South Africa’s electricity problems are set to continue, with ESKOM hit with a development setback. The country’s electricity and logistics constraints might worsen with the new 14,000km projected cable issues. This also includes renewable connections and investments depending on ESKOM’s transmission grid.
According to the electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, there are transmission issues. He stated that the nation aimed to set up 6,000km by 2027 and 12,500km after. With only 1,400km possible over the next three years, he acknowledged the current setbacks and the possibility of going past the deadlines.
The project lags due to poor resources, with areas like Cape provinces requiring newer grid capacity. This is because the region has some of SA’s best renewable resources.
According to Professor Sampson Mamphweli of the South African National Energy Development Institute, the areas need approximately 3,200MW to run. Like Minister Ramokgpa, he emphasizes the inadequate capacity for proper energy sustainability in such crucial areas.
South Africa’s deteriorating economy and inflation have significantly slowed the 14,000km decade-long project. The initial budget of R372 billion ($19.6 billion) will increase, with various large-scale renewable energy projects requiring an additional R100 billion ($5.3 billion) in the 2025 financial year.
The government calls upon private companies to help with the load-shedding and funds. On the brighter side, the country is slowly shifting to renewable energy and contributing to the long-term goal of a green economy and net zero emissions.
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