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The Europe Union say the Eastern Cape has excellent conditions for the development of a renewable energy sector.
The EU is jointly hosting a three-day Renewable Energy Conference with the Eastern Cape Provincial government at the East London ICC.
EU delegation ambassador Roeland Van Geer said the province proved its commitment through the Renewable Energy Independent Producer Programme (REIPPP).
“The provincial government gives all the necessary support to create an enabling regulatory and investor-friendly environment and as a result more and more European companies are investing in the renewable energy sector,” said Van Geer.
Through the REIPPP the province develops nine of the 15 wind project and one solar photovoltaic project.
MEC for Economic Development Mcebisi Jonas said more than 2000 jobs will be created during the first window of R18 billion programme.
“We are happy to contribute to the country’s New Growth Path to create 300 000 green jobs by 2020, however, Investment in the green economy is not only about job creation , it is the only way to achieve sustainable, low carbon development and economic growth” said Jonas.
MEC Jonas added that the EU assists the EU assists in skills development, research and investing in the province’s projects.
Meanwhile, one of a host of energy company's taking part in the conference is Philips South Africa.
Spokesperson and representative at the conference, Jack Carne, says many rural areas, such as large parts of the Transkei, are completely off-grid with no access to electricity.
However, he said that by the end of 2015, Philips has committed to supplying 100 light centres to villages around the country that currently don't have power.
