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
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South African President, at the fourth session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), OR Tambo Building, Pretoria (21/08/2026)
21st August 2026 We meet, Dear Brother, in the aftermath of the tragedy on Lake Kariba, where the capsizing of a ferry claimed close to a hundred lives. Our... →
Border security top of SA-Zim BNC agenda as Ramaphosa hosts Mnangagwa 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 21st August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, urging both nations to modernise... →
South African exporters: Take note!
21st August 2026 The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has shifted from paperwork to payment in 2026 and South African exporters of steel, aluminium, cement... →
Let us be our own and build our own future
By: Saliem Fakir 21st August 2026 The Stoic philosopher Seneca once wrote: “If you have passed through life without an opponent, no one can ever know what you are capable of, not... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the launch Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership, summer place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg (20/08/2026)
20th August 2026 This partnership was born at a moment of crisis. Since then, it has become an instrument of inclusive growth and economic transformation. This... →
ANC welcomes easing in inflation and revised electricity pricing policy
20th August 2026 The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the decline in headline inflation from 5.0% in June to 4.3% in July 2026, while food inflation fell to... →
Approval of further 124 generation facilities supports transition to renewables-based electricity – Nersa
By: Schalk Burger 20th August 2026 The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) registered 124 generation facilities during the first quarter of the 2026/27 fiscal year –... →
Exxaro lifts revenue, continues to scale renewable-energy business
By: Martin Creamer 20th August 2026 Despite heightened geopolitical tensions, increasing inflationary pressures and broader macroeconomic headwinds, South African resources group... →
Strengthening the Economics of Sustainability
By: Yolande Botes 20th August 2026 Sustainability is no longer a conversation happening on the sidelines of business. Across Africa, organisations are navigating a rapidly changing... →
Diffused accountability is often fertile ground for rent-seeking
19th August 2026 At the constitutional and governance level, the Presidency cannot simply treat Eskom as an autonomous private corporation. The national energy... →
