- Eskom has sizeable plots of land which could potentially be used to develop renewable energy projects.
- The state owned energy utility is looking for private sector partners to exploit this opportunity and help solve the country’s energy crisis according to Eskom Group Chief Executive, Mr André de Ruyter.
De Ruyter was speaking yesterday at the Electricity Forum 2021, an event organised by the Manufacturing Circle
“We are one of the largest landowners in South Africa, in Mpumalanga we own a lot of surface rights to coal mines both currently operating and those that have ceased operations and now need to be rehabilitated. We would be able to make use of these land rights so that investors can come and install their capacity and help us solve the problem of electricity shortage for the country, ” said de Ruyter.
De Ruyter explained that public/private collaborations were critical to increase power supply but added that as a state owned utility, there is added challenges with policy regarding such partnerships. “One of the disadvantages of being a state-owned enterprise is that there are rules governing public-private partnerships. These rules are quite onerous and difficult to engage. We are in the process of developing a model that would enable us to give access to investors who are prepared to take risks, ” he said.
Funding available
After meeting a delegation of foreign envoys recently, De Ruyter announced that there is “substantial concessional financing available” to enable South Africa to pursue a just energy transition. The visit involved envoys from France, Germany, the UK, the US and the European Union and the discussions focused on opportunities for enhanced cooperation, financing and support for South Africa in light of its improved climate pledge ahead of Cope26.
Related news: De Ruyter indicates that he eyes a more focussed transition to renewables
Established in 2008 as a corporate association of manufacturers, the Manufacturing Circle engages with key stakeholders to promote the benefits of manufacturing growth for the broader economy, influence policy, and highlight opportunities and key priorities for manufacturing growth. The Manufacturing Circle believes that the Eskom crisis also represents one of democratic South Africa’s greatest opportunities.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Eskom’s group chief executive, André de Ruyter. Credit: Eskom
The organisers of Enlit Africa have confirmed that Eskom Group Chief Executive André de Ruyter will once again be part of the opening session of the event on Tuesday morning, 26 October 2021.
