The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved three generation licences for floating powership provider Karpowership.
The decision was taken at a special meeting of the energy regulator on Tuesday afternoon. The regulator approved generation licences for Karpowership at Saldanha Bay, Coega and Richards Bay.
It also approved generating licences for four other energy producers under a scheme to fast-track new energy production.
Nersa has not yet released its reasons for the decision in full.
Karpowership still needs to obtain a number of other authorisations before it can moor its ships at the three ports and connect to the grid. In late June, it was refused environmental approval by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It has said it is confident it will be granted approval on appeal.