Eskom will start procuring renewable energy projects next month to help ease power shortages and reduce its carbon footprint.

The power utility said yesterday that it would start the procurements in October or November, before a planned independent power purchasing body to be created to negotiate energy deals separately from Eskom, was created.

The utiliy's Yousuf Haffejee said the procurements, expected to add 1025MW to the national grid, would take up to a year to be completed.

The power-generating plants established by the projects will be commissioned by 2012-2013.

Green energy projects beyond the 1025MW would be part of an integrated resources plan under consideration by the government.

Solar and wind plants are planned mainly for the Cape.

Other renewable-energy plants would be constructed in areas that allow easy connection to the national power grid.

Eskom, battling to raise R385-billion to pay for new capacity, is keen for independent producers to participate in generation projects.