South Africa has unveiled its ZAR 2.23 trillion ($127 billion) Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 that projects adding more than 105 GW of new electricity generation capacity between 2025 and 2039. Renewable energy takes center stage with 25 GW solar PV and 34 GW wind energy in the targeted mix, while coal is left behind.  

The plan also envisages the addition of 16 GW of distributed generation capacity, along with 8.5 GW of energy storage. IRP 2025 also includes 16 GW of gas and 5.2 GW of nuclear power additions. Recently approved by the cabinet, the plan focuses on addressing immediate capacity constraints and achieving net zero for the electricity sector by 2050.

While the finer details are yet to be released, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, shared some features of the IRP 2025 in a press conference widely reported on by the local media. He said by 2030, the IRP 2025 targets 11.27 GW of new solar PV capacity, along with 7.34 GW of wind and 6 GW of gas-to-power capacity.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), South Africa’s cumulative installed solar PV capacity had reached 8.46 GW at the end of 2024.

This phased approach, explained Ramokgopa, will enable the country to build out supply chains and build skill sets of its human resources.

According to the minister, the new plan has been designed to address the problem of the South African energy system, which is currently unable to generate enough supply to meet the growing demand at the lowest cost of electricity to the economy. Government estimates show the country’s electricity demand to rise to 255 TWh by 2029.

It also supports the country’s energy security while boosting decarbonization efforts. 

South Africa’s sole utility, Eskom, welcomed the IRP 2025, which it says incorporates inputs from over 4,000 stakeholders, and provides a clear investment framework for electricity supply. 

“It signals to investors, regulators, and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach NetZero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry,” stated Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.  

Over the last few years, South Africa has faced persistent power shortages and grid instability due to its aging power infrastructure. This has prompted growing investment in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, to diversify supply and reduce coal dependence. Its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPPP) auction scheme has been instrumental in expanding the share of renewables (see Solar Wins South Africa’s REIPPPP 7 Renewable Energy Auction).  

In April 2025, South Africa announced plans to install 3 GW to 5 GW of new renewable energy capacity/year until 2030 under the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (SAREM). The focus will be on solar, wind, and battery storage (see South Africa Targets Up To 5 GW Annual RE Additions By 2030).