Patel Announces EOSS and Energy Resilience Fund to Tackle Energy Crisis

In a strategic move designed to combat the energy crisis, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, unveiled two dynamic initiatives this morning: the Energy One-Stop Shop (EOSS) and the Energy Resilience Fund.

EOSS: Streamlining Energy Projects

The EOSS is a fresh approach the government has adopted to expedite energy projects. It serves as a part of the larger objective to reallocate resources, bolstering the energy grid with an influx of renewable energy. EOSS was conceived to address a significant barrier that energy developers often grapple with—the stringent regulatory measures that inadvertently delay energy project approvals.

The minister, optimistic about the potential benefits of these endeavours, noted,

“The Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund are critical steps towards alleviating the challenges faced by our industries during this energy crisis. We are committed to fostering a resilient business environment and accelerating private-sector investment in electricity generation to secure a stable energy future.”

EOSS: A Dedicated Resource for the Private Sector

EOSS represents a concerted effort to simplify and streamline the energy approval process. “While the Presidency is exploring ways to simplify these processes we have seen that having a dedicated resource available to the private sector, to address blockages, has worked in other parts of the economy,” Patel said.

This resource has been designed to roll out in four stages. The inaugural phase, which is now operational, includes a dedicated staff, a website, a registration portal for energy projects, and a mapped-out approval process.

The subsequent stages include further developmental features. Phase two will scope provincial and municipal processes and build capacity. Phase three will implement a unified, electronic application process with automated feedback. The final phase will see the complete project up and running, addressing immediate blockages and considering a wider reform programme.

Energy Resilience Fund: Aiding Companies Amidst Challenges

The Energy Resilience Fund, supported by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), National Empowerment Fund and the dtic, is earmarked to assist companies grappling with energy-related challenges. As of now, the department and its entities have approved projects worth R294 million across various sectors, including food and beverages, metal fabrication, rubber and plastics, and accommodation services.

Patel emphasised,

“It is worth noting that we have also put in place several other instruments to support the energy transition – from new standards on light-bulbs issued in May this year, to exemptions granted to companies to collaborate on both the supply of energy and on demand-measures.”

With the launch of these initiatives, Patel welcomed participation from energy developers,

“Energy developers are invited to use the facility and provide feedback to the Energy One Stop Shop team on both technology and human resources, so we can improve the facility. We do so to enable more energy to be available to the grid, so that we can provide power to homes, factories, mines, offices and indeed all the economic hubs that create jobs.”

For further inquiries and online applications, visit: www.energyoss.gov.za or email: info@energyoss.gov.za.