Radebe pushes past Numsa to sign 27 renewable energy projects

Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe will officially sign 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Projects (REIPPP), including Power Purchase Agreements with Eskom, at a signing ceremony in Tshwane this morning.

The signing comes after the North Gauteng High Court last week struck off the roll a bid by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) to prevent Radebe and Eskom from signing the agreements with independent power producers.

Numsa had asked the court to block the signing of the deal until the court heard an application by the Coal Transporters’ Forum, which argues that a switch to renewable energy from coal-fired electricity will lead to job losses in linked sectors.

The union had said Radebe was fast-tracking the deal without considering the implications it would have, which it said would be 30 000 jobs lost due to the closure of five Eskom power stations the deal would cause.

The union had further said the deal would result in the hike of electricity prices.

The 27 projects that Radebe will sign today will amount to R55.92 billion in new direct investments in the energy sector while also creating jobs. The projects will be located in different parts of the country.

The energy department said: “The department reached this milestone following a long period of uncertainty, but with this important milestone government re-confirms its commitment not only to renewable energy, but also to a solid partnership with the private sector as it pursues energy’s core position in the South African economy.

“This will bring much needed policy and regulatory certainly and maintain South Africa’s position as an energy investment destination of choice.”

– Additional reporting by ANA

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