Projects developed in renewables zones, gas and grid corridors ‘not exempt’ from …

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has dismissed suggestions that renewable-energy projects developed within the designated Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs), including the three new zones being proposed, will be exempt from all environmental authorisation processes. In July, the department called for public comment on the creation of new REDZs in Emalahleni, Klerksdorp and Beaufort West, in addition to the eight existing REDZs in Overberg, Komsberg, Cookhouse, Stormberg, Kimberley, Vryburg, Upington and Springbok.