Greener pastures

THE World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) welcomes “Minister’s decision to sign renewable energy contracts” (April 5). WWF South Africa applauds Energy Minister Jeff Radebe’s signing of a R56 billion contract with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

This decision will not only positively affect 27 solar and wind power projects but will add close to 2 300MW of electricity to the national grid over the next five years.

The two-year delays around the contract, which translate into the largest IPP procurement to date, have not only impacted negatively on those directly affected but also on the industry as a whole.

In addition, we trust that Mr Radebe’s statement that the “lower prices” from the renewable energy projects will “provide the much-needed relief to indigent households” will counter the perception that renewable energy is more expensive than energy generated by fossil fuels.

Mr Radebe has also pointed out that South Africa will hold the majority share in the project companies, while the balance will be controlled by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and other institutions.

This should put to bed the notion that the process has been captured by external stakeholders.

South Africa has now signalled its commitment to the Paris Agreement with these 27 projects, expected to offset 8.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.

We also hope the lack of any mention of nuclear in Mr Radebe’s speech indicates we are moving away from the procurement of expensive nuclear power.

WWF applauds Mr Radebe for highlighting the close links between water and energy.

These projects, once fully operational and at maximum capacity, will save 9.6 million kilolitres of water a year, compared with similar MW hours of electricity from fossil fuels.