Electricity and Control April 2025

Write@the back

Wind energy is gaining momentum in SA

As South Africa progresses its energy transition, wind power is positioned to contribute significantly to the changing energy mix. With the country’s power sector reforms and policy shižs, wind energy is recognised as integral to South Africa’s energy future. Wangari Muchiri, Africa Director at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) here reflect on 2024 and look to the possibilities for wind energy in South Africa’s socio-economic development.

Wangari Muchiri, Africa Director at GWEC (right), and Niveshen Govender, CEO of SAWEA (left).

S outh Africa has made significant strides in transformative policy and regulatory developments. These are the result of collaborative efforts that have become a hallmark of the country’s electricity sector in recent years. Through policy advocacy and industry collaboration, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has played a part in influencing legislative changes. Notable among these are the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA) and the anticipated finalisation of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2024). These reforms lay the groundwork for a robust, investor friendly wind energy sector that can generate employment, boost local manufacturing, and foster industrial growth. As momentum builds, this is the time to unlock the full potential of wind energy – to power homes and industries, and to drive economic growth, promote social equity, and support the country’s long-term sustainability. Sector reforms Building on past successes, such as the launch of the first IRP in 2010 and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in 2011, strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks will unlock

further investment in wind energy. A major advance in South Africa’s power sector reform was the passing of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act. Signed into law in August 2024 and effective from January 2025, the ERAA opens the way to establish a competitive wholesale electricity market platform and an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO). This is expected to transform power production, trade, and grid operations and, at the same time, accelerate licensing and regulatory approvals and invite investment in grid expansion, key to developing and connecting wind farms. Significant progress was also made through 2024 in the restructuring of Eskom, as envisaged in the 1998 Energy White Paper. The establishment of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) marked an essential step forward in Eskom’s transformation. The NTCSA will handle key functions of the TSO during the transition to a wholesale electricity market. Moreover, the introduction of Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs) is a positive move towards encouraging private sector participation in transmission development under the newly crafted Transmission Development Plan (TDP 2025–2037). Advancing the energy mix Wind energy continues to lead South Africa’s transition to a low carbon, renewable energy future. With over 3.5 GW of installed

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