SA Unveils Green Economy Plan to Drive Job Creation and Economic Growth

Minister Dr Dion George Announces Strategic Initiatives in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Circular Economy.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced a series of transformative actions aimed at accelerating South Africa’s green economy, fostering sustainable job creation, and stimulating economic growth. The initiatives will focus on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting circular economy practices.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is prioritising large-scale renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydropower developments. To expedite these projects, the department has streamlined the environmental authorisation processes. Solar and battery storage facilities in areas with low to medium environmental sensitivity are now exempt from requiring environmental authorisation, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.

Additionally, 11 Renewable Energy Development Zones and five Transmission Corridors have been identified to attract investment and facilitate green energy projects. Within these zones, environmental reviews will be completed in just 194 days, compared to the traditional 300-day timeline, enabling faster project rollouts.

“These measures will not only contribute to our environmental goals but also create job opportunities in installation, maintenance, and related sectors, particularly targeting underserved communities,” the department stated.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Minister George underscored the importance of energy efficiency across various sectors. The DFFE is implementing energy-saving programmes and introducing technology incentives to help industries reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs.

“Through these programmes, we aim to cut down on energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and ultimately save money for both businesses and consumers,” George said.

Promoting a Circular Economy

In a bid to transition towards a circular economy, the DFFE is making significant investments in waste management initiatives. The circular economy model emphasises reducing waste, reusing and recycling materials, and redesigning products to minimise environmental impact.

Programmes such as the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) and e-waste initiatives in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi municipalities are providing both environmental and economic benefits. These projects create job opportunities in local communities while addressing the growing problem of electronic waste.

Earlier this month, the government launched two e-waste recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga. These initiatives allow residents to responsibly dispose of old electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, televisions, and other appliances, promoting environmental sustainability while fostering local economic growth.

Green Hydrogen Development

A significant upcoming milestone in South Africa’s green economy strategy is the launch of the Green Hydrogen Guideline on 17 February 2025. This guideline aims to streamline the approval process for green hydrogen projects, which are essential for supporting the country’s energy transition to cleaner alternatives.

A Sustainable Future with Economic Benefits

Minister George emphasized that these initiatives are designed not only to protect the environment but also to stimulate long-term economic growth and create much-needed jobs, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

“By focusing on the green economy, we’re not just protecting our environment; we’re building a sustainable future filled with meaningful employment opportunities and economic resilience,” he said.

With these strategic actions, South Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of the global green economy movement, ensuring environmental preservation and inclusive economic development for years to come.