The development of a National Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) is envisaged in the White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa of 1998. In terms of the National Energy Act, 2008 (Act No. 34 of 2008), the Minister of Energy is mandated to develop and, on an annual basis, review and publish the IEP in the Government Gazette.
Thus, the purpose and objectives of the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) are anchored in the National Energy Act, which requires the IEP to have a planning horizon of no less than 20 years. As a long-term plan, the IEP is intended to provide a roadmap of the future energy landscape for South Africa which guides future energy infrastructure investments and policy development.
To this effect, the Department of Energy, in consultation with various government departments, has developed a Draft Integrated Energy Planning Report which presents model output from the various energy policy options that were evaluated.
The Draft Report does not provide recommendations for the energy sector but, seeks to give insight on the possible implications of pursuing alternative energy policy options in the light of changes in the macro-economic environment; technological developments; national priorities and imperatives, amongst other factors.
The Draft Report was approved for public release by Cabinet and was subsequently published in the Government Gazette on the 24 July 2013 (Gazette No. 36690) for public consultation.
The Department of Energy plans to host public stakeholder consultations in various parts of the country during the months of September, October and November 2013. Further details regarding the workshops will be communicated through print media well-ahead of time. While the workshops are intended to be as interactive as possible, a further thirty (30) days will be allowed for the submission of written comments following the last of the workshops. It is therefore encouraged that written comments only be submitted during the post-workshop period.
A colour version of the Draft 2012 Integrated Energy Planning Report is accessible on the Department of Energy website, www.energy.gov.za, under “acts & legislation >> Policy, Legislation & Forms>> Energy Planning”.
The final Integrated Energy Planning Report with a recommended energy sector roadmap will be published after the public consultation process has taken place and the various inputs have been considered.
For any enquiries, members of the public are encouraged to contact the following official/s of the department:
Mr Tshepo Madingoane
Tel: 012 406 7554
E-mail: tshepo.madingoane@energy.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Ms Thandiwe Maimane, Spokesperson
Tel: 012 406 7470
E-mail: thandiwe.maimane@energy.gov.za
Ms Zodwa Batyashe
Tel: 012 406 7484
E-mail: zodwa.batyashe@energy.gov.za
Mr Johannes Mokobane
Tel: 012 406 7481
E-mail: johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za or mediadesk@energy.gov.za
