South Africa Unveils New Green Deal

Renewables sector makes local content pledge as SA unveils new green deal

17th November 2011 - South Africa's emerging renewable-energy industry committed to a minimum local content level of 35% for the initial roll-out of renewables projects, but indicated that steps would be taken to raise that level towards government's aspirational target of 75% over time.

The commitment was made in a new 'Green Economy Accord', which was signed by government, business, labour and organised community groups at a ceremony held in Cape Town on Thursday.

The accord was the fourth to be signed under the aegis of the New Growth Path, which expects green industries to contribute some 300 000 jobs to a bigger goal of adding a total of five-million jobs to the South African economy by 2020. The other accords cover skills development, basic education and the goal to materially raise the level of local procurement. A further accord focusing on enterprise development was likely to be unveiled soon. read more>>>