Title: National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998): Adoption of the Battery Storage Exclusion Norm and Exclusion of Identified Activities Associated with the Development and Expansion of Battery Storage Facilities from the Requirement to Obtain an Environmental Authorisation  

Gazette reference: GN 4557 in GG 50387 of 27 March 2024 

Commencement date: 27 March 2024 

On 27 March 2024, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment adopted the Norm for the Exclusion of Identified Activities Associated with the Development and Expansion of Battery Storage Facilities in Areas of Low or Medium Environmental Sensitivity (“the Norm”), and excluded certain activities identified in terms of section 24 of the NEMA from the requirement to obtain an environmental authorisation, based on compliance with the Norm. 

The exclusion will only apply to activities identified in terms of section 24(2)(a) and (b) of the NEMA, subject to compliance with the Norm, while the requirements of any other relevant legislation remain applicable.  

The activities which are subject to exclusion relate to the development or expansion of battery storage facilities associated with: 

• Energy generation; and 

• Electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. 

The full list of excluded activities can be read in the Norm.