Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe says Eskom will sign purchase agreements with independent producers for 27 renewable energy projects on March 13 2018.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday Radebe said the signing would mark government’s commitment to the renewable energy programme and its partnership with the private sector.

According to the minister, the projects are expected to generate R56 billion in investments.

There have been numerous delays in getting the projects off the ground due to resistance by Eskom which argued that they were too costly according to a report by Business Day.

Looking ahead the minister noted that he had issued instructions to finalise all outstanding requirements for the signing of 20 more projects under another initiative which will ensure an additional R2.7 billion investment.

According to Radebe this will bring a total of R103 billion into the economy with substantial foreign direct investment, Business Day reported on Thursday.