- South Africa’s state owned energy utility, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, has issued an Invitation To Tender (ITT) for firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist Eskom in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions.
Eskom will evaluate applicants on criteria that includes the requirement for a proven track record in establishing a renewable energy company, the number of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) created that have delivered projects, IPP Business Model & Financial Structuring Expertise and technical capability and sector knowledge. The opportunity to respond to the tender closes on 07 May 2025 at 10:00 (SAST) and it can be found on the Eskom website. The support will be required over a period of 12 months.
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The objective for the new subsidiary will be to operate independently of the main Eskom entity to allow for greater governance agility, competitive market positioning, and enhanced Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
“Agility and efficiency is at the heart of preparing for a competitive marketplace and ensuring we serve our current and future customers with the electricity supply solutions they require. We are now a year into our turnaround strategy and we are not just focused on ending loadshedding, at the same time we are pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply,” said Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive.
“To make a meaningful impact in the renewables space we recognised that the most cost-effective way to do this is to bring in at the start some new skills, thinking and expertise to set our Eskom teams up for success in the business, so through knowledge transfer we can execute strategic initiatives in a competitive market faster and more efficiently. The creation of our renewable energy business also forms part of Eskom’s focus both in this country and internationally to identify the latest developments and strategies to reduce carbon emissions and other air pollutants,” he continued.
Eskom remains focused on a balanced and diversified energy mix based on existing coal and nuclear and introducing gas for baseload power, as well as renewables, energy storage systems including BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) and pumped hydro, to achieve overall security of supply and to meet South Africa’s growing electricity demand in a sustainable manner.
Eskom has an executable initial pipeline of at least 2GW of clean energy projects by 2026 and has developed a pipeline of more than 20GW of clean energy projects to diversify its energy mix. Eskom will update the marketplace on the progress of the development of its Renewable Energy business throughout 2025.
Separate renewable energy business unit welcomed
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed Eskom’s recent issuance of a tender to establish a separate renewable energy business unit.
“This significant step reflects Eskom’s dedication to accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, consistent with the nation’s Just Energy Transition (JET) objectives and commitments under the Paris Agreement,” the Minister said on Monday.
On 31 March 2025, the Minister granted conditional emissions exemptions to Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, underscoring the urgent need for prioritisation of renewable energy integration.
“The establishment of this independent subsidiary, structured to operate with agility and encourage public-private partnerships, directly addresses those conditions.
“It positions Eskom to capitalise on South Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources, enhance competitiveness, and secure green financing, while contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions,” George said.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
