The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced key actions to accelerate South Africa’s green economy, create sustainable jobs, and to stimulate economic growth.
These actions focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy initiatives.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister said these actions will contribute to environmental targets while fostering economic opportunities.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is prioritising renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydropower.
It has streamlined environmental authorisation processes to speed up project approvals, including the exclusion of solar and battery facilities from environmental authorisation in low and medium environmental sensitivity areas.
Furthermore, 11 renewable energy zones and five transmission corridors for incentivised green energy projects have been identified.
“Efforts to incentivise renewable energy development include identifying strategic zones where the environmental review will take just 194 days, instead of the usual 300.
“These measures will stimulate job creation in installation, maintenance, and in other related sectors, specifically targeting underserved communities,” the department said.
The Minister emphasised the importance of improving energy efficiency across sectors.
“Through energy-saving programmes and technology incentives, we aim to reduce consumption and cut costs,” George said.
The DFFE is also investing in waste management to support the transition to a circular economy.
The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.
“Initiatives like the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) and e-waste projects in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi municipalities are providing economic opportunities for communities while addressing waste,” the department said.
Earlier this month, government launched two E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga that will enable residents to bring their old and unused electronic waste, such as cell phones, computers, televisions, and other electrical appliances.
Another green economy initiative that the department is driving is the launch of a Green Hydrogen Guideline, which will be launched on 17 February 2025.
The guideline will help to streamline approvals for green hydrogen projects, which will support the country’s energy transition.
The Minister said that all of these initiatives are not only designed to preserve the environment but will also create much-needed jobs, especially in disadvantaged areas, while driving long-term economic growth.
“By focusing on the green economy, we’re not just protecting the environment, but creating a sustainable future with meaningful jobs,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
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