Watch the video: Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Ramokgopa briefs the media on the Independent Transmission Projects programme and REIPPPP Bid Window 7.
- Seven consortia pre-qualified for the first phase of the Independent Transmission Projects programme and will compete for a massive $25 billion electricity transmission upgrade
- Four additional solar PV preferred bidders appointed under REIPPPP Bid Window 7.
- Total renewable capacity procured under Bid Window 7 rises to 3 940 MW.
- Strong commitments on local investment employment and economic development.
South Africa has taken a major step forward in strengthening its power infrastructure and accelerating the energy transition, following announcements by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, at a media briefing in Pretoria.
The Minister confirmed the pre-qualification of bidders under the first phase of the Independent Transmission Projects procurement programme, alongside the appointment of additional preferred bidders under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
Independent Transmission Projects gain momentum
The Request for Pre-Qualification for the Independent Transmission Projects programme was issued on 31 July 2025, with submissions received by 23 September 2025. This marks the first formal phase of a new procurement framework aimed at expanding South Africa’s transmission network through alternative delivery models and increased private sector participation.
Seven consortia have been selected as pre-qualified bidders for the country’s first R25 billion of a planned R440 billion transmission grid expansion. The groups include:
- China’s State Grid International Development
- China Southern Power Grid International
- Electricite de France,
- Middle East unit of Adani Power.
According to the Department of Electricity and Energy, this phase represents a defining milestone in government’s strategy to modernise and strengthen the national transmission system. The expanded grid is regarded as a critical enabler for long term economic growth, industrial development and national energy security.
The first phase of the programme will lead to a request for proposals to design, finance and construct 1 164 kilometres of new transmission lines. These lines are expected to unlock more than 3 000 MW of new generation capacity. A significantly larger follow on phase will include the procurement and installation of transformers and related infrastructure.
Transmission expansion is a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy plan as the country progressively retires coal fired generation and integrates a more diverse mix of renewable energy, gas and other technologies.
Additional solar capacity secured under REIPPPP Bid Window 7
In a separate announcement, the Minister confirmed the appointment of four additional preferred bidders for solar photovoltaic projects under REIPPPP Bid Window 7, following the completion of value for money negotiations.
Bid Window 7 was originally designed to procure up to 5000 MW of renewable energy capacity, made up of 1800 MW of solar PV and 3200 MW of onshore wind. However, the wind project capacity was underscribed due to limited grid feed in capacity in high wind resource areas and uncompetitive tariff bids. The minister then took the position to consider additional solar PV capacity to make up the shortfall.
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To date, a total of 18 solar PV projects have now been selected, delivering a combined capacity of 3940 MW across Limpopo, Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
The four newly appointed projects will contribute a further 890 MW of solar PV capacity. Three of the projects are being developed by Red Rocket South Africa in the Free State, namely Rondebosch Solar Park, Springhaas Solar Facility 1 and Springhaas Solar Facility 6. The fourth project is the Corona Solar PV project in the North West province, led by Engie.
These four projects represent a combined investment of R16 billion and include a South African equity participation of 49 percent. An average black economic empowerment participation of 40 percent has been committed across the projects.
Beyond energy delivery, the projects carry substantial economic development commitments. Over their construction and operational phases, they are expected to create 4 134 job years for South African citizens.
Local content commitments amount to 41 percent of total project costs, translating into R4.4 billion during construction and R2 billion during operation and maintenance. In addition, R163 million will be invested in economic development initiatives, including supplier and skills development, bursaries for black students, support for persons with disabilities and socio economic development programmes in host communities over the 20 year project life.
Implementation agreements between the Department and the newly appointed preferred bidders will now be finalised, bringing South Africa closer to securing both a stronger transmission backbone and additional clean energy capacity to support sustainable growth.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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