South Africa Renewable Energy Market Size Likely to Reach at a CAGR of 8.5% By 2033

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the South Africa Renewable Energy Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 100,270.5 Million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 208,949.2 Million.

South Africa Renewable Energy Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

• Abundant Renewable Resources: South Africa possesses abundant renewable energy resources, including ample sunlight for solar power generation and strong wind resources along its coastline. These natural resources provide a strong foundation for the growth of the renewable energy sector.

• Government Support and Policy Initiatives: The South African government has implemented various support mechanisms and policy initiatives to promote renewable energy development. This includes the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) program, which has attracted significant private investment in renewable energy projects through competitive bidding processes.

• Energy Security and Diversification: South Africa’s heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation has led to concerns about energy security and environmental sustainability. As a result, there is growing momentum to diversify the energy mix by increasing the share of renewables. Renewable energy projects contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating energy supply risks, and enhancing energy security.

• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The renewable energy sector in South Africa has the potential to drive economic growth and job creation. Investment in renewable energy projects stimulates economic activity, creates employment opportunities across the value chain—from manufacturing and construction to operations and maintenance—and fosters local industrial development.

• Technological Advancements and Cost Reductions: Technological advancements and economies of scale have led to significant reductions in the cost of renewable energy technologies, making them increasingly competitive with conventional energy sources. Improved efficiency, innovation in project design, and declining costs of solar panels and wind turbines have contributed to the affordability and attractiveness of renewable energy solutions in South Africa.

• Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation: Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are global imperatives, and renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy generation with clean and sustainable alternatives, South Africa can contribute to mitigating climate change impacts, reducing air pollution, and improving environmental quality for current and future generations.

South Africa Renewable Energy Market: Partnership and Acquisitions

• In 2022, Red Rocket launched commercial operations of its inaugural wind farm in South Africa on the Northern and Western Cape Provinces’ border. With an installed capacity of 147 MW and a contracted capacity of 140 MW, the project contributes to South Africa’s renewable energy goals.

• In 2022, The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) initiated the sixth bid window of the REIPPPP, soliciting proposals for 2.6 GW of new renewable generation, comprising 1.6 GW of onshore wind and 1 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV).

Report Scope

South Africa Renewable Energy Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the South Africa Renewable Energy Market, with the industry experiencing both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to delays in the procurement of equipment and components necessary for renewable energy projects in South Africa. This resulted in project delays and increased costs, affecting the overall pace of deployment.

• Economic Uncertainty and Investment Slowdown: The pandemic-induced economic downturn and financial uncertainty negatively impacted investment in renewable energy projects. Both domestic and international investors became more risk-averse, leading to a slowdown in project financing and development activities.

• Stimulus Packages and Government Support: Implementing targeted stimulus packages and financial incentives can help revitalize the renewable energy sector. The government can provide support through grants, tax incentives, and policy stability to encourage investment and project development.

• Streamlined Regulatory Processes: Simplifying and expediting regulatory processes for renewable energy projects can facilitate faster project approvals and implementation. Clear and predictable regulatory frameworks help reduce project development risks and attract investment.

• Investment in Infrastructure and Grid Integration: Investing in infrastructure upgrades and grid integration facilities is crucial for accommodating the growing share of renewable energy in South Africa’s energy mix. Enhancing grid stability, flexibility, and capacity can unlock the full potential of renewable energy resources and attract further investment.

• Promotion of Renewable Energy Auctions: Continuing to organize renewable energy auctions, such as the REIPPP program, can drive competition, reduce costs, and attract private sector participation. Transparent and competitive bidding processes ensure efficient resource allocation and support the development of a robust renewable energy market.

• Focus on Local Content and Job Creation: Prioritizing local content requirements and fostering the development of domestic renewable energy industries can stimulate economic growth and job creation. Encouraging local manufacturing, skills development, and technology innovation can enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the renewable energy sector in South Africa.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the South Africa Renewable Energy Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic.

List of the prominent players in the South Africa Renewable Energy Market:

• Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
• Sasol Limited
• Enel Green Power RSA (Pty) Ltd
• ACWA Power Solafrica Bokpoort CSP (RF) (Pty) Ltd
• Abengoa Solar South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• BioTherm Energy (Pty) Ltd
• Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• African Clean Energy Developments (Pty) Ltd
• Scatec Solar South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Globeleq South Africa Management Services (Pty) Ltd
• SunEdison South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd
• EDF Renewables South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• PowerGen Renewable Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Mulilo Renewable Energy (Pty) Ltd
• Others

The South Africa Renewable Energy Market is segmented as follows:

By Technology Type

• Solar Energy
  • Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels
  • Solar Water Heaters
• Wind Energy
  • Onshore Wind Turbines
  • Offshore Wind Turbines
• Biomass Energy
  • Agricultural Residue-based Biomass
  • Forestry Waste-based Biomass
  • Municipal Solid Waste-based Biomass
• Hydroelectric Energy
  • Small-Scale Hydro
  • Pumped Hydro Storage
• Geothermal Energy

By End-User

• Residential
• Commercial & Industrial (C&I)
• Utility Scale

By Project Size

• Small-Scale Projects
• Medium-Scale Projects
• Large-Scale Projects