[miningmx.com] – ESKOM’s parlous financial position and its focus on keeping the lights on were making it difficult for investors interesting in capitaising on South Africa’s plans to become a top renewable energy hub, said Reuters.
“There is a growing sense of frustration among developers as we negotiate with Eskom and government on grid upgrades and how it is financed,” Jack Zhao, deputy general manager for Africa at Goldwind, a Chinese wind turbine maker, told Reuters.
“If everybody has to wait for three to five years for a grid connection, South Africa will lose investment. The longer you wait the more expensive it becomes,” he said.
“There are a variety of challenges in the way of South Africa entrenching its place as one of the world’s top clean energy markets,” said Johan Muller, energy analyst at Frost and Sullivan consultancy. “If Eskom does not get its house in order soon, then there are real risks that could deter investors.”
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