The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has welcomed the launch of Eskom Green, Eskom’s dedicated renewable energy business, describing it as a significant development for South Africa’s energy transition and a strong signal of the growing role renewable energy will play in the country’s future electricity system.
The establishment of Eskom Green marks an important strategic shift for South Africa’s power sector, reflecting the increasing recognition that utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage will be central to delivering long-term energy security, supporting economic growth and attracting investment into the country’s energy infrastructure. By creating a focused vehicle to develop renewable energy and battery storage projects in partnership with the private sector, Eskom is positioning itself to play a more active role in expanding generation capacity while supporting South Africa’s decarbonisation objectives.
“The launch of Eskom Green represents a significant milestone in the evolution of South Africa’s electricity sector. We call for a partnership with private sector and members of SAPVIA, and an assurance that access to the limited grid capacity will be shared equitably by all IPPs and players.”
Dr Rethabile Melamu, Chief Executive Officer of SAPVIA
“It signals a clear commitment to renewable energy as a core component of South Africa’s future energy mix and creates an important platform for collaboration between Eskom and the renewable energy industry. This is the kind of innovation and partnership that can help unlock investment, accelerate project delivery and strengthen long-term energy security,” Dr Melamu adds.
SAPVIA notes Eskom Green’s intention to develop an initial pipeline of renewable energy projects through partnerships with private sector developers, financiers and technology providers, the constituency that SAPVIA represents. The association believes these partnerships will be critical in leveraging the expertise, capital and implementation capabilities that have been built within South Africa’s renewable energy sector over the past decade.
The South African solar PV industry has consistently demonstrated its ability to deploy new generation capacity rapidly and cost-effectively. As demand for electricity continues to grow and South Africa seeks to improve energy resilience, solar PV supported by battery energy storage systems offers a proven pathway to delivering reliable, affordable and clean power at scale.
“South Africa’s renewable energy industry stands ready to partner Eskom Green in achieving its ambitions,” says Dr Melamu.
“Our sector has developed world-class capabilities across project development, engineering, financing, construction and operations. Through transparent, bankable and competitive partnership models, Eskom Green has the potential to unlock significant economic value while accelerating the deployment of much-needed generation capacity.”
The association emphasised that expanding of, equitable access and strengthening the transmission network remains one of the most critical enablers of future renewable energy investment.
“Grid availability remains one of the defining challenges and opportunities for South Africa’s energy transition,” explains Dr Melamu. “Efforts to maximise existing grid capacity while accelerating transmission expansion will be essential if we are to unlock the next wave of renewable energy investment and deliver energy infrastructure at the scale the country requires.”
The association added that policy certainty, efficient regulatory processes, transparent procurement mechanisms and ongoing stakeholder engagement will be key to ensuring the renewable energy industry in general, and Eskom Green, specifically long-term success.
As the renewable energy sector continues to evolve, these priorities are expected to feature prominently at SAPVIA’s Annual General Meeting in early July, where industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders will gather to discuss the future of South Africa’s solar PV industry and the broader energy transition agenda.
“The launch of Eskom Green presents a unique opportunity to build on the progress South Africa has already made in renewable energy,” Melamu concluded.
“Success will depend on collaboration across government, Eskom, investors and industry. If we get this right and secure an equitable share of the limited grid, renewable energy can continue to drive economic growth, support industrial development, create jobs and strengthen South Africa’s energy future.”
SAPVIA looks forward to engaging constructively with Eskom Green and other stakeholders as the initiative develops and to supporting efforts that accelerate the deployment of renewable energy across South Africa.
