The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been appointed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to manage and undertake the Phase 2 of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the effective and efficient roll-out of large scale wind and solar PV developments (“Phase 2 Wind and Solar PV SEA”) in South Africa in order to identify additional Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs) on a National Level. Based on the outcomes of the “Phase 1” Wind & Solar PV SEA undertaken in five provinces in 2014, the DEA has identified a need for additional REDZs to be determined. The additional REDZs to be identified will provide anchor points for grid expansion and provide dedicated energy generation areas from which electricity must be collected, thereby allowing strategic investment.
The Phase 2 Wind and Solar PV SEA Project Team is undertaking a data gathering exercise involving renewable energy generators, specifically wind and solar PV (excluding rooftop installations), on the potential high priority energy generation areas to assist with the prioritsation of the 8 Phase 2 Focus Areas which have been identified in this iteration of the SEA.
This exercise will inform which of the eight focus areas will be taken forward as REDZs based on specialist assessments, public consultation and industry planning on developing large scale solar PV or wind developments. Due to the fact that this SEA is commissioned to assist in the strategic alignment of various development initiatives the exercise’s outcome is seen as a key component of the SEA.
* Exercise: https://redzs.csir.co.za/?attachment_id=728
- Draft Focus Area kmz: Fourth Draft Focus Areas
Industry consultation period closed.