Electricity & Energy Dept appoints 8 bidders to supply solar energy

JOHANNESBURG - The electricity and energy department has appointed eight bidders for the supply of solar energy. 

The request was made in December last year and was intended to procure 1,800 megawatts. 

The department says it received a total of 48 bid responses, totalling over 10.2 gigawatts, including 40 from solar and eight from onshore wind projects on 15 August this year. 

The department’s priority is also the return on investment. 

The total investment from the eight solar bidders in this bid window is R31.4 billion.

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Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the bidders committed to creating almost 7,000 job opportunities for South African citizens. 

The department adds that the eight have also committed to allocating 38% of their total project costs to local content, which is expected to amount to R7.8 billion during construction and R2.8 billion during the operation and maintenance phases.

The department said it's also considering the appointment of additional bidders.