. This is a clear message that we will overcome challenges by standing together," says Ompi Aphane, deputy director-general for policy, planning and clean energy in the Department of Energy.

The additional preferred bidders include various onshore wind and solar PV facilities:

• The Soetwater Wind Farm (139MW);
  
• Kangnas (137MW);
  
• Perdekraal East (108MW);
  
• Excelsior Wind Energy Facility (32MW);
  
• Wesley-Ciskei (33MW);
  
• Copperton Windfarm (102MW); and
  
• Garob Wind Farm (136MW).
  
• Solar Capital Orange (75MW);
  
• De Wildt (50MW);
  
• Bokamoso (68MW);
  
• Zeerust (75MW);
  
• Greefspan PV Power Plant No. 2 Solar Park (55MW); and
  
• Waterloo Solar Park (75MW).

"There was also an overwhelming interest from local and foreign investors who offered excellent prices, which demonstrates confidence in public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the South African energy sector" Aphane comments.

"Improved electricity supply is a critical element of the nine strategic priorities identified by the South African cabinet in partnership with the private sector and all stakeholders. This coordinated approach to the energy challenge is aimed at meeting socio-economic development objectives and growing the economy," Aphane states.

Government has demonstrated its commitment by investing substantially in renewable energy solutions. The use of independent power producers also encourages job creation and supports enterprise development, while green electricity becomes more affordable.

Aphane says that the Department of Energy is working tirelessly to find affordable solutions to the shortage of electricity.

"With this programme South Africa is moving towards providing sustainable energy solutions and we believe it will position the country as a global player for alternative solutions that will ultimately unlock Africa's potential."

Accordingly, the flagship independent power producers procurement programme (IPPPP) is not only about renewable energy but rather a combination of energy supply and demand options to increase participation by (IPPs). IPPS will supply electricity derived from renewable resources, gas, coal and co-generation to the grid, as well as helping with energy efficiency and other demand-side initiatives. During 2015/16 IPP peaker plants will begin to deliver 1000MW electricity to the grid through a R9bn investment.