7 June 2012 – The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved the licensing of the 28 successful preferred bidders for the first phase of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) Programme. The licensing process was completed in April 2012, a month earlier than the target completion date.

The completion of the licensing process follows a series of public hearings on the 28 generation licence applications conducted in Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Port Elizabeth and Limpopo.

All 28 applications met the required criteria, which include technical, financial, economic, regulatory and legal requirements. The 28 IPPs will contribute 1,416 MW to the country’s total installed capacity.

The Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy IPPs Bidding Programme targets the provision a total of 3725MW from IPPs.

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