Johannesburg - A renewable energy procurement programme has attracted billions of rand in foreign direct investment, Energy Minister Ben Martins said on Monday.
“The programme has, to date, attracted over R150 billion in foreign direct investment,” he said in a speech prepared for delivery at a briefing about the bidders for the programme in Pretoria.
“This bodes well for South Africa, as the programme has received international acclaim for fairness, transparency and the certainty of this programme. A progressive increase in local content and job creation numbers has also been witnessed.”
The renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme was designed to contribute 3725MW of energy, to be generated from renewable energy sources, and to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
The energy sector was expected to play a crucial role in creating green jobs, developing skills and transferring technology into the economy, said Martins.
The programme was aimed at bringing additional megawatts into the electricity system through private sector investment in wind, solar, photovoltaic, solar concentrating power, biomass, and small hydro technologies, he said.
“It is anticipated that by December 2013 some of these projects will deliver energy,” said Martins.
Sapa