Deadline for department’s energy plan is set

The Department of Energy is steadily working towards concluding the review of the Integrated Resources Plan, which will outline SA’s energy mix for the next 20 years, by no later than mid-August, the energy minister said.

“Finalisation of this critical policy document and related Integrated Energy Plan is key towards ensuring policy certainty in the

sector,” Energy Minister Jeff Radebe said yesterday.

The IEP provides a framework for electricity, liquid fuels and gas sectors, so that these plans are developed in a coordinated and integrated manner.

Radebe said he would ensure that governance issues at stateowned companies are stabilised.

The department plans to diversify

the country’s energy mix by having 30% clean energy by 2025, he said.

On April 4, Radebe signed agreements with 27 independent power producers after more than two years of delays. The deals promise to revive SA’s renewable-energy program by releasing R56 billion of investments over the next two to three years.

SA intends to build a refinery to address increased demand in the country, Radebe said.

This builds on earlier discussions by government around increasing capacity to lower reliance on fuel imports.

The minister also said a review by the Boston Consulting Group of the Central Energy Fund is imminent.