The 15th of June 2022 is #GlobalWindDay. A day to celebrate the power and possibilities of wind energy. Wind energy is a clean-sustainable energy source that is cost-effective and contributes to employment opportunities. The benefits of wind energy are supported by SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable clean energy for all.
RENEWABLE INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER PROGRAMME
South Africa is in desperate need of increased electricity security and supply capacity. To alleviate this crisis, the private sector is participating in the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) initiative, which focuses on using public-private partnerships with IPPs to develop sustainable energy facilities. REIPPP is designed to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, stimulate a national renewable energy industry and contribute to socio-economic development and environmentally sustainable growth.
LEGISLATION:
In terms of the 2014 NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (amended 2017), an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for:
Listing Notice 2 Activity 1
“The development of facilities or infrastructures for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource where the electricity output is 20 megawatts or more, excluding where such development of facilities or infrastructure is for photovoltaic installations and occurs – (a) within an urban area or; (b) on existing infrastructure”
In terms of the NEMA EIA regulations, a Basic Assessment process is required for:
Listing Notice 1 Activity 1
“The development of facilities or infrastructure for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource where-
(i) the electricity output is more than 10 megawatts but less than 20 megawatts; or
(ii) the output is 10 megawatts or less but the total extent of the facility covers an area in
excess of 1 hectare; excluding where such development of facilities or infrastructure is for photovoltaic installations and occurs – (a) within an urban area or, (b) on existing infrastructure”
Listing Notice 1 Activity 36
“The expansion of facilities or structures for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource where-
(i) the electricity output will be increased by 10 megawatts or more, excluding where such expansion takes place on the original development footprint; or
(ii) regardless the increased output of the facility, the development footprint will be expanded by 1 hectare or more; excluding where such expansion of facilities or structures is for photovoltaic installations and occurs – (a) within an urban area or, (b) on existing infrastructure”
Evidently, all facilities proposed to produce in excess of 10 megawatts or covering an area of 1 hectare or more, require environmental authorisation and the associated environmental assessment.
HOW CAN SES HELP?
Sharples Environmental Services assists clients with applications to obtain authorisation for their renewable energy projects. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the industry we give our clients peace of mind regarding addressing the environmental aspects of their proposed projects.
For professional environmental services, Contact us: info@sescc.net or (021) 554 5194