Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is the sector encompassing power generation from naturally replenishing sources that do not deplete over time, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass and tidal energy. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making them central to global decarbonisation efforts and climate change mitigation strategies. The sector has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades, driven by falling technology costs, government policy support, and increasing corporate and consumer demand for clean energy. Solar photovoltaic and wind power have become the fastest-growing segments, with utility-scale installations now cost-competitive with conventional generation in many markets. Renewable energy plays a significant role in Africa's energy transition, where abundant solar and wind resources offer opportunities to expand electricity access while leapfrogging carbon-intensive infrastructure. Major economies worldwide have set ambitious renewable energy targets as part of their commitments under the Paris Agreement, spurring investment in grid infrastructure, energy storage and hybrid systems. The sector faces challenges including intermittency, grid integration, land use considerations and the need for enabling regulatory frameworks. Renewable energy capacity additions have consistently outpaced fossil fuel installations in recent years, with the International Energy Agency projecting renewables to account for the majority of global power generation growth through 2030. The industry supports a growing workforce spanning manufacturing, project development, installation and maintenance, while attracting substantial private and institutional capital. Technological advances in battery storage, smart grids and green hydrogen are expanding the applications and reliability of renewable energy systems across transport, industry and heating sectors.
Renewable Energy Updates
South African green hydrogen first-movers given major boost 
By: Martin Creamer 5th June 2026 Enticing support for first movers into green hydrogen project development is on offer via a first-of-a-kind government-led framework designed to... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, Reply to debate on Presidency Dept Budget Vote 2026/27, Parliament, Cape Town (03/06/2026)
5th June 2026 South Africans expect of all of us not simply to diagnose the country’s problems, but to work together to solve them. They expect leadership,... →
Is local lagging?
5th June 2026 Billions are flowing into South Africa’s green economy. #PowerTracker investigates whether local manufacturers, workers and communities are truly... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the conclusion of the State Visit by President Ruto of Kenya, Pretoria (04/06/2026)
4th June 2026 Kenya remains one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners in East Africa and on the continent more broadly. We have just concluded our... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, opening remarks at the Kenya State Visit, Pretoria (04/06/2026)
4th June 2026 Ours is a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for democracy, peace and prosperity across Africa. This visit... →
Ramaphosa punts future-focused industries as SA, Kenya deepen partnership
By: Thabi Shomolekae 4th June 2026 South Africa and Kenya are accelerating bilateral cooperation across emerging sectors, including green energy, AI, and digital trade to boost... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, on the conclusion of the first leg of his working visit to India (02/06/2026)
2nd June 2026 During the first leg of our Working Visit, we had high-level bilateral meetings with His Excellency Vice President Chandrapuram... →
SA: Blade Nzimande: address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, on the occasion of the handover of the Peter Mokaba Primary School Media Lab, Moloto Township, Mpumalanga (28/05/2026)
2nd June 2026 Let me begin by highlighting the importance of the facility we are launching today. This media lab forms part of our Department’s Strategic... →
UCT overcomes rooftop PV limitations with electricity wheeling deal
By: Terence Creamer 2nd June 2026 The University of Cape Town (UCT) has signed a power purchase agreement with Discovery Green for wheeled renewable electricity that will account... →
EU aims to use investor roadshow to convert €12bn pledge into South African projects
By: Terence Creamer 1st June 2026 The EU, which announced a €12-billion investment package for South Africa in October, is undertaking investment roadshows in Johannesburg, Cape... →
