Bloomberg reports that Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is proposing a “mega bid window” for the procurement of renewable energy to meet the demand that Eskom’s coal-fired and nuclear power stations are unable to serve and reduce load shedding.

Apparently, the minister has suggested that Gwede Mantashe, the minister of mineral resources and energy, procure an additional 15 000 MW of power from wind and solar independent power providers.

It is unclear if this is the same 15 000 MW that Minister Mantashe published recently in the Government Gazette - read "More renewable energy to be procured soon" - or if this would be in addition to that announcement. 

We are also awaiting the shortly-to-be-announced Bid Window 7 which will call for 5000 MW from solar and wind. It is understood that calls for 1200 MW of battery storage and 3000 MW of gas power will also be requested before June.

South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme has resulted so far in the addition of about 6000 MW of power on the grid.   

Ramokgopa is said to be calling for the financial close of remaining projects from Bid Windows 5 and 6 of the REIPPPP to be expedited, and the release of further bid windows for power from solar, wind, battery storage and gas, by the end of May 2023.

This is all in addition to his call for the life extension of Eskom’s coal-fired power plants.