28.7GW! South Africa Becomes a New Goldmine for Solar Power

Recently, the South African government released an ambitious energy development blueprint, clearly stating its intention to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix.

According to the latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) released by Dr. Cosientshaw Ramokgopa, South African Minister of Electricity and Energy, South Africa plans to add 28.7GW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2039 and strives to increase the share of renewable energy in its domestic power generation to over 50% by 2042.

Notably, this is South Africa's first long-term energy plan that completely excludes new coal-fired power capacity. The plan states that new renewable energy capacity will have a dual mission: on the one hand, to gradually replace aging coal-fired power plants; and on the other hand, to increase the total installed capacity nationwide to meet the growing electricity demand.

The development priorities for the two phases of 2026-2030 and 2031-2042 differ in the plan. Among them, the installed capacity of photovoltaic power generation is expected to achieve a leapfrog growth, jumping from the current 10.3GW to 18.4GW, almost doubling.