MINISTER of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown’s recent go-ahead to Eskom’s application to buy renewable energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will positively impact 27 solar and wind power projects, adding up to close to 3000 MW to the national grid.
That’s according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which described the decision as a shot in the arm for the country’s globally recognised Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) that are key for transitioning South Africa towards less carbon-intensive energy sources.
The 27 projects have been languishing since 2016 when Eskom indicated its unwillingness to conclude Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) on account of excess power generation capacity in the system.
Saliem Fakir, head of Policy and Futures Unit at the WWF-South Africa, said the decision, if coupled with favourable and predictable energy policy, would bring back investments into clean energy projects that can be installed much quicker compared to the coal power plants.
South Africa currently has the highest share of coal amongst the G20 countries in its total primary energy supply and a minuscule share of renewables in its energy system.
“In the long-term it will help avoid getting locked into carbon intensive technologies that need to be shifted away from. We support the decision and continue to encourage the government to support non-fossil, non-nuclear sources of energy to ensure a sustainable future for the country,” Fakir said.