Presidency energy adviser Silas Zimu said the swift shutting down of coal plants and the slow introduction of renewables had caused an energy and economic crisis. In Johannesburg, City Power chairman Bonolo Ramokhele is seeking energy generation from the private sector while trying to salvage a network that is falling apart.
Zimu said the last renewables connected to the grid were from REIPPP bidding round four. The programme signed its fifth round of IPPs at the end of 2022 under the fifth bid window – but those projects are expected to be added to the grid only in 2025. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to push for extending life of ageing coal-fired power stationZimu said the entire world has a similar problem – our electricity demand exceeds what we’re able to produce.
“What needs to be done to save the economy is to fast-track the renewables,” he said, acknowledging the threat of climate change.Zimu said the problem with rolling out renewables was that the transmission grid was tied up, especially in the Northern Cape where there were many solar investments.“And as we’re speaking today, solar companies and developers are still applying for grid access… but we know there is no grid access.
City Power will now bring in independent power producers after finally getting approval from the board and city council at the end of January. For the first bid window, they’re looking for 700 to 1,000 megawatts.