How South Africa is leading the charge in hybrid solar energy development

AS THE global energy sector races to meet net-zero commitments, utility-scale solar is undergoing a fundamental transformation.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

No longer defined by megawatt capacity alone, solar projects are now being evaluated on their ability to deliver dispatchable power, enhance grid stability, and provide critical ancillary services.

Nowhere is this evolution more pronounced than in Africa, particularly South Africa, where the Just Energy Transition is accelerating the shift towards resilient, grid-integrated renewable energy.

"Across the continent, and especially in South Africa, we're seeing a strategic move away from variable-only generation," Jaco Uys, SVP Projects Sub-Sahara Africa at Scatec said.

"What matters now is whether a project can deliver clean energy consistently on demand day or night. This means thinking beyond solar panels, to fully integrated energy systems," Uys said.

South Africa’s Eskom-constrained grid has spotlighted the urgent need for firm, responsive power.