South Africa has the most developed electricity sector in (sub-Saharan) Africa, with 54 gigawatts (GW) installed generation capacity, mostly from coal-fired plants. This is almost half the total installed power in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, the power sector has ample room for growth in renewable generation, which makes up just 5% of total generation.

EEG carried out a scoping study on behalf of the UK Department for International Development in South Africa. The scoping study provided key socioeconomic information and context, followed by an overview of the power sector, including its structure, key actors and policies, and the main challenges it is facing.

This Energy Insight presents the key characteristics and challenges in the South African power sector, as well as the opportunities for transitioning the sector towards a just future.