ReNew Power in South Africa
ReNew Power Explores Green Hydrogen Projects in Africa
July 26, 2022
ReNew Power, India’s leading renewable energy company, is actively exploring opportunities to develop green hydrogen projects in Africa, with a particular focus on Egypt and Morocco. This strategic move aligns with ReNew’s broader initiative to diversify its renewable energy portfolio, which now includes ventures in green hydrogen and energy storage solutions. In April 2022, ReNew entered a joint venture with Indian Oil Corporation and Larsen & Toubro to produce green hydrogen in India, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. (livemint.com)
Standard Bank Leads 500MW Power Market Liberalisation in South Africa
August 5, 2024
Standard Bank has been at the forefront of decentralised energy initiatives in South Africa, supporting over 500MW of new capacity under construction in the country. This expansion is part of a broader trend where South African businesses, including those in the mining, industrial, and consumer sectors, are increasingly investing in independent power production to enhance energy resilience and reduce reliance on the national grid. Since the lifting of restrictions on independent power production for businesses, there has been a notable increase in decentralised power procurement, with 500MW of power capable of supplying more than 400,000 average homes in South Africa. (news24.com)
South Africa’s Renewable Energy Drive Remains Strong
July 3, 2025
South African businesses are increasingly seeking independence from Eskom due to its reliability issues and the steady, multi-digit annual tariff increases the utility is imposing. While cost savings are a primary concern, power stability is equally critical, as remaining dependent on Eskom’s ageing coal fleet and underperforming mega power stations like Medupi and Kusile is no longer viable. The global shift towards reducing emissions and achieving Net Zero targets has made renewable energy, particularly solar and wind with battery storage, the logical path forward. South Africa has made significant strides in integrating renewables through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), designed to bring renewable energy onto the grid at the lowest possible cost for consumers. (fanews.co.za)
Enel Green Power Reflects on a Decade in South Africa
December 19, 2024
Enel Green Power has been operating in South Africa for a decade, during which it has constructed and is operating 1.2 GW of renewable capacity, accounting for 20% of the country’s renewable energy capacity. A 330-MW facility, the Impofu wind project cluster in the Eastern Cape, is underway and set to connect to the grid in 2026. Beyond South Africa, Enel has developed and operates the 35-MW Ngonye solar project in Zambia. The company has also invested approximately R4.5 billion in community development, including enterprise development, upskilling of entrepreneurs, a bursary programme, a Health Awareness Centre, and an After-school Programme. (earthnews365.co.za)
South Africa’s R17 Billion Push for Local Content in Renewable Energy Projects
November 11, 2024
The South African Energy Ministry is pushing for more local content in renewable energy projects following a major R17 billion ($1 billion) investment in the sector. This investment, part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), aims to increase South Africa’s energy capacity and move away from fossil fuels. The focus on local content is meant to ensure that South African businesses benefit, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Since starting in 2010, REIPPPP has successfully delivered over 6,422 megawatts (MW) of power through 112 projects with independent power producers. These projects have brought in R201.8 billion in investment and created about 34,841 jobs for South Africans. Each bidding round has gradually increased local content requirements, meaning more project components must come from South African suppliers. (renewableenergynews.co.ke)
New Solution for Renewable Energy Tracking Comes to South Africa
August 21, 2025
A real estate management company in South Africa has partnered with tech start-up Fuel Switch to launch a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) trading platform. This platform allows RECs to be purchased, sold, or traded by tenants through their e-CO2 green energy project, enabling renewable energy generated at one site to be reallocated to different buildings and tenants. The automated system proves the electricity was generated from a renewable energy source—water, sun, and wind—and fed back into the national grid. One REC represents 1MWh of electricity produced. The project will kick off in October at its Sandton buildings and will also be offered to selected properties countrywide. (timeslive.co.za)
Recent Developments in South Africa’s Renewable Energy Sector:
- South Africa reduces Eskom debt relief package by a further $1.1 billion
- Eskom tariffs to rise by lower than requested 12.7%
- South Africa open to nuclear project bids from Russia or Iran, minister says
