Abstract
The introduction of renewable energy sources in the South African grid network which is predominantly supplied by power from fossil fuelled power generators will reduce the countries carbon footprint and power shortages in the country. In 2011, the South African government, in response to the 2008 energy supply constraints, developed a power purchasing program and termed it the REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme). The program was developed to encourage private sector participation on the development of 5 000 MW specifically from renewable energy to add to the national grid by 2019. To date, the country has been able to install just above 4 315 MW. This is mainly due to a myriad of challenges that have been associated with the project. This thesis therefore sought to scientifically investigate the nature, types, and impacts of challenges experienced by the REIPPPP between 2011 and 2017. Furthermore, this research aimed at unveiling the regulatory challenges associated with the integration of renewable energies into the national grid, with the ultimate goal of recommending mechanisms to improve the current and future renewable grid connection status quo. For the purpose of the study, the Northern Cape Province which is the renewable energy hub of the country was used as a case study. The Northern Cape Province has 46 renewable projects approved between 2011 and 2017, out of the 46 plants only 32 (70%) are connected to the grid network...
M.Phil. (Energy Studies)