Margo-Ann Werner

3 weeks ago | pinsentmasons.com | Claire Barclay |Margo-Ann Werner |Aleesha Way |Alexis Coleman

With this in mind, Enoch Godongwana, South Africa’s minister of finance, outlined in the annual budget speech on 12 March the government’s plan to allocate R1.03 trillion (approx. US$54.7 billion) for public infrastructure projects by state-owned companies over the next three years. Included in the plan was R156.3 billion to water and sanitation infrastructure, R402 billion for road infrastructure and R219.2 billion for energy infrastructure.

Nov 26, 2024 | africanmining.co.za | Margo-Ann Werner |Kristin Long

By Margo-Ann Werner, legal director: Environmental and Energy at Pinsent MasonsSouth Africa is witnessing a surge in renewable energy projects. This shift towards greener energy sources is commendable, yet it brings its own set of legal complexities. A significant obstacle is Section 53 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). This legislation requires ‘Ministerial Consent’ for any land use that might impact the country’s mineral and petroleum resources.

Nov 12, 2024 | pinsentmasons.com | Margo-Ann Werner |Alastair Dale |Aleesha Way |Alexis Coleman

The complexities surrounding Sections 53 and 54 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) present a risk of significant challenges for developers in South Africa, particularly those involved in energy and large infrastructure projects, unless understood and managed appropriately.

Nov 11, 2024 | thegreenagenda.co.za | Margo-Ann Werner

By Margo-Ann Werner, Legal Director: Environmental and Energy at Pinsent MasonsSouth Africa is witnessing a surge in renewable energy projects. This shift towards greener energy sources is commendable, yet it brings its own set of legal complexities. A significant obstacle is Section 53 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). This legislation requires Ministerial Consent for any land use that might impact the country’s mineral and petroleum resources.

Apr 22, 2024 | pinsentmasons.com | Margo-Ann Werner |Adam Cain |Aleesha Way |Alexis Coleman

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) recently published norms and standards (collectively, the Norms) applicable to the development and expansion of solar PVs and BESS located in areas of low or medium environmental sensitivity. The norms mean that these developments may no longer be required to obtain an environmental authorisation (EA) required to progress with the construction and operation of a solar PV or BESS.