Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa will, for the first time, generate more electricity from clean energy sources than from fossil fuels such as coal.
The milestone forms part of the newly approved Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which replaces the 2019 version and outlines the country’s long-term energy roadmap.
Ramokgopa said the plan introduces a diversified energy mix — including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear — to reduce reliance on coal while ensuring energy security. He clarified, however, that coal will not be phased out completely.
“The transition to cleaner energy is crucial for both supply security and environmental responsibility,” he said.
According to Ramokgopa, the new plan aims to eradicate load shedding, lower electricity costs, and cut the environmental impact of power generation in line with South Africa’s commitment to a net-zero carbon future.
He added that the sharp rise in electricity prices — which have increased by more than 900% since 2007 — underscored the urgency for a long-term, sustainable solution.
“For the first time, you are going to see that electricity generated from cleaner sources of energy is going to be greater than the fossil fuel,” Ramokgopa said.
He added that the plan will rely on technical expertise from universities and TVET colleges to help build a modern, sustainable energy sector capable of supporting economic growth and job creation.