Chairperson, I really want to convey my appreciation for the support that I have received, overwhelmingly, from all members and all parties. I also just want to say that I agree with the Chairperson that we need to review the White Paper on Energy. Indeed it's overdue. It has to keep up with the developments of our economy, so I support that.
I want to make an earnest appeal to the portfolio committee to initiate a debate on renewable energy sources. I think we are talking past each other because there is a lot that is already happening in the department. Three of the problems that were stalling the process concerning renewable energy have been addressed. In terms of the issue of funding, the Minister of Finance has given us R2 billion which we will divide between renewable energy and energy efficiency. That matter has been addressed.
There was no strategy to drive the programme but now we have a strategy in place as we speak. There has also been research on the potential of renewable energy sources in the country and which sources have more potential. That report is in place; it is ready. So, I'm saying there is a basis and there is information that the department needs to share with this House. We will only be able to do that when we have enough time and when there is a focus on renewable energy. I'm really asking that we should have that debate.
We have already established an office, the Renewable Energy Financing Subsidy Office. It has been operating for the past two years and we are working with the Treasury on that one. Already here in the Western Cape we are rolling out solar energy. We have already started doing that. We started - I can't remember the name of the place now - but we are going to Khayelitsha next.
In terms of the wind farms, the Darling Wind Farm is operating and is giving us 50 megawatts of electricity. So, all of these things are happening but I cannot communicate everything within such a short space of time. I think that I owe this information to this House and I would really plead that we have such a debate. I nevertheless appreciate the support and we will be looking at all other matters that the members have asked us to look at. Thank you very much, Chairperson.
Debate concluded.