South Africa, a nation long defined by its coal-fired power generation, is now navigating a deliberate and complex energy transition. The state-owned utility, Eskom, is at the forefront of this shift, actively integrating renewable energy into its existing infrastructure. This is not a wholesale abandonment of coal, but a strategic move to diversify the energy mix and strengthen electricity security, recognizing the immediate benefits of solar power.
A tangible example of this strategy is the construction of a R1.2 billion, 75MW solar power plant at the Lethabo Power Station. This project marks a significant step towards embedding utility-scale renewable generation within Eskom’s coal-fired fleet. It is one of 17 high-priority initiatives planned across Eskom’s existing coal-fired power station sites, collectively aiming to deliver approximately 6 GW of new capacity by 2030. This approach uses existing infrastructure, speeding up deployment and reducing costs, a pragmatic response to the country’s energy demands.
Eskom’s leadership articulates this vision clearly. Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, highlights the improved performance of the coal fleet as a foundation for phasing in renewables. He states, “Now that we have delivered a stable electricity platform for the South African economy to grow from, we can enable the integration of renewable energy sources as required by the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to maintain future energy security.” This perspective underscores a commitment to stability while systematically expanding cleaner energy sources.
Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, further clarifies this strategy: “Bringing this solar plant into the Lethabo Power Station site affirms our deliberate strategy to optimize existing assets while accelerating new lower-carbon generation capacity. Our coal-fired operations remain central to grid stability, and we are strengthening that foundation by integrating renewable capacity on the same footprint.” This dual approach aims to maintain a strong, stable baseload while expanding South Africa’s energy mix.
The financial backing for these projects is provisioned within Eskom’s approved capital expenditure program, financed through on-balance sheet funding, in line with National Treasury debt-relief conditions. This avoids reliance on additional project finance borrowing, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal prudence in the energy transition.
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Beyond these initial projects, Eskom Green plans to pursue partnerships, co-development agreements, and acquisitions of renewable energy assets in areas with strong wind and solar resources. The strategy aims to diversify its generation portfolio and support technologies including pumped storage, wind, photovoltaic solar, battery energy storage systems, and green hydrogen.
This comprehensive approach signals a long-term commitment to a diversified and resilient energy future for South Africa, balancing the legacy of coal with the imperative of renewable integration.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around AI and energy.
