For the first time, SA will generate more electricity from clean energy resources: Ramokgopa

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said South Africa will, for the first time, generate more electricity from clean energy sources than from fossil fuels like coal.

This shift forms part of the newly approved Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which replaces the 2019 version.

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Ramokgopa said the plan introduces a diversified energy mix including solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power to help move away from a heavy reliance on coal.

He clarified that this does not mean coal will be phased out completely, but the transition to cleaner energy is crucial for both supply security and environmental responsibility

The minister said the plan is designed to eradicate load shedding, minimise electricity costs, and reduce the environmental impact of power generation in line with global trends towards a net-zero future.

Ramokgopa said the rise in power prices, more than 900% since 2007, underscored the need for long-term, sustainable solutions.

“For the first time, you are going to see that electricity that is generated from cleaner sources of energy is going to be greater than the fossil fuel.”

He said the plan will be implemented using technical skills from universities and TVET colleges to build a sustainable energy sector for the future.