Green-energy source data requirements and water use licence authorisations are some of the key concerns raised by independent power producers regarding Eskom's new grid allocation rules.
The energy utility and independent power producers will reconvene this week to find solutions to concerns raised against Eskom's proposed grid allocation requirements released more than a month ago.
The meeting scheduled for Friday follows a series of other meetings between the parties and comes after the high court in Johannesburg dismissed with costs an interdict application by G7 Renewable Energies to prevent Eskom from implementing the rules.
Eskom told TimesLIVE Premium this week that some of the “key issues” raised by the industry included site-measurement data and water use licence authorisations.
The Interim Grid Capacity Allocation Rules (IGCAR), among others, demand that those embarking on private energy projects must obtain environmental impact assessment and water use licence authorisations.
Other new requirements Eskom has introduced include having power purchase agreements in place and measured data for the primary energy resources — a minimum of two years for wind and one year for solar.
Eskom stated that the “current IGCAR remain in effect” despite the engagements with the industry.
“The purpose of submitting the IGCAR to Nersa is to have them adopted by all the network service providers in the country,” said Eskom.
The utility said this week's meeting is the “continuation” of discussions with the industry.
“Since the announcement of the IGCAR, Eskom has continued to have fruitful engagements with the industry. The scheduled meeting is a continuation of these discussions,” said Eskom.
The chair of the SA Independent Power Producers Association (Saippa), Brian Day, said the organisation would be represented at the meeting, which he described as being “part of intensive engagements to solve the short-term grid allocation challenge”.
“Both the shortage of immediate grid connection potential and the longer-term grid expansion requirements are being looked at from multiple angles. I am confident that Eskom and industry will find solutions,” Day said.
Bertha Dlamini, founding president of African Women in Energy and Power, a nonprofit company promoting participation of African women in the energy sector, said they hoped the consultative sessions “will be sincere in their objectives”.
“We hope Eskom will foster open dialogue unprejudiced by preconceived outcomes, recognising the pivotal role of IPPs in shaping South Africa's sustainable energy destiny,” Dlamini said.
She said they hoped the intention “is to co-create a solution that promotes inclusive and equitable participation, especially given that investments made by different players are at risk”.
“Eskom has the responsibility to allocate grid space as expediently as possible, without compromising the rights of interested groups. Eskom has a profound opportunity to demonstrate leadership, collaboration and strategic foresight,” Dlamini said.
Eskom has previously stated that the development of the rules is necessitated by, among others, the increased competition for grid capacity and “the rapid rate of increase in applications and grid capacity hogging affecting efficiency of grid capacity allocation”.
The power utility said it was attempting “to offer non-discriminatory access to the grid” and avoid the “manipulation of grid allocations made through the first come, first served” principle.
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