Hon Speaker, South Africa is being lauded as "a cornerstone of clean energy development for the entire African continent". So says a study released on Wednesday by top US-based research body, the Pew Charitable Trust. Maoto, Business Day journalist, claims that such rapid growth in investment has landed South Africa in ninth place within the Group of 20 on clean energy investment, after it came last in 2011. Clean energy investment in South Africa is likely to remain strong in the coming years as the country implements its relatively new renewable energy tender programme.
According to the Pew Charitable Trust, South Africa is the fastest-growing green energy market in the G-20, with investment rising from less than $30 million in 2011 to $5,5 billion last year, a staggering 20,5% increase. Phyllis Cuttino, the Director of the trust's Clean Energy Programme said:
South Africa is an example of a promising new and expanding market for clean energy investment. With its commitment to developing wind, solar and other clean energy technologies, South Africa has become a cornerstone of clean energy development for the entire African continent.
The findings suggest South Africa is on track with its renewable energy drive, and provide food for thought for green lobby groups, which question the government's commitment to including renewables ... The ANC takes pride in the work done by the department. [Time expired.]