Ramokgopa unveils R2.23trn electricity generation plan

An ambitious plan to build 105 000MW of new generation capacity between now and 2039 to the value of R2.23 trillion was unveiled on Sunday by Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

- Antoinette Slabbert

This is more than double Eskom's current generation capacity of 50 230MW.

The plan will ensure energy security to support economic growth of at least 3% from 2030, lay the foundations for a revival of the struggling construction industry and be a lever for industrialisation, Ramokgopa said.

It will also map South Africa's road towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

His announcement follows the approval of the country's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) by the cabinet last Wednesday. It is expected to be published in the Government Gazette on Friday.

The plan sets out government policy in terms of the size and technology of planned new power stations.

It provides for a drastic increase in renewable energy, with the contribution of coal being reduced from the current 58% to 27% by 2039.

The plan provides for the addition of 11 270MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 7 340MW of wind capacity by 2030, as well as 6 000MW of gas-to-power, 3 100MW of storage and 5 400MW of distributed energy (behind the meter).