Recently published standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to the roll-out of renewable energy projects while protecting environmentally sensitive areas, an expert has said.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) recently published norms and standards (collectively, the Norms) applicable to the development and expansion of solar PVs and BESS located in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity.
The norms mean that these developments may no longer be required to obtain an environmental authorisation (EA) required to progress with the construction and operation of a solar PV or BESS.
Although not discussed in this article, it is important to acknowledge that the DFFE have recently published additional notices for public comment relating to the exemption of the development and expansion of facilities or infrastructure for transmitting and distributing electricity; and the development and expansion of substations. This is encouraging evidence of further legislative developments being implemented to facilitate renewable energy developments and address the ongoing transmission and distribution infrastructure constraints which limit the roll-out of renewable energy projects.
Margo-Ann Werner, environmental law expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “The finalisation of these norms and standards contribute to the DFFE’s attempts to streamline permitting processes and lead time for renewable energy facility developments as part of the efforts to combat South Africa’s energy crisis.”
Read more...........>>>>>>
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) recently published norms and standards (collectively, the Norms) applicable to the development and expansion of solar PVs and BESS located in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity.
The norms mean that these developments may no longer be required to obtain an environmental authorisation (EA) required to progress with the construction and operation of a solar PV or BESS.
Although not discussed in this article, it is important to acknowledge that the DFFE have recently published additional notices for public comment relating to the exemption of the development and expansion of facilities or infrastructure for transmitting and distributing electricity; and the development and expansion of substations. This is encouraging evidence of further legislative developments being implemented to facilitate renewable energy developments and address the ongoing transmission and distribution infrastructure constraints which limit the roll-out of renewable energy projects.
Margo-Ann Werner, environmental law expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “The finalisation of these norms and standards contribute to the DFFE’s attempts to streamline permitting processes and lead time for renewable energy facility developments as part of the efforts to combat South Africa’s energy crisis.”
Read more...........>>>>>>
RSS Feed
