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
Unified approach crucial to meeting AfCFTA targets
By: Halima Frost 10th July 2026 A unified approach needs to be adopted by all 55 of the countries that form part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in order to... →
IMF lowers 2026 global growth forecast to 3%, sees rebound in 2027
By: Reuters 9th July 2026 The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday inched its 2026 global growth forecast lower again to a sluggish 3.0%, warning of ongoing risks linked... →
Beyond the build: Green jobs in SA’s renewables industry
7th July 2026 South Africa’s renewable energy industry has created tens of thousands of jobs, but most disappear once construction ends. South Africa’s green... →
Africa attracted investment in 2025; the challenge is turning it into broader industrial development – Unctad
By: Schalk Burger 7th July 2026 Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa reached about $70-billion in 2025, which was below the exceptional $94-billion recorded in 2024,... →
SAETA urges timely finalisation of electricity market rules to unlock investment, competition
By: Sabrina Jardim 6th July 2026 South Africa's electricity market reforms have reached a critical point, with the regulations now being finalised by the National Energy Regulator... →
An independent transmission system operator a must, BLSA’s Mavuso argues
By: Schalk Burger 6th July 2026 Section 34A of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act requires that the independent transmission system operator (ITSO), as the licensed... →
New South32 CEO sees strong growth ahead in zinc, lead, silver, copper 
By: Martin Creamer 3rd July 2026 Being a premier base metals-focused business with strong growth potential is the vision for South32 of new CEO Matt Daley. “We've got around 55%... →
South32 deal enabling Alcoa to surpass Rio as world’s biggest bauxite miner
By: Martin Creamer 2nd July 2026 With the acquisition of South32’s aluminium assets, Alcoa will surpass Rio Tinto to become the world's largest bauxite mining company on an... →
Nigeria joins IEA, boosting global energy governance
By: Schalk Burger 2nd July 2026 Nigeria has joined global organisation the International Energy Agency (IEA), which deepens the IEA's cooperation with Africa’s most populous... →
Alcoa sees South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium being 'cash flow accretive immediately'
By: Martin Creamer 2nd July 2026 This asset adds scale to our smelting portfolio in a way that is expected to be cash flow accretive immediately, Alcoa Corporation President and... →
