South Africa is clearly transforming towards a cleaner green economy, as Cabinet’s approved 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), outlines increased allocations for wind power. Wind will contribute 18 percent, solar photovoltaic six percent and hydro eight percent.
During the press briefing, Minister Mantashe gave insights into the newly gazetted IRP stating that renewable energy combined with storage presents a convenience to produce distributed power closer to where demand is and to give off-grid electricity to far-flung areas of the country.
The latest IRP, which maps out the energy mix for the next 10 years, envisions the nation’s electricity production capacity rising effectively by 2030.
Ntombifuthi Ntuli, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), commented: “We are delighted with the wind energy’s allotment in the energy mix, as we transition to a clean energy future. With the bulk of the increase coming from renewable sources, it is a bright sign for our country as it faces pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and provide cheaper power.”
The renewable energy sector provided input and comments on the draft IRP 2018 specifically regarding closing the procurement gap, and smoothing out demand for wind energy in order to boost investor confidence and support the localisation efforts. Government has listened, which is heartening considering the positive impact that a smooth procurement on job creation within our borders as well as driving investor confidence.
“With 14.4GW of wind having been allocated in the IRP, giving wind energy 18% of the total capacity allocation, the wind industry views the commitment to 1.6GW per annum as a decisive step by government as this allocation will allow Original Equipment Manufacturers and first-tier suppliers to execute to local manufacturing of certain components, which contributes directly to job creation,” concluded Ntuli.