South Africa's Power Shift
An infographic detailing the challenges, transformations, and opportunities in the nation's energy sector (2024-2025).
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The Power Dilemma
Eskom's operational performance is improving, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) trending upwards. However, the system remains fragile, as high unplanned outages continue to pose a significant risk of load shedding.
The Economic Ripple Effect: Mining Under Pressure
The energy crisis has a direct economic impact.South Africa's critical mining sector faces soaring energy costs, compelling a massive shift towards self-generation with a pipeline of over 7.5GW in private projects.
8x
Increase in electricity costs for the mining industry since 2008.
R150B+
Estimated investment value of the mining sector's private electricity generation pipeline.
Energy as % of Mining Input Costs
South Africa's critical mining sector faces soaring energy costs, compelling a massive shift towards self-generation with a pipeline of over 7.5GW in private projects.
The National Blueprint for Change: The Energy Action Plan (EAP)
Coordinated by NECOM, the EAP is a five-pronged strategy to stabilize the grid, accelerate new generation, and reform the electricity sector.
Fix Eskom
Improve the availability of existing supply and support operational turnarounds.
Enable Private Investment
Remove licensing thresholds and fast-track private generation projects.
Accelerate Procurement
Procure new capacity from renewables, gas, and battery storage via new bid windows.
Unleash Rooftop Solar
Drive adoption by businesses and households through tax incentives.
Transform the Sector
Establish an independent grid operator (NTCSA) and create a competitive market.
The New Energy Landscape
The EAP is yielding results, with an explosion in decentralized power and a robust pipeline of new utility-scale projects dominated by private investment.
Rooftop Solar Capacity Growth
Solar > 5000 Mw
New Generation Capacity Pipeline (7,615 MW)
The Biggest Hurdle: The Transmission Bottleneck
South Africa's grid is two decades behind on its expansion plan. This critical infrastructure deficit is the single biggest risk to the energy transition, preventing new, clean power from reaching consumers.
Gridlock: Stranded Generation
New wind and solar farms, primarily in the Cape provinces, cannot connect to the grid due to a lack of transmission lines. Over 3,400 MW of capacity is already subject to "curtailment" - being forced to switch off because there's no path for the power to travel.
85
Permits and authorizations can be required for a single new transmission line project.
CRITICAL TRANSMISSION BOTTLENECK
The Human Element: A Just Energy Transition (JET)
The move away from coal is essential but complex. The 2022 decommissioning of the Komati Power Station highlights the profound socio-economic impact on communities, serving as a critical lesson for future closures.
900 → 160
Reduction in people employed at the Komati site post-shutdown, leading to severe local economic decline.
$497M
World Bank funding allocated for decommissioning, site repurposing with renewables, and socio-economic mitigation.
"Outside Influence"
Perception among many local stakeholders, highlighting a trust deficit and the need for inclusive planning.
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Funding the Future
A combination of national funds and international DFI support is crucial for financing the transition, from large-scale grid projects to innovative embedded generation.
Source / Mechanism | Focus Area | Announced Funding / Target |
Infrastructure Fund (Govt/DBSA) | Blended finance for public infrastructure | R100bn over 10 years |
World Bank | Grid strengthening, renewables, JET | $1.5bn + $1bn + $497m |
DBSA / REIPPPP | Financing utility-scale IPPs | ~R18bn (Rds 1-4) |
DBSA / EGIP | Embedded generation (solar/wind) | Target: 330MW |
Climate Investment Funds | Co-financing for Eskom renewables | Leveraged ~$2bn |