The struggling national electrical system will receive a “massive” boost in power over the course of the next 12 to 18 months.
In his 2023 State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the grid’s diversification will enable the delivery of 2,800 megawatts of electricity through more than 100 independently created power production projects.
New transmission lines and substations were also invested in, according to Ramaphosa, particularly in the Eastern, Northern, and Western Cape.
According to the President, Eskom will secure emergency power that would be put into use within six months to close the grid’s gaping breach.
SMMES
Rooftop solar panels will be erected utilising a “bounce-back lending system,” which will also help business owners. Small company owners will be able to purchase solar equipment through the National Treasury, according to Ramaphosa, and the program would allow banks and development finance organisations to borrow money straight from it in order to lease panels to clients.
“Our present coal-fired power plants, as well as solar, wind, gas, nuclear, hydro, and battery storage, will all be included in the mix of energy sources that this electricity will be produced with.”
Ramaphosa added, “We need strong central coordination and determined action to properly implement this strategy.”