Renewable energy surge highlights urgent need for grid flexibility

SOUTH Africa's renewable energy pipeline has surged past grid capacity, with new generation commitments now outpacing the system's ability to absorb them — underscoring the urgent need for greater investment in battery storage and grid flexibility.

- BANELE GININDZA

ACCORDING to the 2025 South African Renewable Energy Grid (SAREG) Survey, a collaboration between the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), and Eskom NTCSA, the country's contracted renewable energy capacity has risen sharply to 220,030 MWac, up from 133,748 MWac in 2024.

(ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers)

According to the 2025 South African Renewable Energy Grid (SAREG) Survey — a collaboration between the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), and Eskom National Transmission Company SA (NTCSA) — the country’s contracted renewable energy capacity has risen sharply to 220 030 MWac, up from 133 748 MWac in 2024.

The total includes all solar PV, wind, and battery storage facilities, spanning projects that are operational, under development, or at early planning stages. The survey recorded a significant increase in participation, with 673 projects included this year — up from 463 in the previous edition.