Renewable energy feed in tariffs, REBID, SASGI and the smart grid

Abstract

A South African Smart Grid Initiative (SASGI) was recently established under the mandate of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) to facilitate amongst others the effective strategic direction and roll out of Smart Grids in South Africa. The Renewable Energy industry has experienced a laborious process with many course changes and reversals by government, NERSA and Eskom during the past several years. This paper discusses the relationship of this newly established South African Smart Grid Initiative and the Renewable Energy Bid (REBID) programme. This initiative is a positive step towards the implementation of a Smart Grid in South Africa. Its influence on stable markets for investors, developers and funders towards the realisation of an electrical Smart Grid in South Africa, is also addressed.