South Africa’s national power utility, Eskom, has announced an ambitious strategy to pivot from fossil fuels to predominantly clean energy sources by the year 2040. The move marks a significant step toward transforming the country’s energy sector, long reliant on coal, into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious system.
“We cannot afford to delay any longer. This transition is not just an energy shift — it’s a national imperative,”
Mpho Makwana, Eskom Board Chair.
At the heart of Eskom’s plan is a dramatic scale-up of renewable energy capacity—from less than 1 gigawatt (GW) currently to 32 GW by 2040. Meanwhile, coal-powered generation, which now dominates at 39 GW, will be reduced to 18 GW, signaling a shift not just in energy policy but in national priorities. To drive this transformation, Eskom is establishing a specialized internal unit to focus solely on renewable energy development. The unit will oversee implementation, work with private sector partners, and ensure that new projects align with Eskom’s decarbonization roadmap.
“South Africa has the potential to become a renewable powerhouse. This plan is how we unlock that future”.
Stated Lindiwe Mahlangu, Head of Energy Transition Programs.
Rather than abandon aging coal plants entirely, Eskom plans to repower and repurpose several sites by introducing solar, wind, battery storage, and gas systems. This approach is designed to preserve grid capacity while accelerating the shift toward cleaner technologies.
However, the transition will not come without obstacles. Eskom is weighed down by a massive R400 billion debt and rising operational costs. Stricter emissions regulations, particularly around nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, will also require costly upgrades or early decommissioning of some coal units.
| “The financial mountain is steep. But the cost of inaction is steeper,” warned Tebogo Molefe, Policy Analyst at the National Energy Council. |
As we conclude,
Eskom’s 2040 vision is bold, necessary, and potentially transformative. While the road ahead is fraught with financial and operational hurdles, the plan signals South Africa’s determination to take its place among global leaders in clean energy.
“This isn’t just about electricity. It’s about rewriting our future,” said Prince Mthembu, a young climate advocate from Mpumalanga.
With determination, investment, and inclusive leadership, South Africa is charting a bold new path one powered by sunlight, wind, and the will to change.