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
AI helping to develop alloy for use in new applications, Valterra Platinum reports
By: Martin Creamer Updated 3 hours ago Can you use AI to find new markets for platinum group metals (PGMs)? “The simple answer is yes,” was the reply of Valterra Platinum CEO Craig... →
Daily Podcast – August 03, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae Updated 4 hours ago Making headlines: Petrol prices to decrease by 52c a litre, but diesel prices to increase by up to R1.38 a litre; Ramaphosa says SA’s energy... →
Seriti unpacks big renewables ambition for coal heartland as first 155 MW wind project enters into operation 
By: Terence Creamer Updated 6 hours ago The first 25 turbines at Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, which is rising in the coal heartland of Mpumalanga within site of the giant... →
SA’s energy transition must deliver affordable power, community growth – Ramaphosa
By: Thabi Shomolekae 3rd August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that South Africa’s shift to clean energy must be an inclusive process that strengthens local communities... →
The just energy transition is gathering pace and creating opportunity
3rd August 2026 Dear Fellow South African, On the Mpumalanga highveld, between the towns of Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon, are powerful symbols of South Africa’s... →
Independent TSO must now be implemented after Presidential endorsement – Mavuso
By: Schalk Burger 3rd August 2026 The endorsement of the first report of the Eskom Restructuring Task Team by President Cyril Ramaphosa provided a clear vision for the independent... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the opening of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm (31/07/2026)
3rd August 2026 It is here that generations of coal miners, power plant workers, engineers, artisans, technicians and entrepreneurs helped to build the modern... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by the President at the opening of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm
31st July 2026 Programme Director, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, Executive Mayor of the... →
Winde criticises ‘not in my backyard’ sentiment; says WCape housing prices driven by demand
By: Irma Venter 31st July 2026 Soaring property prices in the Western Cape are being driven by demand, says Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. “Everybody will say that in the... →
How Ethiopia can make COP32 the summit that actually delivers
30th July 2026 The world’s governments will arrive in Addis Ababa in late 2027 for COP32, the first African-hosted climate summit in five years. Ethiopia’s... →
