S African wind association concerned over grid challenges

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) on Monday voiced concerns over the impact of a rejection of a grid capacity application by public utility Eskom on the country's wind and wider renewables sector.

The statement follows the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) decision to turn down Eskom's application to reserve or preserve grid capacity for the public procurement programme’s renewable energy projects.

“Given the failure of the REIPPPP Bid Window 6 for wind energy, SAWEA has consistently advocated for a balanced approach to grid capacity allocation, ensuring both public and private procurement processes work synergistically,” the association said.

It called on Eskom and NERSA to find solutions to the grid challenges. Ongoing failures in Bid Window 6 and expected in Bid Window 7 should be addressed to enable the grid integration of renewables through both public and private avenues, SAWEA added.

The organisation warned that South Africa’s renewable energy goals cannot be realised without promptly addressing these challenges.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!