Electricity in South Africa in 2023/2024

In South Africa, electricity consumption over the past twelve months, from October 2023 to September 2024, has been heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with coal contributing a dominant 81% of total electricity generation. Together with other fossil sources, this category accounts for more than 83% of the country’s electricity. In contrast, low-carbon sources, which include solar, wind, and nuclear, together contribute almost 17% of the electricity mix. Solar power generates about 8%, making it a significant factor among clean energy sources, while wind power contributes nearly 5%. Nuclear energy accounts for around 3.5%, making it an important, albeit smaller, component of the low-carbon electricity landscape in South Africa. This reliance on fossil fuels poses a challenge in terms of climate change and air pollution, highlighting a need for a shift towards more sustainable, green energy.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, South Africa can look to international examples of successfully integrated green energy, particularly nuclear and wind power. France and Slovakia, for instance, generate a stunning 68% and 60% of their electricity from nuclear respectively, showcasing how this technology can lead to substantial low-carbon electricity shares. Denmark demonstrates leadership in wind energy, producing close to 60% of its electricity from this source. These examples highlight the potential strategies South Africa could adopt, including expanding nuclear facilities and investing further in wind farms, as these sectors have proven effective globally and can be adapted to South Africa’s context. Such steps not only promise a cleaner environment but also offer energy security and long-term sustainability.

History

Historically, South Africa's journey with low-carbon electricity has seen several shifts. In the 1980s, South Africa began harnessing nuclear power with initial production increases, but faced setbacks with declines observed in 1987 and the early 1990s. A remarkable positive change occurred with an increase of 2.4 TWh in 1994, yet various challenges led to decreases again by 2001 and 2005. More recently, the 2010s marked a renewed focus on diversifying the energy mix. Wind energy made notable progress with substantial increases in 2015 and 2017, while nuclear energy saw a positive rebound in 2021. The year 2024 witnessed a significant push towards solar energy, increasing its share by an impressive 12.4 TWh. Despite the earlier inconsistencies, especially concerning nuclear energy, these recent developments signal a positive trajectory towards a more diversified and sustainable energy portfolio in South Africa.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources