Opportunity Issue 108

ENERGY
An Energy One Stop
Shop has been launched
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
(the dtic), through InvestSA, has launched the Energy One Stop Shop.
The aim is to fast-track all applications for energy projects
in South Africa. Previously, independent power producers
trying to lodge an application to create a power plant
were subjected to 12 separate authorisation processes
and long delays. The focus will be on renewable energy projects
and the programme will be rolled out in four phases by InvestSA.
The first phase, launched in 2023, allows for online registration of
energy projects and a tracking device to show how that project
is advancing along the line towards approval. The programme
managers are mandated to work with all the relevant government
departments and agencies to streamline the process. The initiative
simplifies the administrative procedures for issuing business
approvals, permits and licences and thereby removes bottlenecks
that delay the addition of megawatts to the grid, a national priority.
This shows that the state is taking steps to support small-scale
embedded generation (SSEG) power projects (under schedule 2
of the Electricity Regulation Act) to realise energy security and to
support efforts to decarbonise South Africa’s economy.
Key functions of the EOSS
First and foremost, the EOSS exists to provide
a single-window-facilitation process for
energy projects and to shorten timeframes
for project approvals by expediting, fasttracking
and removing blockages. Other
functions include: be a conduit between
developers and departments; provide
technical support and advisory services;
provide a link with private sector and
industry associations; act as an escalation
mechanism; and engage in advocacy.
Facts and figures
• 24 priority projects, 2 121MW
• 114 projects in total, 16 859MW
Business support
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and several other
organizations collaborating with the government
to address the country's energy crisis welcome the
Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) initiative. The EOSS
is a response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2022
announcement of an Energy Action Plan, which led
to the establishment of the National Energy Crisis
Committee (NECOM). NECOM, a high-level group
comprising ministers and state officials interfacing
with business CEO champions and organized
business executives, prioritising among other
interventions the initiation of the EOSS. The EOSS
platform is designed to expedite the deployment of
energy projects, aligning with the recently amended
Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act. The EOSS
as a collaborative effort aims to provide business
support and contribute to resolving the energy
challenges in South Africa.
These projects include 83 solar PV projects and 14 wind
farms but also include newer technologies and hybrids such
as solar PV with battery storage, vanadium battery projects and
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems). Eskom’s Hex BESS was
launched near Worcester in November 2023.
Contact details
Reception: 012 394 5555
info@energyoss.gov.za | www.energyoss.gov.za
Lester Bouah, Chief Director: Investment Mobilisation
Head: Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS)
Invest South Africa: Department of
Trade, Industry and Competition
Mobile: +27 66 302 0715 | Office: +27 12 394 3773
Email: lbouah@thedtic.gov.za
www.investsa.gov.za | www.doingbusiness.org.za |
www.thedtic.gov.za
40 | www.opportunityonline.co.za
Energy One Stop Shop