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Worth the wait: How South Africa's renewable energy auctions perform compared to Europe's leading countries

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  • Kitzing, Lena
  • Siddique, Muhammad Bilal
  • Nygaard, Ivan
  • Kruger, Wikus

Abstract

Auctions for renewable energy support allocation are on a triumphant global advance. We compare performance of renewable energy auctions in terms of effectiveness (realisation rate and period) and efficiency (price outcomes) from two world regions: South Africa and European countries (Germany, France, the Netherlands). We develop an assessment framework for compliance incentivisation in auction design, covering qualification criteria, penalties, and compliance monitoring. We find that a 100% realisation rate in South Africa is connected to a strong compliance package, while European countries have moderate realisation rates (23%–87%) with relatively lenient compliance packages. We observe that realisation periods are correlated with project size rather than granted realisation period. Although South African projects generally have longer realisation periods (34 months for PV and 40 months for onshore wind) than European projects (16.5–30 months for PV and 19–25 months for onshore wind), they perform comparably considering that they are 10–13 times larger. Comparing average auction prices with equivalent technology-specific LCOE estimates, we find a general convergence towards the global average, with South Africa having the sharpest price decline (75% PV and 54% onshore wind), albeit starting from the highest level. Our findings, especially on importance of compliance incentivisation and weak impact of granted realisation periods, are valid across world regions and can support policymakers everywhere in designing effective and efficient renewable energy auctions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kitzing, Lena & Siddique, Muhammad Bilal & Nygaard, Ivan & Kruger, Wikus, 2022. "Worth the wait: How South Africa's renewable energy auctions perform compared to Europe's leading countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:166:y:2022:i:c:s0301421522002245
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Geßner, Daniel, 2023. "Performance of Renewable Energy Policies - Evidence from Germany's Transition to Auctions," W.E.P. - Würzburg Economic Papers 105, University of Würzburg, Department of Economics.
    4. Batz Liñeiro, Taimyra & Müsgens, Felix, 2023. "Evaluating the German onshore wind auction programme: An analysis based on individual bids," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    5. Halimatussadiah, Alin & Kruger, Wikus & Wagner, Fabian & Afifi, Fachry Abdul Razak & Lufti, Roes Ebara Gikami & Kitzing, Lena, 2024. "The country of perpetual potential: Why is it so difficult to procure renewable energy in Indonesia?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    6. Antonio C. C. Perrelli & Eduardo A. Sodré & André V. R. N. Silva & Caarem D. S. Studzinski & Vinícius F. Silva & Dalton F. G. Filho & Armando T. Neto & Alex A. B. Santos, 2024. "Optimizing Price Markup: The Impact of Power Purchase Agreements and Energy Production Uncertainty on the Economic Performance of Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 14(5), pages 211-219, September.

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