Eskom plans to add 2 GW of clean energy by 2026 and 20 GW by 2040 as part of its revised Just Energy Transition (JET) strategy, aimed at reducing coal dependence and diversifying South Africa’s energy mix.
Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said the revised JET approach includes repowering – introducing renewables, gas and cleaner coal at existing power stations – and repurposing, which involves converting assets for alternative economic use.
Under the repurposing programme, Eskom will make land around coal-fired stations available for commercial agriculture, steel fabrication, copper recycling as well as small and medium enterprise incubation and other initiatives.
Over 5 000 MW of repower projects are in development across multiple sites with JET strategies approved and project preparation underway. Key projects include:
- Komati: 122 MW PV/150 MW BESS
- Grootvlei: 195 MW PV/150 MW BESS (by 2029)
- Arnot: 800 MW PV/200 MW BESS/168 MW wind (by 2030)
- Camden: 680 MW PV with BESS and wind planned by 2028
- Hendrina: 587 MW PV with BESS and wind planned by 2028
- Kriel: 800 MW PV/200 MW BESS/1 000 MW gas (by 2030)
Eskom will seek private-sector partnerships to support project execution, Nxumalo said.
The utility has decoupled JET project timelines from the decommissioning of coal plants following delays experienced at Komati where renewable energy funding was only finalised after closure.
Supplier shortlisting is underway for a 72 MW PV installation and 150 MW BESS at Komati with contracts expected to be awarded within two months, Eskom Group Executive for Renewables, Rivoningo Mnisi, reported. Assessments for long duration energy storage solutions are also in progress.
Nxumalo said the strategy supports continued use of the coal fleet while enabling new clean energy capacity. “While we’ve delayed the shutdown of certain power stations, we have allocated funding over the next five years to enable the responsible use of coal,” he said.
Generation mix shifts toward clean energy but grid and financial risks remain
Eskom’s generation mix is expected to shift from 80% coal in 2025 to a clean energy majority by 2040, Eskom’s Group Executive for Strategy and Sustainability, Nontokozo Hadebe, said. Coal capacity is projected to drop from 39 GW to 18 GW, enabling a 40% emissions reduction by 2030.
The 2040 generation mix will include:
- 32 GW renewables
- 12 GW gas
- 10 GW nuclear
- 5 GW hydro
- 18 GW coal
This includes repowering of stations slated for decommissioning by 2030 and new projects at Kusile, Kendal, Lethabo, Sere and Lephalale.
