South Africa aims to install a minimum of 3 GW and a maximum of 5 GW of new renewable energy capacity annually till 2030, under the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (SAREM). This plan has now been adopted by the cabinet for implementation.
In the immediate future, the focus will be on solar, wind and battery storage to ensure a low-carbon, reliable, and affordable energy supply. Calling SAREM a living document, the government has promised to accommodate emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen and waste-to-energy solutions, in its future iterations.
Through SAREM, the government has also announced its ambition for domestic manufacturing of solar panels, inverters, wind turbine towers, cables and batteries to improve the resilience and sustainability of energy supply. This will create more than 250,000 jobs by the end of this decade.
“The South African Renewable Energy Master Plan is not just a blueprint for green industrialisation; it is a pathway to a more sustainable and equitable future for all South Africans,” said the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. “We have a unique opportunity to lead in the global renewable energy and battery storage landscape, creating jobs and fostering economic growth while protecting our environment.”
Renewable energy manufacturing will be encouraged at industrial hubs and special economic zones (SEZ) that will be established under SAREM.
The Master Plan, according to the ministry, aims to make South Africa’s switch to renewable energy fair, job-creating, and climate-friendly. It will also reduce GHG emissions and attract green investment.
Welcoming the cabinet’s adoption of SAREM, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) said, “The solar PV panel and module value chain have captured the primary attention of policy makers, including in South Africa. However, localization opportunities are present in South Africa for major solar PV sub-systems as well: including mounting and tracking structures; inverters; and manufactured inputs into electrical and civil balance of plant (BoP).”
According to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), South Africa installed 1.235 GW of new PV capacity in 2024 and was the only African nation in the gigawatt club. Commercial and industrial (C&I) remains the leading driver of the market’s growth, along with large wheeling projects.
South Africa leads Africa in terms of solar energy deployments as it accounted for 46% of the continent’s new additions in 2024, according to the Global Solar Council, even though its share dropped from 79% in 2023 (see Africa Installed 2.4 GW New Solar PV Capacity In 2024).
