On 14th of December 2023 the then Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, now Department of Electricity and Energy (the Department), issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure 2 000 MW under the GASIPPPP Bid Window 1.

The RFP contemplates a clarification process, following its release to the market, for registered Bidders to raise clarification questions in respect of the RFP. The Department has considered such clarification questions and will provide responses to the registered Bidders and prospective bidders and where appropriate issue Briefing Note(s).

Prospective bidders raised matters which required due consideration by the Department.  The Department has considered those matters and issued Briefing Note 14 amending the RFP and extending the Bid Submission Date from the 31st of October 2025 to the 29th of May 2026. The matters which have been considered in amending the RFP include but are not limited to:

1. The project-on-project risk that arises as a consequence of results from the requirement for any Bidders wishing to submit Bid Responses for Facilities located within the borders of the City of uMhlathuze, for participation in this Gas IPPPP, wherein the RFP requires them to secure their Fuel through the natural gas storage and regasification terminal procured by Transnet National Ports Authority natural gas terminal. A potential Bidder is required to satisfy itself as to the credibility of the Port Authority timelines and will be required to satisfy all the requirements and criteria prescribed in this RFP in respect of Fuel;
2. Legal Functionality Criteria in so far as it pertains to the requirement for Environmental Authorizations (EA);
3. The Load factor range, under the GASIPPPP, insofar as it relates to the Minimum Load Commitment and Maximum Load Commitment as contemplated in the Power Purchase Agreement;
4. The introduction of a Revised Minimum Load Commitment option as contemplated in the Power Purchase Agreement;
5. The performance requirement for the frequency of the ramp ups and downs; and
6. The gas pricing mechanism.

The amended GASIPPPP BW1 RFP is available for download at https://www.ipp-gas.co.za/, for all those who have registered.

The GASIPPPP BW1 RFP is still available for access by all prospective bidders who wish to participate and register projects in compliance with the rules and requirements of the RFP. Additional information is available on the website on the requirements for registration. Queries can also be addressed to query@ipp-gas.co.za.

Stakeholders and prospective bidders are encouraged to take note of the revised critical dates on the RFP that refer to the Bid Submission Date of the 29th of May 2026, the last date for Bidders’ to submit written questions on the 30th of March 2026, which is “40 (forty) business days prior to the Bid Submission Date” and the last date for compulsory Bid Registration, including payment of the Bid Submission Registration Fee on the 15th of April 2026, which is “30 (thirty) business days prior to the Bid Submission Date”.

In addition, the Department will host a non-compulsory Information Sharing Engagement with the public to provide key updates on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the GASIPPPP Bid Window 1. This engagement will be conducted virtually, with the date and further details to be announced on the programme’s official website: www.ipp-gas.co.za.