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New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed company, Jinko Solar, will be celebrating the official opening of its R80 million, 120 MW solar PV module production facility in Epping, Cape Town. Jinko Solar opened this facility in response to the roll out of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) where 1484MW of solar PV projects have been procured. Since the inception of this programme, Jinko Solar has deployed over 300MW of solar PV panels, reaching approximately 30% market share.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies welcomes the opening of this facility as part of the dti’s drive to expand the capabilities of the South African manufacturing industry, to increase the country’s industrial base and create the much needed jobs in Epping. The Green Economy has been identified as a key focus area in the department’s Industrial Policy Action Plan, and provides significant opportunities for job creation, localisation and economic growth.

Then opening of Jinko’s state of the art production facility in Cape Town once again highlights the attractiveness of South Africa as an investment destination and will contribute further to establishing the country as a hub for renewable energy and other green economy industries. The dti is proud to have supported this investment having  been in discussion with Jinko on their investment since 2012, through various measures, including the reduction of red tape, facilitation  and support on local content requirements.

Minister Davies speaking on the margins of the USA – Africa Summit and in meetings with USA companies, said South Africa is becoming a leader in renewable energy. Within a space of three years the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) model is fast developing into a new industry sector. USA investors such as GE and Solar Reserve, as part of President Obama’s Power Africa program have expressed an interest to further invest and expand the energy sector in South Africa and on the African Continent.