Formal comments on the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) (2018)

SUMMARY: As part of the Draft IRP 2016, the CSIR engaged in the public consultation and submitted comments primarily related to establishing a Least-cost Base Case, technology new-build limits (on solar PV and wind) and aligning costs to the latest Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP) Bid Window outcomes. The CSIR submission is a contribution to better understanding and improving on the current Draft IRP 2018.

KEY FINDING / RECOMMENDATIONS: The CSIR recommends, among others, transparency in all input assumptions, models and outcomes, comprehensively and consistently published; establishing annual technology new-build limits. In the interim, annual new-build limits on any new-build technologies should be removed until further investigations establish the need for them; explicitly including economic impacts of scenarios in future IRP iterations. At the very least, employment impacts should be analysed and published.