Energy in South Africa

Electricity production in South Africa by source 2010-2023

South Africa has a large energy sector, being the third-largest economy in Africa. The country consumed 227 TWh of electricity in 2018.[1] The vast majority of South Africa's electricity was produced from coal, with the fuel responsible for 88% of production in 2017.[2] South Africa is the 7th largest coal producer in the world.[2] As of July 2018, South Africa had a coal power generation capacity of 39 gigawatts (GW).[2] South Africa is the world's 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases.[2] South Africa is planning to shift away from coal in the electricity sector and the country produces the most solar and wind energy by terawatt-hours in Africa.[3] The country aims to decommission 34 GW of coal-fired power capacity by 2050.[2] It also aims to build at least 20 GW of renewable power generation capacity by 2030.[4] South Africa aims to generate 77,834 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2030, with new capacity coming significantly from renewable sources to meet emission reduction targets.[5][6] Through its goals stated in the Integrated Resource Plan, it announced the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which aims to increase renewable power generation through private sector investment.[7][8]

  1. ^ "South Africa - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "The Carbon Brief Profile: South Africa". Carbon Brief. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  3. ^ "SA is the biggest wind and solar producer in Africa, but most of its energy still comes from coal". The Outlier. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  4. ^ "South Africa Energy Outlook – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  5. ^ "Renewables in, coal out: South Africa's energy forecast". Renewable Energy World. 18 October 2019. Archived from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Coal". Department of Energy (South Africa). Retrieved 8 January 2010.
  7. ^ "Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme | South African Government". gov.za. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  8. ^ "THE SOUTH AFRICAN ENERGY SECTOR REPORT 2021" (PDF). 2021.