- Eskom welcomes the launch of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which seeks to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic considerations in South Africa’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.
- The IRP 2025 provides a clear investment framework for the supply of electricity needed to accelerate economic growth and inclusion in a context where overall unemployment stands at 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%, the state owned utility said in the statement
South Africa has unveiled a bold new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025) that aims to end the country’s electricity crisis, stimulate economic growth, and transition the power sector toward cleaner energy sources.
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced that government would invest R2.2-trillion—about 30% of South Africa’s gross domestic product—in an ambitious energy transformation programme. The plan, approved by Cabinet and to be Gazetted by October 24, outlines a major shift in the country’s generation mix, long-term infrastructure development, and industrial revival.
Massive Generation Expansion and Cleaner Energy Mix
Key allocations in the plan leading up to 2030 include:
- 11 270 MW of solar PV.
- 7 340 MW of wind energy.
- 6 000 MW of gas-to-power.
- 5 200 MW of new nuclear capacity.
By 2039, South Africa aims to add 105 000MW of new generation capacity—effectively building Eskom “two and a half times” its current size. This includes:
- 25 000 MW of utility-scale solar PV.
- 16 000 MW of distributed (mostly solar rooftop) generation.
- 34 000 MW of onshore wind.
- 8 500 MW of battery storage.
- 16 000 MW of gas-to-power.
- 5 200 MW of new nuclear capacity, which could include small modular reactors and grow to 10000MW.
Eskom confirmed that it will conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and subsequently publish a comprehensive response along with an updated strategic plan.
“The IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4000 interested parties at the public consultation stage. It signals to investors, regulators, and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach NetZero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry. The IRP 2025 requires significant investment to be attracted quickly, that will only come from rules-based regulatory reform anchored in law to enable investors to deploy capital in South Africa with confidence and certainty,” said Dan Marokane, Eskom Group Chief Executive.
“We have been preparing to accelerate the delivery of Eskom’s contribution to the IRP 2025 through the implementation of our turnaround strategy. With loadshedding largely behind us the country again has a continuous 24/7 electricity supply—commonly referred to as baseload capacity, that forms the backbone for renewable energy growth. Renewables are variable in nature and need reliable, continuous baseload to maintain grid stability and supply. Our return to profitably for the first time in eight years reflects long-term structural operational improvements and combined with our skilled workforce will lead to increasing investor confidence to deliver the IRP 2025 with partners,” Marokane continued.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
