‘Green’ energy powers up in SA
WORLD-CLASS: Wind and solar create R4bn in financial benefits in six months. COUNTRY IN WORLD TOP 10
Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson yesterday told the South African International Renewable Energy Conference (Sairec) Africa has yet to achieve its potential regarding renewable energy.
The conference has attracted 3 600 delegates from 82 countries.
“Renewable energy provides a significant opportunity to improve energy access and security, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, ensure sustainable development and significantly improve socioeconomic development,” said Joemat-Pettersson.
“Our renewable energy journey has seen government and independent power producers make great strides towards rolling out renewable energy projects in South Africa in five short years.”
More than 6 000MW of electricity has been procured from 37 renewable energy independent power producers.
“Renewable energy projects in South Africa have resulted in 20 000 jobs for South Africans and attracted R192.6 billion in investment,” she said.
“Furthermore, independent power producers have committed a total of R19.1 billion towards socioeconomic development initiatives in communities in which they operate, contributing to livelihoods and income generation.”
An independent study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research found energy generated from solar and wind during the first six months of 2015 created R4 billion in financial benefits.
A department of energy report said “an eclectic mixture of government policy converged with market forces to deliver an unprecedented world-class programme”.
The report said the booming sector had contributed more than 109 000 construction jobs and cut the equivalent of 4.4 million tons of carbon dioxide.
In 2014, the United Nations environment programme put South Africa in the global top 10 for renewable energy investments. – –