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
Pan African completes Soweto gold tailings retreatment project study 
By: Martin Creamer 11th September 2026 The definitive feasibility study for the promising Soweto gold tailings retreatment project, west of South Africa’s Gold City of Johannesburg, has... →
New report on climate ‘overshoot’: what it means for Africa and how faster action can limit the damage
11th September 2026 Climate change has already doubled the world’s heatwaves between 2024 and 2025 and brought more severe droughts, floods and water shortages to... →
Leaders for European Growth and Competitiveness First Edition
11th September 2026 Europe holds a rare combination of strengths: industrial know-how built over centuries, a consumer market of 450-million people, abundant household... →
Hydrogen investment hits $130bn-plus mark on energy security, resilience rise
By: Martin Creamer 10th September 2026 Committed investment in clean hydrogen has hit the $130-billion-plus mark, driven by global energy security and resilience issues, with 90% of the... →
Can Africa take ownership of the AU-US infrastructure deal?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 8th September 2026 Early momentum is real, but AU member states, private capital and wary US investors have yet to be brought on board. Since the African Union... →
End-2027 timeline outlined for independent Transmission System Operator
By: Terence Creamer 7th September 2026 The request for proposals (RFP) issued for the appointment of a transaction adviser to support the establishment of a fully independent... →
Africa gets only 23% of the climate finance it needs – and pays too much for it
7th September 2026 African countries have committed themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and protecting their people from the worsening effects of climate... →
Europe’s heatwave warning for Africa: fast-track a climate leapfrog
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 A looming super El Niño makes Africa’s leap from fossil fuels to a renewables-dominated energy mix urgent. The heatwave that swept Europe this... →
Has the AU successfully taken Africa’s G20 baton from South Africa?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 Africa’s G20 priorities have lost ground under the US presidency, with little pushback from the AU or other development-focused members. Has the... →
SA: Blade Nzimande: Address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Gala Dinner of the 2026 National Research Foundation Award (03/09/2026)
4th September 2026 It also helps us to grapple with some of the most profound questions which have intrigued humanity since the appearance of our species in the... →
