Overview of South Africa's Renewable Energy Development

     According to the 2019 South Africa Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), South Africa has set a cumulative installed capacity of 27.6GW of camping solar system renewable energy in 2030, with wind (about 11GW) and photovoltaic (about 8GW) accounting for the largest number.

    Coal has always been a source of power generation that South Africa has relied on. In order to meet the electricity demand brought about by economic growth and reduce the impact on the environment, South Africa intends to meet part of its electricity demand through the development of renewable energy. However, despite the challenging goals set out in the IRP, it is actually due to the ineffective operation of the local grid company and the low administrative efficiency within the government. Therefore, despite having renewable energy development goals, based on the current situation, there may actually be a risk of not being able to meet the power purchase subsidies required for renewable energy power generation, thus greatly reducing the willingness of developers to enter local investment.

    At present, hydropower accounts for the highest proportion of installed renewable energy in South Africa, accounting for nearly 40% of the total. South Africa is surrounded by the sea on three sides and has a large area of ​​lowlands and overhangs. The wind resources are abundant and suitable for the construction of wind farms. The local sunshine resources are abundant, which is conducive to the development of photovoltaics. Coupled with the government's incentives through bidding policies, photovoltaics and wind power also have a place in South Africa, with installed capacity accounting for 29% and 23% respectively, closely behind hydropower.