Question NW37 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
23 February 2024 - NW37
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) What is the Government’s long-term strategic plan for energy procurement, (b) how does the specified strategic plan align with the overall energy security objectives, (c) what measures are in place to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply beyond the 2024-25 financial year, (d) what criteria will be used to select vendors for the supply of energy and (e) what mechanisms are in place to prevent any undue influence and/or favouritism in the procurement processes; (2) Whether there are any plans in place to invest in long-term projects that enhance the nation's energy capacity and resilience, reducing the likelihood of last-minute rushes for power procurement during critical periods; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) The government’s strategic plan on energy procurement is codified in the 2023 draft IRP which has been released for public participation and comments.
(b) The IRP sets the strategic plan which includes the optimal energy mix to achieve our energy security objectives with due regard to our energy resource endowments
(c) The energy action plan sets out short and medium interventions measures to balance the energy supply and demand which includes interventions to;
(i) Strengthen and/or repurpose the existing Eskom fleet including gas to energy on both open and close cycle gas turbines,
(ii) Optimize the uptake of private renewable energy investment both through renewable energy independent producer programme, embedded generation programmes and commercial/domestic rooftop solar solutions
(iii) Modernize and expand the transmission infrastructure
(iv) All procurement will be done in line with section 217(1) and (2) of the constitution
(v) refer to reply above
(2) Based on the 2019 IRP government will in 2024 will commence the procurement of:
(i) 2500MW nuclear energy
(ii) The conversion of Gourikwa and Ankerlig to gas from diesel/open gas turbine OCGT which will yield 2000MW and a further 1000MW conversion into Closed Cycle Gas Turbine OCGT
(iii) An additional 3000MW is approved in Richards Bay
Eskom will rollout plans for the development of solar PV coupled with battery energy storage systems which will yield 4000MW.