The government of South Africa awarded a few days ago 25 contracts for renewable energy projects, totaling 50 billion rand (2,8 billion euros), in order to reduce the heavy dependence from the country to coal.
These 25 projects (12 wind farms and 13 photovoltaic plants) entrusted to the private sector will bring the country's electricity production capacity to 2.583 megawatts (MW), or 4,5% more than currently, said the minister. of Energy, Gwede Manthashe.
The first of these projects will not see the light of day until April 2024 at the earliest.
South Africa, the most industrialized country on the continent, is struggling to meet its energy needs. Power cuts, which have been part of daily life since 2007, are a disaster for economic growth in a country where more than one in three working people are unemployed.
With electricity generation 80% dependent on coal-fired power plants, most of which are aging and poorly maintained, South Africa is the world's twelfth largest emitter of greenhouse gases. These emissions increased by 10% between 2000 and 2017, according to government figures.
The country is seeking to highlight its efforts to develop clean energy ahead of the COP26 climate summit, which starts Sunday in Glasgow.
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