SA’s power pipeline swells but grid capacity inadequate

While power generation investment has surged, transmission development has lagged behind for more than a decade

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South Africa plans to erect 14 000km to 14 500km of extra high-voltage transmission lines by 2035 to accommodate up to 56GW of new capacity.

(Getty Images)

South Africa has more than 31.7GW of electricity projects seeking connection to the national grid, confirming the depth of private-sector investment flowing into the country's energy system.

The scale of the pipeline is revealed in a newly released public dashboard by the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), tracking grid-connected generation and storage projects that have either secured or are applying for budget quotes for grid connection.

With this pipeline expansion, questions remain over the capacity of the transmission network (grid) to absorb new power.

These projects have moved beyond early-stage feasibility and are actively seeking access to Eskom’s transmission system, which is a costly and technically demanding step that signals serious intent.