The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has acknowledged the key interventions to reform the public procurement programme announced by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa during a media briefing on October 21.

SAWEA says these interventions, which were developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, including input from SAWEA, reflect an analysis of the challenges and lessons learned from previous bid windows.

Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of aligning the public procurement process with ongoing power sector reforms.

SAWEA says it agrees with the urgency of aligning the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) with broader sector developments, addressing current challenges and accelerating the timely connection of renewable energy, particularly wind energy, to the grid.

“The Independent Power Producer Office (IPPO), through the Minister’s presentation, has demonstrated the socioeconomic benefits of renewable-energy projects which advocates for refocusing efforts on optimising the REIPPPP.

“SAWEA sees significant opportunities to scale these achievements by addressing challenges such as grid access, policy alignment, and consistency in issuing REIPPPP rounds as a positive signal to the market,” it says.

The organisation argues that a balanced approach is needed; one that addresses immediate needs while setting a sustainable path for both public and private procurement of wind energy, as part of the evolving energy market.

MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

Considering the setbacks of previous bid windows, SAWEA says it has consistently advocated for a balanced approach to grid capacity allocation, ensuring both public and private procurement processes work synergistically.

It posits that the sector’s recovery depends on addressing the current wind energy deficit with a well-considered approach to meeting the IRP2019 energy mix ambitions.

“We must focus on the short-term resolution of curtailment, making available some 3.8 GW of capacity for wind energy. Once this new capacity becomes available, targeted wind-specific procurement rounds will ensure that wind remains a key contributor to South Africa’s transition.”

As highlighted by the Minister, SAWEA says it agrees that either smaller, more frequent REIPPPP rounds or, significantly larger procurement capacities per round, are needed to provide certainty and consistency for the programme’s success and for the broader renewable-energy market.

Moreover, the association notes that the success of wind energy in South Africa’s energy transition and security remains SAWEA’s priority.

It argues that the “stop-start” nature of the public procurement programme has hindered the steady uptake of wind energy. Hence, to ensure a more sustainable approach, SAWEA says it generally supports the interventions proposed by the Minister and IPPO.

While the reforms are anchored by the Electricity Regulation Act Amendment Bill (2023), which introduces critical changes to electricity generation and transmission, including provisions for a wholesale electricity market and the establishment of an Independent Transmission System Operator, SAWEA says it believes that these reforms need to be supported by improved grid allocation processes and timelines to ensure both public and private procurement advancement.

The interventions need to be prioritised, operationalised and balanced to ensure the greatest impact, says SAWEA, explaining that this is essential for stimulating the market and ensuring fair access to the transmission grid for renewable-energy projects.

If implemented in a timely and transparent manner, these interventions present significant opportunities for wind energy to play a growing role in South Africa’s energy mix, as outlined in the IRP2019.

SAWEA will continue to engage with the Minister and IPPO to support the country’s socioeconomic development, energy security, and environmental objectives.