A survey conducted by EY show that Acciona Energy's activities in South Africa have contributed $295-million to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and created over 9 500 jobs.
The goal of the survey, entitled ‘Acciona Energy in South Africa: A business strategy with social value’, was to calculate the socioeconomic footprint of the renewable-energy facilities installed by the company in the region, in terms of economic impact, job creation and social and environmental externalities, including community development and the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.
“The survey was replicated in two countries that are strategic for the company, South Africa and Mexico, but there are plans to expand its scope,” said Acciona South Africa country manager Rafael Esteban.
The survey concluded that the installation of renewable facilities in South Africa by Acciona between 2013 and 2015 contributed $295-million to South Africa's GDP, mainly in 2014, when peak construction activity generated $220-million in added value.
The survey also revealed that the impact on employment resulted in the creation of over 9 500 jobs between 2013 and 2015, with a peak of 7 112 in 2014.