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
Should adaptation be the new priority?
By: Saliem Fakir 23rd October 2026 This year, with all the extreme heat being experienced in Europe and the catastrophic events in Nepal, a question about energy transitions and... →
Gold Fields' South Deep aligning mining with education to strengthen job pathways 
By: Martin Creamer 22nd October 2026 Gold Fields’ South Deep mine has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Mienara, Phahama School of... →
Marc Cameron to join Weir as minerals division president
By: Martin Creamer 21st October 2026 Marc Cameron will join Weir as president of the minerals division on October 26 and become a member of the group executive. In a media release to... →
Kumba Iron Ore’s third-quarter sales up 3%, average price 9% above benchmark
By: Martin Creamer 20th October 2026 As planned, the iron-ore production of Kumba Iron Ore in the three months to September 30 was lower, largely owing to the... →
Ekurhuleni secures approval to procure 2 400 MW from IPPs weeks before election
By: Terence Creamer 19th October 2026 The City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, which is a key manufacturing and logistics hub, has secured a Section 34 Ministerial determination under the... →
African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
19th October 2026 Lowering air pollution in Africa has many economic benefits, according to new research by environmental scientists Chris Malley, Kevin Hicks and... →
South Africa will try to move global climate commitments to implementation during COP31
By: Schalk Burger 19th October 2026 South Africa remains committed to the Paris Agreement and multilateral climate change responses and will seek to contribute to advancing the global... →
Africa's minerals value-add drive interests investors but faces energy hurdle
By: Reuters 19th October 2026 As African nations push miners to build refineries and smelters at home, government and industry officials say a major obstacle risks crimping... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the official inauguration of the Vedanta Gamsberg Phase II concentrator plant in Aggeneys, Northern Cape (16/10/2026)
16th October 2026 We have come to inaugurate a major expansion of one of the most significant zinc mining operations on the African continent. We have come to... →
SA: Blade Nzimande: Address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, during a visit to the East London Industrial Development Zone and Science and Technology Park (16/10/2026)
16th October 2026 All these visits are connected and form part of our Ministry’s programme to strengthen the Department’s relationships with Special Economic Zones... →
