- South Africa is constructing 1.3 GW of wind energy projects, with 53 GW in the development pipeline.
- Regulatory reforms, like the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill (ERA), aim to address grid constraints and strengthen the energy mix.
- Wind energy is central to South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as the country transitions to renewable energy sources.
Wind energy will drive South Africa’s shift to renewable energy, with 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of wind projects currently under construction. Speaking after the Windaba 2024 conference last week, South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) CEO Niveshen Govender highlighted the sector’s rapid progress in the country’s energy plans.
“Wind energy has become essential to South Africa’s energy transition,” Govender said. The wind industry has already installed over 3.5 GW of capacity, and developers are actively building an additional 1.3 GW. They have also mapped out 53 GW of future wind projects.
Govender pointed to the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill (ERA), which aims to unbundle Eskom and reform regulations. These changes will create a more robust, more sustainable energy mix. However, Govender stressed ongoing challenges such as grid constraints and structural issues. “We need more interventions to unlock renewable energy’s potential fully,” he added.
Transmission Expansion Essential for Energy Growth
In his keynote address, electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa emphasised the need to expand the country’s transmission network. The government plans to revise the transmission development plan, which initially called for 14,000 kilometres of new lines over ten years. Ramokgopa cited Brazil, India, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico as models, noting their success in building over 100,000 kilometres of new transmission lines from 1998 to 2015.
“We are learning from these countries and adapting their strategies to suit our situation. Both the government and the private sector will contribute to expanding the grid,” he stated.
Wind Energy Central to South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan
Wind energy forms a crucial part of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines how the country will meet its future energy needs. Ramokgopa mentioned that the IRP is under review, with 4,000 public submissions received during consultations. Out of those, officials will consider 250 submissions for their meaningful contributions.
Ramokgopa stressed that South Africa is actively transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable solutions. He also underscored the country’s commitment to meeting its energy demands and supporting neighbouring countries like Zambia.
The Windaba 2024 conference showcased wind energy’s vital role in South Africa’s renewable energy future. With large-scale projects underway and regulatory reforms in progress, wind energy stands ready to become a cornerstone of the country’s energy strategy.