South Africa has been under constant pressure to produce higher outputs of renewable energy. Gas-to-power ports, wind farms and hydro-power infrastructure are some methods that SA is using to decrease the country’s reliance on coal generated energy. An increase in funding also remains a constant requirement to enable the localisation of renewable energy sources.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) said it acknowledged the need for investment in renewable energy since the Renewable Independent Power Producer Plan was launched. The bank said it was a partner in “developing integrated solutions” for and on behalf of the Energy Department and Treasury.

The DBSA has contributed to renewable projects across SA that have resulted in 2 512 MW of power. “Almost R1 4.9 billion of commitments have been made by the DBSA to support government programmes in the energy space,” the bank said. Two include Avon and Dedisa.

All the projects are currently operational and deliver power to the national grid, the bank added. The projects include:

• Five commercial solar panels
• Nine solar PV’s
• Five wind projects
• And regional project, Cenpower

DBSA said it has also expanded its reach and has financed several gas and fired plants and infrastructure throughout Africa as part of “regional integration efforts” to address the widespread power crisis.