Minister Creecy gazettes the implementation of the norms for the exclusion of solar photovoltaic and battery storage facilities

Summary:

The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has published two notices in the Government Gazette, dated 28 March 2024. The notices aim to exclude battery storage facilities and solar photovoltaic facilities from environmental authorization requirements in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity, in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998. This move is expected to streamline the development and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, while protecting the environment. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Dr. D Fischer (dfischer@dffe.gov.za) or contact Mr. Peter Mbelengwa (082 611 8197) for media queries.