The cost of clean, renewable energy will be borne by the consumer.

This is the assertion of Eskom’s spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

He notes that this is based on agreements reached between the Independent Power Producers and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

Mantshantsha says that Eskom will have to take on additional expenses to bring renewable energy producers onto the country’s electricity grid.

He was speaking as public frustration has grown, over yet another bout of load-shedding affected the country this week.

He says that while renewable energy infrastructure is quicker to build, the cost will be felt by the public.

This as the 90% of the country’s energy comes from coal power stations. Mantshantsha says that South Africa will depend on coal for the next 50 years.

He has conceded that the country needs additional capacity from other sources.

[Header image: Renewable Energy World]