JOHANNESBURG – Eskom is to sign long-delayed agreements with independent producers for renewable energy next week, Energy Minister Jeff Radebe announced.

The 27 renewable energy projects would create more than 61,000 new jobs and enable R56-billion of new investment in the economy, he said in a statement.

Eskom has been stalling on payment of the projects, despite former president Jacob Zuma having announced two years ago that the projects would go ahead.

READ: State meddling with energy producers is dissuading would-be investors

The projects have the potential to add more than 2,000 megawatts to the national electricity grid.  

Terence Govender, chairman of the SA Renewable Energy Council, welcomed Radebe’s commitment to having the agreements signed.

After years of delays, Energy Minister Jeff Radebe has now given the go ahead for a number of Independent Power Producer projects. Chairperson of SAREC, Terence Govender, provides some reaction. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/z8aR5wnDHw

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