EOSS: Unlocking Energy Transformation

In 2024, the EOSS helped clear more than 100 challenges that were slowing down renewable energy projects. Which of these were the toughest to fix, and how did solving them help speed up clean energy development in South Africa?

The toughest challenges included:

• Land and servitude approvals, particularly Section 53 authorisations, where there would be conflicting rights for land use and mining rights;
• Environmental authorisations that were slowed down by duplicative processes across departments;
• Airspace restrictions – Independent Power Producers (IPPs) require Letters of No Objection from SANDF and the Civil Aviation Authority, which confirm that the power plant will not restrict or hinder any airspace activities; and
• Municipal grid connections and wheeling agreements. Resolving these challenges reduced approval times, cut developer costs and unlocked construction readiness. Each cleared megawatt directly contributes to reducing the intensity of load shedding and reduction.

With 21 renewable energy projects already moving forward and over 100 more being tracked, how is the EOSS helping to turn these plans into real power on the grid by 2028?

The EOSS provides a hands-on approach to accelerate delivery, and the current pipeline tracking of over 100 projects will add around 20 000MW of power onto the grid. A total of 21 projects are already at financial close, construction phase or on the grid with a combined power generation capacity of 2 085. The goal is to bring 10 000MW to 15 000MW online by 2028, easing pressure on the grid and supporting industrial growth.

Support systems, including the envisaged digital platform, Single Window Application Portal (SWAP); regular reporting and escalation to NECOM; and partnerships with DFIs like IFC, IDC and UK-PACT, all play a huge role in ensuring that the EOSS delivers on its mandate efficiently.

The new Single Window Application Portal (SWAP) system aims to help developers – what’s next in getting it up and running?

SWAP will transform the approvals landscape by allowing developers to submit all applications at one point of entry, offering real-time tracking of application progress, approvals and bottlenecks, and providing greater transparency and accountability across departments and agencies. A digitised renewable energy permitting system can significantly ease market entry for small IPPs and will tackle the unpredictability, lengthy timelines and high costs that currently characterise the renewable energy permitting process in South Africa.

Currently, IPPs face a fragmented system with multiple departments and municipalities applying different by-laws, procedures and requirements, often resulting in duplicated submissions, delays and additional expenses. The EOSS addresses these challenges by streamlining approvals, digitising applications and fostering better coordination across the entire regulatory value chain.

With SWAP, the EOSS will provide investors with greater transparency, predictability and efficiency, thereby reducing red tape and lowering transaction costs. This aligns with government’s broader goal of improving the ease of doing business in South Africa – and creating a more competitive, attractive environment for investment in renewable energy and the green economy.

How is the EOSS working with local municipalities to make renewable energy project approvals smoother?

Municipalities play a critical role in the successful implementation of renewable energy projects, both broadly and within the framework of the EOSS. At project level, municipalities are responsible for a range of approvals and authorisations that directly affect renewable energy development. These include land use planning and rezoning, environmental authorisations at a local level, building plan approvals, subdivision of land, wayleave approvals for infrastructure works, servitudes for transmission or distribution lines, and approvals for water and waste management services. Municipalities also provide essential connections to local electricity distribution networks, issue business and trading permits where applicable, and oversee compliance with health, safety and environmental by-laws.

Municipalities form an essential part of the end-to-end value chain of approvals. While the EOSS streamlines and digitises the application process, the effectiveness of the platform depends on municipalities implementing regulatory reforms, adopting standardised procedures, and integrating their systems into the single window portal. One of the key challenges faced by IPPs is that the permitting process varies from municipality to municipality due to differences in by-laws, administrative capacity and internal procedures. These inconsistencies can result in delays, increased costs and uncertainty for project developers.

How does the EOSS plan to build on its progress to help South Africa grow a cleaner, more reliable energy system?

The EOSS is poised to build on its progress by expanding its role as a central platform for renewable energy project facilitation, driving greater efficiency, transparency and coordination across government. By continuously refining its digital tools, such as SWAP, and strengthening collaboration with key departments and regulators, the EOSS will further streamline approvals, reduce administrative delays and provide investors with clearer pathways to project delivery. This will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and support South Africa’s broader objectives of ensuring energy security, lowering carbon emissions and fostering green industrialisation.

Importantly, the EOSS directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by enabling clean energy access, unlocking investment opportunities and advancing climate resilience. www.energyoss.gov.za