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
Daily Podcast – October 02, 2026
By: Halima Frost 2nd October 2026 Making headlines: Mass shootings show the face of South African murder is changing; Senegal power cuts highlight need to embrace gas, minister... →
Long-term energy scenarios and low-emission development strategies: Aligning energy and climate planning
2nd October 2026 Aligning the scenarios underpinning national energy and climate plans is essential to ensure sound policy direction in the transition to renewable... →
Advancing women’s economic opportunities in the solar energy sector
2nd October 2026 Transitions to renewable energy are a key element of energy security and are vital for low-carbon development. They also have important... →
SA: Patricia de Lille: Address by Minister of Tourism, Tourism Investment Summit 2026 (01/10/2026)
2nd October 2026 This Summit takes place at an important moment for tourism, because globally and domestically there is growing recognition that tourism must be... →
Eskom extends assistance timeframe for grid-tied solar installation registrations amid regulatory, cost concerns
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 1st October 2026 State-owned power utility Eskom says it will extend its waiver of registration-related charges beyond September 30 for eligible customer-owned... →
Africa's greatest mineral asset isn't underground
1st October 2026 The global race for critical minerals is entering a new phase. No longer defined solely by access to mineral reserves, it is increasingly being... →
New report shows housing, energy stalled despite GNU’s upward trajectory, but no promises broken 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 30th September 2026 As South Africa’s Government of National Unity enters its third year, its central challenge has fundamentally shifted, with the initial phase of... →
SA/US Quo Vadis II
30th September 2026 The recently announced US visa arrangements, followed by the US ambassador’s belligerent remarks, have put SA/US relations back in the spotlight... →
Middle Eastern maritime chokepoints: no windfall for Southern Africa
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 28th September 2026 Disruptions are making Southern Africa more important to global shipping and energy markets without making the region more prosperous.... →
South Africa's Transnet begins process to expand manganese export capacity
By: Reuters 25th September 2026 South Africa's State-owned logistics operator Transnet said on Friday it has started the process of picking a private sector partner to develop and... →
