Ramaphosa reboots South Africa’s renewables programme

New renewable energy deals point to a fundamental shift in South Africa's energy investment priorities

The government of new South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is wasting little time in redefining the country's approach to the energy sector, pushing ahead with an independent power project (IPP) programme for the renewables sector and signalling greater efforts to mobilise gas-fired power projects. A last-minute court challenge from a union is unlikely to slow progress.  Energy minister Jeff Radebe said in early March that state-owned utility Eskom would sign agreements for 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Projects (REIPPPs). The move is an effort to reboot the country's renewables programme, which is still in its infancy, following two years of delays under former president