The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has extended the deadline for submission for comments on the draft South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) to 18 August 2023.
Over the past 18 months, the DMRE, working with industry stakeholders, experts, labour, and other government departments, produced the SAREM which articulates a vision, objectives, and an action plan for South Africa to tap into opportunities linked to the booming market for renewable energy and battery storage technologies, both domestically and globally.
SAREM aims to leverage the rising demand to unlock the industrial and inclusive development of associated renewable energy and battery storage value chains in South Africa.
The DMRE invites and encourages stakeholders to review and provide comments on the draft masterplan document to ensure that the contribution of the renewable energy and battery storage value chains is maximised in support of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) objectives.
Stakeholders can access the draft version of the SAREM on the link: https://bit.ly/3XWhPT5
Interested and affected stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in virtual townhall sessions scheduled for 14 and 15 August 2023. Stakeholders must register on the links below:
Registration link for 14 August:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrduyqrzkqEteN6DWb85z13yEHcUy2xEmb
Registration link for 15 August:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMud-uorTIvEtI0wmF1nszjR6baKXshohBJ
Written comments and inputs can be directed to Mthunzi.Mangqalaza@dmre.gov.za on or before Monday 18 August 2023.
For technical inquiries on the masterplan, please contact the DMRE coordinator, Ms Noma Qase at: Noma.Qase@dmre.gov.za
For enquiries: mediadesk@dmre.gov.za Mr Makhosonke Buthelezi – 082 359 5584 Mr Nathi Shabangu - 073 852 1922
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Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
EDITOR’S NOTES:
About the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM)
The DMRE is responsible for leading the country's electricity generation blueprint, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This plan is located within the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce unemployment and inequality in South Africa. By 2030, the NDP targets for South Africa to have an energy sector that: provides reliable and efficient energy services at competitive rates; is socially equitable through expanded access to energy at affordable tariffs; and is environmentally sustainable through reduced emissions and pollution.
Over the years, the DMRE has, spearheaded the procurement of a variety of energy sources towards the development of a diverse energy supply mix, including renewable energy and battery storage as envisioned in the IRP 2019. Consistent with its mandate of ensuring security of supply through a diverse energy mix, over the years, the DMRE has spearheaded the procurement of a variety of energy sources including renewable energy and battery storage as envisioned in the IRP 2019. To further advance the security of supply objectives, in 2021 government lifted the generation licensing requirements altogether and promoted the implementation of small-scale embedded generation frameworks which resulted in even more renewable energy and battery systems coming online, creating jobs and catalysing private sector investment.
Pursuant to the NDP objectives, government bears the responsibility to ensure that the rollout of new energy sources contributes positively towards meeting the needs of a developmental state. Accordingly, the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) process was initiated in 2020 to drive industrialization of the renewable energy value chain.
National sector masterplans are part of the re-imagined industrial strategy initiated by the dtic in 2019. Sector masterplans are evidence-based and co-created by business, labour and government in an effort to drive industrial development and are supported by industry social compacts in which each partner is expected to contribute. Concrete, industry informed plans are put in place so as to unlock inclusive growth and jobs.
Chaired by DMRE, the SAREM process has harnessed the leadership and contribution of government, labour unions, industry players, the Public Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) and community representatives to craft a plan aligned with the country's objectives and needs. The SAREM is designed to create a social compact that supports the industrial and inclusive development of renewable energy and battery storage value chains.
SAREM, while sector focused, supports and aligns with the Energy Action Plan announced by the President on 25 July 2022. It is anchored on four key areas:
The appended draft is the product of an intensive process of consultations, expert working groups and inputs from all social compact partners and relevant government entities.