Understanding the challenges of multiple regulatory processes for photovoltaic (PV) solar power projects

Abstract

A complex web of regulatory processes from different government entities governs current photovoltaic (PV) solar power project authorisations. For a regulatory system to be suitable, it must include efficient institutional, regulatory and policy structures. There is great benefit in the seamless alignment of policies and programmes. A guiding principle for sound policy-making is to develop policies that are aligned and coherent to ensure feasibility and effectiveness. The objective of the study is to understand the project developers and regulators challenges inherent to multiple regulatory processes for PV solar power projects. This study followed a qualitative approach, using case studies and interviews to obtain research data about the multiple authorisations required for PV solar power projects. The research sample included eight case studies of authorised projects in the Northern Cape province between 2014 and 2016. Interviews were also conducted with regulators and project developers involved in the authorisation process of PV solar power projects. Some of the challenges identified include the fragmentation, alignment, non-integration of processes and lack of coordination among the three levels of government involved: national, provincial and local. The issuance of different required permits and licenses is separate for the different agencies/departments and some regulatory requirements are, in fact, contradictory to those of other State Entities. Although the study highlights a numbers of challenges for multiple regulatory processes, recommendations on addressing identified challenges are suggested. These recommendations include regulatory coherence, cooperation and coordination, which can assist the different agencies / departments to communicate and coordinate their processes in order to align multiple regulatory processes of PV solar power projects.