South Africa’s Solar Industry Urges Swift Adoption of New National Energy Strategy

Industry Calls for Immediate Energy Plan Implementation

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is urging government to immediately implement the Integrated Resource Plan 2025 (IRP 2025), which sources indicate recognizes solar photovoltaic technology as a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition. According to reports, the final document positions solar PV as critical to solving South Africa’s persistent electricity challenges.

Industry Calls for Immediate Energy Plan Implementation
Substantial Solar Capacity Expansion Planned
Renewables to Dominate New Generation Capacity
Market Recognition of Renewable Advantages
Implementation Critical for Success
Strategic Benefits of Rapid Adoption

Substantial Solar Capacity Expansion Planned

Although the final IRP 2025 document has not been officially released, analysts suggest the plan envisions 25,000 MW of new solar PV capacity being installed by 2039. The strategy reportedly includes an additional 16,000 MW allocation for distributed generation, primarily through behind-the-meter solar installations, by the same target date.

Renewables to Dominate New Generation Capacity

The energy plan indicates that South Africa’s total installed renewable capacity from wind and solar PV will increase dramatically from approximately 12,000 MW currently to about 75,000 MW by 2039. Industry reports suggest this represents more than half of the 105,000 MW of new generation capacity planned for addition by that date. For the period extending to 2042, the plan reportedly calls for about 5,000 MW of new renewable generation to be built annually.

Market Recognition of Renewable Advantages

SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu stated that the plan reinforces what the market already recognizes, suggesting that “renewables, led by solar PV, are the fastest, most affordable, and cleanest path to energy security.” According to the association’s analysis, focusing on renewables, storage, and grid infrastructure would deliver the highest return on investment while offering rapid deployment and significant socioeconomic benefits.

Implementation Critical for Success

The industry group has appealed for several key actions to ensure the plan’s success, including speedy implementation of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market to accelerate private off-take markets. Sources indicate SAPVIA also called for accelerated grid-connection processes and investment incentives for renewables and energy storage to support distributed generation growth.

Strategic Benefits of Rapid Adoption

“The IRP provides the blueprint; now we must act decisively,” Melamu emphasized. Industry analysts suggest that by prioritizing renewables, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enabling private market participation, South Africa could potentially stabilize its grid, reduce emissions, and attract substantial long-term investment. The minister’s call for a “mega bid window” to scale renewables procurement has been noted as a positive step toward achieving these objectives.

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