Mystery as SA renewable energy champion ousted

Karen Breytenbach, who oversaw the expansion of South Africa’s privately owned renewable energy projects, said she was asked to vacate her job about nine months before her contract expires.

The department of energy and the Development Bank of Southern Africa asked her to leave her post as head of South Africa’s Independent Power Producer office, she said.

“There was no reason,” she said in an interview on Monday. “They want to appoint someone else.”

Breytenbach won support from prominent figures in the energy industry for a programme that was seen as one of the world’s best in attracting rapid investment in solar and wind power.

The pace of the projects came to a standstill after state-owned utility Eskom stalled for more than two years while favouring a controversial nuclear project, but in 2018 deals were signed and the department of energy signalled more renewable energy investment would be welcome.

‘Zero corruption’

“Since 2011, she has overseen R209-billion in investment in 112 renewable energy projects,” said Antony Eberhard, a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s task team for the struggling Eskom, in a Twitter posting. “Zero corruption.”

Today, Karen Breytenbach, head of the IPP Office, was asked by DBSA & DoE to leave. Since 2011 she has overseen R209 billion investment in 112 renewable energy projects – zero corruption. President @CyrilRamaphosa‘s investment drive needs good institutions and people to succeed pic.twitter.com/DrwChLj2L5

— Anton Eberhard (@AntonEberhard) July 22, 2019

The department of energy didn’t immediately reply to e-mails seeking comment. South Africa announced plans last year to invite bidders for additional renewable power projects worth as much as R50-billion rand. Ramaphosa has targeted energy as a major contributor in a drive to attract US$100-billion of investment.  — Reported by Paul Burkhardt, (c) 2019 Bloomberg LP