In a move aimed at facilitating the rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, the South African Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), has adopted new norms concerning the development and expansion of battery storage and solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities.

The adopted norms establish exclusions for identified activities associated with the development and expansion of battery storage facilities in areas categorised as having low or medium environmental sensitivity, as well as for the development and expansion of solar PV facilities in similar environmentally sensitive areas.

This means that projects falling within these categories will no longer require environmental authorisation prior to commencement, provided they adhere to the objectives outlined in the National Environmental Management Act. Previously, all solar installations required environmental approval.

“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,” the department said in a statement.

The Solar Exclusion Norm only applies to specific types of solar PV facilities and projects in environmentally sensitive areas will still require environmental authorisation.