The proposal from the minister comes as South Africa prepares to open Bid Window 7 of the REIPPP, which aims to purchase 5 GW of solar and wind capacity in May 2023.
In order to address the impending energy shortages in the nation, H.E. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, is recommending the creation of a new “mega bid window” with the goal of acquiring more than 15 GW of renewable energy capacity.
According to H.E. Ramokgopa, the “mega bid window” will aid South Africa in accelerating the penetration of renewable energy sources as part of the country’s plan to diversify and secure the energy mix to end load shedding, a plan that also entails extending the life of the nation’s current coal-fired power plants.
The “mega bid window” is consistent with the nation’s commitment to grid modernization, energy decarbonization, and private sector involvement to address urgent energy challenges while embracing cutting-edge technologies like battery energy storage for grid security.
Along with the new bid window proposal, H.E. Ramokgopa has advised expanding the purchase and use of diesel for emergency power generation.
He has also urged stakeholders to make financial investment decisions for projects selected in the REIPPP Bid Windows 5 and 6 by the end of May 2023.
The proposal from the minister comes as South Africa prepares to open Bid Window 7 of the REIPPP, which aims to purchase 5 GW of solar and wind capacity in May 2023.
Energy derived from sources that can be naturally replenished over a human timescale is referred to as renewable energy. Sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat are examples of renewable resources.
Despite the fact that the majority of renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. For instance, certain biomass sources are deemed unsustainable at the rate at which they are being exploited. A lot of times, heating, cooling, and electricity are produced using renewable energy.
Large-scale renewable energy projects are typical, but they are also suitable for rural, isolated, and developing nations, where energy is frequently essential for human development.
In order to maximise the benefits of electricity, renewable energy is frequently used in conjunction with further electrification. Electricity can move heat or objects effectively and is clean at the point of consumption.