The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says the Solar Energy Programme (SEP) will deliver ¼ of the country's renewable energy by 2030. Minister Davies was speaking today during his visit to the Northern Cape community of De Aar as part of the 'Taking the dti to the people' outreach programme. The programme was in partnership with Emthanjeni Municipality and the Small Enterprise Development Agency.
"We need to appreciate the size and extent of the SEP that we have in South Africa. By far, South Africa has the biggest renewable energy programme in Africa and one of the biggest in the world. The SEP should be acknowledged as a game changer in the energy space, and the one that will create opportunities for the communities," he said.
Minister Davies stated that Northern Cape has emerged as one of the important area for solar energy. He added that the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) will be working with the province on a declaration of a Special Economic Zone that will amongst others focus on the roll out of facilities to generate solar energy power stations.
"We are looking to create industries that can produce inputs into solar power facilities which can be located in the Northern Cape and create opportunities for manufacturers," indicated Minister Davies.
He also said that the people of Karoo will benefit from the recognition by the European Union (EU) of Karoo Lamb meat of origin as a Geographic Indicator.
"In the EU, the name Karoo Lamb can now only be used in reference to the lamb that originates in this region of South Africa. This will benefit the producers and the people of the Karoo Region. Study shows that products that are recognised as Geographic Indicators (GI's) if promoted effectively can raise the prize that is paid for these products as compared to similar products that are not recognised as GI's," he said.
The Manager for Local Economic Development at the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, Mr Sindisile Madyo said the development in the renewable energy, biomass for biofuels and biotechnology industry remain untapped. Madyo added that although the biomass has created 10 000 jobs since 2010, more jobs can be created.
