- Eskom, NTCSA, RTE International and AFD have launched a two-year technical cooperation programme to strengthen South Africa’s transmission network.
- The initiative will support grid modernisation through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and HVDC systems.
Eskom, the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), RTE International and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have signed a partnership agreement to modernise South Africa’s electricity transmission network. The parties announced the agreement during the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town.
Under the partnership, NTCSA and RTE International will implement a two-year technical cooperation programme to strengthen the country’s transmission infrastructure and support the energy transition.
AFD will provide a grant of €650,000, equivalent to about ZAR12 million, for the initiative. The French National Treasury is funding the grant under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The programme will help South Africa strengthen its electricity network as the country increases the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
As renewable energy deployment grows, transmission operators must manage new challenges, including changing electricity flows, grid stability requirements and system flexibility needs.
To address these challenges, NTCSA and RTE International will share technical expertise, operational experience and best practices to develop a more resilient and efficient transmission system. The partners will implement the programme through several phases tailored to South Africa’s specific requirements.
The cooperation will include joint research projects, technical workshops and study visits involving specialists from both countries.
The programme will focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, advanced analytics and power system stability solutions.
Eskom Chief Financial Officer, Calib Cassim, said international collaboration will play a critical role in developing a modern transmission network and strengthening South Africa’s long-term energy security.
NTCSA Chief Executive Officer, Monde Bala, said the company remains committed to maintaining grid reliability while expanding and modernising transmission infrastructure to meet future electricity demand.
AFD representative Nicolas Willemin said the partnership creates an opportunity for leading transmission operators from Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge and technical expertise.
RTE International Chief Executive Officer, Veronika Milewski, said the company will leverage its experience in power system operations to support South Africa’s efforts to build a more sustainable, reliable and efficient electricity network.
The partnership marks another step in South Africa’s efforts to modernise its power sector, strengthen grid performance and accelerate the integration of renewable energy into the national electricity system.