Industry welcomes independent power producer projects
THE South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia) welcomes the announcement by Minister of Energy Mmamoloko Kubayi that the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) Programme will move forward for Round 3.5 and 4 will be signed on October 28.
This will bring much needed investment, secure current jobs and manufacturing investments in the sector, and create new jobs and opportunities for communities surrounding these projects. By confirming dates for the financial close of the Round 3.5 and Round 4 projects, the government is sending out a signal that indeed, as President Jacob Zuma stated last week “South Africa is open for business”.
The delays in the programme have endangered long-term investor confidence, investment and more specifically job creation and retention in this market.
The signing of the PPAs will fasttrack the delivery of employment opportunities, local manufacturing opportunities, social development programmes and the benefits of community ownership, all of which are common features of all REIPPPP projects.
These announcements send a positive signal to the market that the government is committed to ensuring renewable energy plays its part in the future energy mix in a manner that ensures economic transformation of the sector and ultimately broader economic participation in renewable energy.
Sapvia has had the opportunity to engage with the minister and her team positively over the past month and we welcome the forward movement in the REIPP programme.
We are committed to working together with the department to address issues around transformation in the sector and agree that the IRP and IEP need to be concluded.
Sapvia remains committed to engaging with the government, ministry and Department of Energy in building an energy future that is participatory, transformational and that delivers benefits to the economy and its people.
The signing of the PPAs will fasttrack the delivery of employment opportunities, local manufacturing opportunities, social development programmes and the benefits of community ownership, all of which are common features of all REIPPPP projects.
To co ntact Sapvia call Kim Thomas on 021 200 5856 or Davin Chown (chairperson) on 083 460 3898. Sapvia represents 180 member organisations in the solar PV industry spanning technical service providers, installer, EPC companies, financiers, developers, utilities and IPPs. Kim Thomas Woodstock