Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, has announced plans to transition its electricity generation to rely primarily on clean energy sources by the year 2040. The move is part of a broader strategy to combat climate change, improve energy security, and modernize South Africa’s power sector.
Currently, Eskom generates most of its electricity from coal. Under its new plan, it intends to cut its coal-fired capacity from 39 GW to 18 GW while increasing renewable energy capacity from less than 1 GW today to 32 GW by 2040. This transformation includes converting some of its aging coal plants into facilities powered by renewables or natural gas.
To drive this transformation, Eskom will establish a dedicated renewable energy unit. This unit will coordinate investments, lead development efforts, and partner with the private sector to bring new green projects online.
By 2030, Eskom aims to deliver 5.9 GW of clean energy, supported by a project pipeline of at least 2 GW already in progress. However, major financial and infrastructure challenges remain. Eskom is currently burdened with R400 billion (about $22 billion) in debt, struggles with unpaid municipal bills, and faces issues related to underpriced tariffs that hinder investment capacity.
In addition to funding, South Africa needs to invest around R440 billion in transmission infrastructure over the next 10 years to accommodate the growing number of renewable projects and expand regional power trading.
Eskom’s clean energy roadmap is part of a broader “just transition” strategy that emphasizes the creation of up to 300,000 green jobs and social support for communities affected by the shift away from coal. One example is the Komati power station, which is being repurposed into a solar and battery storage facility—a pilot for future community-based renewable projects.
Despite obstacles, this plan signals a bold shift in South Africa’s energy direction. Eskom’s strategy supports national climate goals and represents a significant step toward modernizing Africa’s most industrialized electricity system.
Credit: Africanews
