Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, announced areas to cut the red tape in the review process of renewable projects, this week.
This will include approvals in the following sectors – renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen, waste management and streamlining environmental authorisation processes.
George said these areas are set to stimulate South Africa’s green economy and create sustainable jobs.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has excluded solar and battery projects from environmental authorisation in low and medium environmental sensitive areas.
The Minister said the Department will lessen the current review of renewable energy projects from 300 to 194 days.
In addition, about 11 renewable energy zones and five transmission corridors, were identified, for incentivised green energy projects.
Furthermore, Dr George said energy efficiency campaigns will be intensified, to focus on consumption and cutting costs.
The DFFE is also investing in waste management projects such as the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) and e-waste projects in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi municipalities.
Another green economy initiative that the Department is driving is the launch of a Green Hydrogen Guideline, already introduced by the CSIR. The Guideline will help to streamline approvals for green hydrogen projects, which will support the country’s energy transition.
“By focusing on the green economy, we’re not just protecting the environment, but creating a sustainable future with meaningful jobs” said Dr George.