Page 14 - Energize July 2021

NEWS

Local manufacturing of solar PV gets a boost

he South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), the industry body which
represents solar PV in South Africa, has welcomed Italian-based firm Enertronica Santerno’s
Tdecision to expand its manufacturing activities in South Africa.
The Italian firm, which has been an active player in South Africa over the past ten years, will
invest R17-million to enhance its capability of manufacturing inverters for solar photovoltaic (PV)
applications, including storage solutions, with a maximum initial production capacity of more than
500 MW per year, gradually ramping up to higher capacity targets.
The inverters will achieve a designated local content value higher than 40%, thereby
exceeding the minimum requirements for public procurement. Implementation plans are already
in place and will be finalised within the next five months.
Welcoming the news, Niveshen Govender, SAPVIA’s chief operating officer, said, “This
significant investment shows the massive potential for the solar PV market here in South Africa.
The fact that we are attracting international investors shows the viability of our renewable energy
sector both in terms of financial return as well as the capability of our workforce to deliver best-
in-class manufacturing.
“Post Covid, we will require foreign and local investment to drive the economic recovery and
transform our energy infrastructure to meet current and future requirements. This investment will Niveshen Govender
also contribute to South Africa realising the full, transformational potential of its solar PV market.
“Localisation, upskilling and a focus on ensuring true South African participation across the “After a period of decline, where
value chain is vital if we are all to benefit from the full rewards of the REIPPPP.” investors were hesitant to move forward
Luigi Guerra, Enertronica Santerno’s country manager said, “The Group has already with local manufacturing, due to the lack
successfully implemented manufacturing activities in South Africa in various sectors associated of certainty from government, we are now
with renewable energy. In 2013, a production plant was built (and then later dismantled) for the seeing the green shoots of a South African
manufacturing of supporting structures for around 400 MW of panels PV panels. renewable energy manufacturing sector.
“Subsequently, inverter-based power stations with a total capacity of around 600 MW were With this confidence, we hope to see
built with a 58% local content, making Enertronica Santerno one of the leading local producers in additional investment, local job creation and
South Africa in its own market sector.” upskilling of local workers.
Govender emphasised that the South African government must continue to act in the interest “We cannot afford to let this
of South Africans, saying that the industry is waiting for confirmation from the Department opportunity pass and we look forward
of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to working with government to deliver
that legislation will be implemented to ensure that projects are able to meet the localisation not only our energy needs, through
requirements for Bid Window 5 of the REIPPPP. sustained and consistent procurement of
“We need certainty, sustained procurement, and a consistent approach to developing the renewable energy, but also job creation
local manufacturing market segment,” he said. and sustainable employment through a
Govender stressed that SAPVIA will continue to actively engage with its members to commitment to localisation.
ensure that they proactively attract additional investment, both foreign and local, to drive “SAPVIA welcomes this positive
local manufacturing capabilities. In this way, he said, the country will fully realise the capacity investment from Enertronica Santerno and
requirements of the South African market, both currently and for future procurement rounds. looks forward to working with the company
This, so as to enable the country to realise the full economic and industrialisation potential of the and supporting its, and South Africa’s, future
uptake of renewable energy. successes in the local market,” Govender said.
“Following the extended pause in government procurement of clean, affordable renewable
energy generation infrastructure, through the REIPPPP, we are starting to see confidence growing Contact Kim Thomas, SAPVIA,
from the industry which now feels ready to invest in local manufacturing. Tel 021 200-5856, kim@sapvia.co.za

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