Electricity in South Africa in 2023/2024

In the period from July 2023 to June 2024, South Africa's electricity generation is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with more than 80% of its electricity coming from coal alone. Fossil energy accounts for nearly 83% of the total electricity, a striking contrast to the 17% coming from low-carbon sources. Within the mix of low-carbon energy, solar contributes almost 8%, wind nearly 5%, and nuclear energy about 4%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has significant ramifications for climate change and air quality, underlining the urgency for South Africa to pivot towards more sustainable energy sources.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, South Africa can draw lessons from countries that have successfully transitioned to cleaner energy. For instance, France and Slovakia generate almost two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating the potential of a robust nuclear energy sector. Similarly, Ukraine and Bulgaria benefit from substantial nuclear-based electricity generation, nearly 55% and 42% respectively. On the wind energy front, countries like Denmark and Uruguay showcase the feasibility of wind power, generating around 61% and 36% of their electricity from wind. By adopting a combination of nuclear and wind energy strategies, South Africa can significantly reduce its dependence on coal and other fossil fuels, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

History

Examining the historical trends of low-carbon electricity generation in South Africa reveals a somewhat turbulent journey. The mid-1980s saw marginal increases in nuclear energy, with notable additions in 1984 and 1986, only to experience declines in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The early 2000s continued to witness this inconsistency with further declines in nuclear output. There have been some positive shifts in recent years; substantial increases in wind energy were recorded around 2015 and 2021, alongside meaningful additions in solar energy in 2023/2024. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a potential yet underutilized capacity for low-carbon electricity, signifying the need for a more consistent and strategic approach to enhance sustainable energy sources in South Africa.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources