The Just Energy Transition (JET) Funding Platform, launched on October 25, will close its first window for applications on December 15, according to JET Funding Platform analyst Mohlokoa Ngoasheng.

This new matchmaking platform, managed by the JET project management office within the Presidency, is aimed at assisting local project developers in securing grant funding for projects aligned with South Africa’s JET strategy.

Speaking during a webinar on the JET Funding Platform on November 8, Ngoasheng explained that the platform will allocate R600-million in grant funding for 20 projects in 2025, with a further R1.5-billion to be allocated for 50 projects in 2026.

Designed to enhance the visibility of local JET projects for grant funders, the platform provides an online application process for developers seeking funding.

She explained that the JET Funding Platform would play a critical part in South Africa’s approach to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, while prioritising social justice, in line with the nation’s climate ambition and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP).

Published in 2022, the JET-IP outlines South Africa’s projected need of R1.5-trillion over five years to facilitate a low-carbon economy, consistent with the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The plan sets a decarbonisation target range of 350- to 420-million tonnes of carbon equivalent, with funding expected from development banks, financial institutions, corporations and the private sector. These resources will focus on three priority sectors: electricity, new-energy vehicles and green hydrogen, with cross-cutting sectors in skills development and municipal support.

South Africa’s climate ambition, presented last year ahead of COP 28 in Dubai, resulted in a pledge of $8.5-billion from the International Partner Group (IPG), which includes the UK, Germany, the US, the EU, and France.

The JET Funding Platform will serve as a matchmaker between these grant funders and potential JET beneficiaries, supporting project originators in preparing plans and applying for grants. A notable aim is to reduce friction costs and improve project access to both local and international funding sources.

For funders, the platform offers improved visibility into JET projects, enhanced impact reporting through the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, and co-investment opportunities for scaling projects and risk sharing.

Ngoasheng explained that project applications may be submitted by any juristic person, provided they meet pre-qualifying criteria and pass an in-depth assessment stage. In the initial stage, applicants must demonstrate strong governance structures and alignment with the JET project definition.

Projects are then assessed for quality, based on five pillars: climate mitigation, transition-enabling outcomes, community empowerment and ownership, transformational impact, and sustainability. Each project’s score is weighted according to these criteria to determine its eligibility.

Once registered on the JET Funding Platform portal, projects are evaluated by Technical Support Teams, who assess eligibility and recommend projects for funding, technical assistance, or disqualification if criteria are unmet. Following this assessment, the JET Project Management Unit (PMU) Review Committee adds eligible projects to the JET Funding Platform register, connecting them to funders for further review.

Funders conduct their own assessments and, upon approval, directly enter funding agreements with selected projects, notifying the JET PMU of the final match. Approved projects are published on the JET Grants Register, after which funders monitor implementation and report progress to the JET PMU.

The response time for a project application is within 90 days, contingent upon the full and correct submission of all required documents.