It's been some three years since the Department of Energy
(DoE) launched the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). As part of this
initiative, the DoE established the Renewable Energy Independent
Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The REIPPPP aimed
to procure 3 725 MW of power from seven renewable energy sources by
the year 2016. The renewable sources that have been designated are
the following: onshore wind; concentrated solar thermal power
(CSP); solar photovoltaic (PV); biomass; biogas; landfill gas; and
small hydro power projects.
The initial thinking was that there would be five rounds of
bidding under the REIPPP, but it's unclear whether that many
will even be needed. Two rounds of bidding have already been
completed. The last few weeks were an exciting time
as financial close was reached for first round projects -
many at these offices where the sound of popping corks was much
more appreciated than the preceding sounds of fierce negotiations.
After
