- South Africa’s new Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, pledged a rapid shift to renewable energy, diverging from the previous coal-reliant policies.
- Ramokgopa aims to aggressively attract green energy investments, addressing the country’s high carbon intensity and reliance on coal-fired power stations.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa restructured the cabinet to separate energy policy from coal, with Ramokgopa set to engage business leaders and overcome investment barriers.
South Africa’s new Energy and Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, pledged to accelerate the shift to renewable energy on Monday, July 8, 2024. This marks a significant departure from his predecessor’s coal-reliant policies.
Ramokgopa addressed journalists in Pretoria, celebrating over 100 days without power cuts—a record after years of blackouts. “I will be ultra-aggressive on renewable energy. You will see exponential growth,” he declared, signalling a solid intent to attract green energy investments.
South Africa relies heavily on coal-fired power stations run by state utility Eskom, making it one of the top 15 greenhouse gas emitters worldwide. Climate transparency shows that the country has the highest carbon intensity among the G20 economies.
Ramokgopa’s stance contrasts sharply with that of former Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, who supported continued coal use and resisted international pressure for rapid decarbonisation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently restructured his cabinet, merging the new energy ministry with Ramokgopa’s electricity portfolio. Analysts view this move as an attempt to separate energy policy from coal dependency.
South Africa possesses vast renewable energy potential, with its semi-desert areas and wind-swept coastline. However, policy uncertainty has hampered investment. Last year, the government decided to delay decommissioning several coal-fired power stations until 2030, citing energy security concerns, which drew criticism from environmental activists.
Ramokgopa acknowledged the slow transition to green energy, admitting, “Our switch to green energy has taken longer than necessary.” He outlined plans to engage with business leaders to overcome investment barriers.
South Africa aims to lead the continent in renewable energy. Ramokgopa’s assertive stance marks a new direction for the country’s energy policy.