Statistics of utility-scale solar PV, wind and CSP in South Africa in 2016

Abstract

The REIPPPP is designed to contribute to meeting the national renewable energy target while encouraging foreign investment and developing socio-economic and environmentally sustainable growth. To date, renewable energy projects in South Africa have resulted in 20 000 jobs for South Africans and have attracted R 192.6 billion in investment. Furthermore, IPPs have committed a total of R 19.1 billion toward socio-economic development initiatives within the communities in which they operate, thereby positively contributing to livelihoods and income generation. The main evaluation criterion for the bid selection process is pricing, with a 70% weighting, and a 30% weighting for other factors such as job creation, local content and black economic empowerment. Prices have dropped over the four bidding phases with average solar PV tariffs decreasing by 83%, wind by 59% and CSP dropping by 43%. The REIPPPP includes onshore wind, solar PV, CSP, small hydro, biomass, biogas, landfill gas, small hydro and cogeneration (from agricultural waste / byproducts).