The South African mining companies are taking their future in their own hands as they plan to venture into green and clean energy.
As they are planning a whopping 3 900MW in green power projects which can relieve substantial pressure on the Eskom grid. This will, however, require a slashing of red tape, industry has said.
The Minerals Council South Africa said in a statement that its members have 3 900MW of renewable energy projects worth an estimated R60 billion in the pipeline, which, if built, would relieve pressure on Eskom and go a long way towards meeting the industry’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Renewable energy projects in the mining sector could go a long way towards easing the pressure on Eskom to the benefit of other industries and the country as a whole,” said Minerals Council CEO Roger Baxter.
“These projects must be expedited through a smart tape system. Environmental authorisations take too long and should be materially shortened. In addition, policy issues related to wheeling charges and surplus offtake to other users are required,” he added.
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