South Africa’s Eskom announces plans to add 5.9 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, marking a significant shift toward cleaner energy and improved grid reliability. This move comes as the energy supplier seeks to overcome years of load-shedding caused by aging infrastructure, maintenance backlogs, and operational inefficiencies.
According to reports, Eskom’s power system is more stable than in previous years, with load-shedding unlikely if unplanned outages stay below 13GW. However, if outages rise to 15GW, limited power cuts, up to 21 days at Stage 2, may occur.
The company attributes the progress to a 3.1 GW reduction in unplanned breakdowns compared to 2024. This is alongside strategic investments in maintenance and operational discipline.
A Shift Toward Renewable Energy and Modernization Eskom’s transition includes:
- Legally separating its generation and distribution divisions to enhance efficiency.
- Installing 880,000 smart meters, enabling better demand management, and allowing customers to feed surplus renewable energy back into the grid.
- Seeking private sector partnerships to accelerate renewable energy deployment.
CEO Dan Marokane highlighted that Eskom supplied electricity 96% of the time in FY2025, a drastic improvement from 2024’s 9.9%, while cutting diesel generator costs by R16 billion. However, recent load-shedding incidents (January-April 2025) underscore the need for sustained operational improvements.
Eskom’s push toward renewables aligns with growing demand from businesses and households seeking reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly power solutions. Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Generation Executive, emphasized that “bold decisions” like high-level maintenance and data-driven recovery plans are key to ensuring long-term energy security.
This shift not only promises fewer blackouts but also positions South Africa as a growing player in the global clean energy transition. With continued investment in renewables and infrastructure, Eskom aims to build a more resilient and sustainable power system for the nation.
Add a Comment