Sawea calls out Nersa and Eskom on grid capacity issues

Engie's Aurora windfarm on Cape Town's West Coast is a major Sawea project

In a media statement, Sawea acknowledged the regulatory complexities involved but emphasised the potential negative impact on the wind energy sector and the broader renewable energy landscape in South Africa.

“Sawea has consistently advocated for a balanced approach to grid capacity allocation, ensuring both public and private procurement processes work synergistically," the statement read.

Ramokgopa’s 20GW renewables plan is a sharp turn from IRP2023

Lindsey Schutters  9 Jul 2024

The Association is of the opinion that a foundational public procurement programme is instrumental in stimulating socioeconomic development and contributing towards energy security as we transition to a low carbon energy system.

Sawea also highlighted the significant delays and financial losses caused by the failure to address grid allocation processes, stating that this has "devastated investor confidence and jeopardised the success of wind energy projects."

Eskom and Nersa solution

The association called on Eskom and Nersa to collaborate and find viable solutions to the grid challenges, warning that these issues will continue to undermine the open electricity market envisaged by the Electricity Regulation Act Amendment Bill.

Sawea urged all parties involved to prioritise grid capacity with transparent and fair allocation rules that protect public interests and foster investor confidence in South Africa's renewable energy sector.

The association says it remains committed to engaging with government bodies, including Nersa and Eskom, to enhance the effectiveness of grid capacity and its allocation processes.