South Africa's Long-Term Power Resource Plan Highlights Renewables

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas--South Africa has approved its updated integrated resource plan (IRP 2025), setting a roadmap for over 105 gigawatts (GW) of new generation capacity to be added between 2025 and 2039. The plan places renewables at its core, aiming for 25 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 34 GW of wind by 2039, while gradually reducing the dominance of coal in the national mix.

The IRP 2025 also calls for 16 GW of distributed generation, 8.5 GW of energy storage, 16 GW of gas and 5.2 GW of nuclear capacity to ensure system stability and supply security. By 2030, the country targets around 11.3 GW of new solar PV, 7.3 GW of wind and 6 GW of gas-to-power projects.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), South Africa's installed solar capacity reached 8.46 GW by year-end 2024, reflecting steady growth despite challenges in the power sector. Eskom, South Africa's state-run utility, has welcomed IRP 2025 as a clear framework to guide investment, enhance generation diversity and steer the power sector toward net-zero by 2050. The plan builds on existing programs such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), expected to drive 3-5 GW of new renewable additions annually through the end of the decade.

Industrial info is tracking 439 capital renewable-energy projects in South Africa, worth US$87 billion. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Power Project Database can click here for a full list of projects.

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