South Africa has a high level of Renewable Energy potential and presently has in place a target of 10 000 GWh of Renewable Energy. The Minister has determined that 3 725 megawatts (MW) to be generated from Renewable Energy sources is required to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity. This 3 725 MW is broadly in accordance with the capacity allocated to Renewable Energy generation in IRP 2010-2030.
This IPP Procurement Programme has been designed so as to contribute towards the target of 3 725 megawatts and towards socio-economic and environmentally sustainable growth, and to start and stimulate the renewable industry in South Africa.

Listing of the preferred bidders and allocation of MW per a technology.
Statement by the Minister of Energy, Hon. Dipuo Peters, MP, on the occasion of the announcement of preferred bidders in respect of the first window of 3 725MW under the Renewable Energy IPP Bidding Programme
| First Bid Submission Date | 4 November 2011 |
| Selection of Preferred Bidders in respect of First Bid Submission Date | 25 November 2011 |
| Signing and effective date of PPAs, Direct Agreements, Implementation Agreements, and Connection Agreements and Financial Close not later than | 19 June 2012 |
| Notification by the Department of Second Bid Submission Date in accordance with clause 9.5 of Part A of the RFP | 25 November 20111 |
| Second Bid Submission Date | 5 March 2012 |
| Signing and effective date of PPAs, Direct Agreements, Implementation Agreements and Connection Agreements and Financial Close not later than | 13 December 2012 |
| Notification by the Department of the Third Bid Submission Date in accordance with clause 9.5 of Part A of the RFP | 14 May 2012 |
| Bidders to notify the Department of the information required pursuant to clause 9.7 of Part A of the RFP if submitting a Bid Response in respect of Third, Fourth or Fifth Bid Submission Dates | 14 June 2012 |
| Third Bid Submission Date | 20 August 2012 |
| Signing and effective date of PPAs, Direct Agreements, Implementation Agreements and Connection Agreements and Financial Close not later than | 31 May 2013 |