Minister Creecy gazettes the implementation of the norms for the exclusion of solar photovoltaic and battery storage facilities

28 March 2024

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has adopted the implementation of the norm for the exclusion of identified activities associated with the development and expansion of battery storage facilities in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity and the norm for the exclusion of the development and expansion of solar photovoltaic facilities in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No.107 of 1998); and were published in the Government Gazettes No 50387 and 50388, respectively.

The exclusions will allow for the development of battery storage and solar PV facilities in areas of confirmed low and medium environmental sensitivity without obtaining an environmental authorisation prior to commencement, while meeting the objectives of the Act.

Throughout the years, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has undertaken a number of strategic environmental assessments related to energy technologies and grid infrastructure which transmits and distributes the energy generated. These interventions, while ensuring the protection of the environment, will assist in the reduction of red tape and contribute to the speedy roll out of new renewable energy generation.

Any inquiries in connection with the notice can be directed to:

Dr D Fischer
E-mail: dfischer@dffe.gov.za

To access the government notice, click on:

National Environmental Management Act (107/1998): adoption of the battery storage exclusion norm and exclusion of identified activities associated with the development and expansion of battery storage facilities from the requirement to obtain an environmental authorisation [G 50387 – GoN 4557]

National Environmental Management Act (107/1998): adoption of the solar exclusion norm and exclusion of the development and expansion of solar photovoltaic facilities from the requirement to obtain an environmental authorisation [G 50388 – GoN 4558]

For media queries, contact:

Mr Peter Mbelengwa
Cell: 082 611 8197