THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGY FOR THE GENERATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Countries across the globe experience increased pressure to start participating in processes that will lead to greener economies. Therefore, the use of Renewable Energy (RE) sources and technologies play an important role. With this in mind, the South African Parliament adopted the White Paper on Renewable Energy. In line with this, and the introduction and adoption of the New Growth Path in South Africa towards developing and growing the green economy within the country, the Premier of the North West Province (NWP) declared in her State of the Province address that a Renewable Energy Strategy will be developed for the Province. Although South Africa has an abundance of RE resources available, the applicability of these for the NWP depend on a number of factors, and consequently not all are equally viable for the NWP. The developed RE strategy attempts to focus the efforts of all stakeholders and provides a foundation for the NWP to become a primary contributor towards the RE sector within South Africa. The successful development of RE resources will ensure that the NWP makes a valuable and meaningful contribution towards growing the green economy within the province and South Africa. These initiatives will create green jobs and reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, whilst making energy accessible and affordable to both the population of the Province, as well as its significant industrial and mining sectors. The focus areas will contribute positively to the health of the population and the environment of the NWP.