With renewables only making up 1% of South Africa’s total energy mix, investments have swelled placing the country well within reach to hit 12% by 2020. According to a new report released by Frost & Sullivan, “South Africa Renewable Energy Project Tracker”, the REIPPP aims to generate 3.7 GW of the country’s total electricity from renewable energy sources.
“In the light of electricity and water scarcity, as well as rising coal prices, RE is becoming a preferred choice of energy generation technology in South Africa,” said Frost & Sullivan Energy and Environmental Research Analyst Joanita Roos. “Additionally, South Africa is the 12th highest carbon-emitting nation, and the need to diversify industries and incorporate lower carbon-emitting technologies will spur RE development.”
Under the REIPPP, various renewable technologies have to meet minimum annual targets by the medium term in order to stimulate local manufacturing and services. However, the parameters for each technology will need to be defined individually, and the local industry may lose momentum if certainty over local requirements and capacity allocations are not provided. “To gain credibility, domestic companies must partner with international firms that have the relevant RE experience and skills,” concluded Roos. “International suppliers too have expressed interest in beginning operations in South Africa, not only to establish a local footprint, but also to secure access to other emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa.”
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