Bids roll in for SA renewable energy

2011-11-14 14:12

Pretoria - A total of 53 bids have been received from independent electricity producers for the construction of renewable energy sources, an official said on Monday.

Energy deputy director general director Ompi Aphane said in Pretoria that foreign developers had shown strong interest.

"There has been significant interest from international investors," he told reporters.

"The bidders are, however, required to comply with different thresholds for BBE [broad-based economic] ownership, job creation, preferential procurement and socio-economic development."

The 53 bids received represented 2 100MW of electricity - 50% from wind, 48% from solar and 2% from hydro sources.

The energy department published a request for proposals on August 3, and submissions closed on November 4.

- SAPA