In 2025, South Africa's electricity consumption is dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for more than four-fifths of the total electricity generation, with coal alone making up a substantial portion of this at slightly over four-fifths. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute to a little more than one-sixth of the electricity mix. Among these clean sources, solar energy contributes to just over 8%, wind power to nearly 5%, and nuclear energy to around 4%. The reliance on coal and other fossil fuels poses challenges related to climate change and air pollution, making the transition to a more sustainable electricity generation mix a critical goal.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Africa?
Despite the encouraging growth in low-carbon electricity generation recently, South Africa's overall electricity consumption per person has fallen significantly compared to its peak in 2007. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person is approximately 3,551 kWh, marking a decline of about 1,664 kWh since 2007. This reduction could be indicative of economic factors or shifts in energy efficiency. However, it's promising to note that low-carbon electricity has seen growth, hitting a new high of 648 kWh per person, an increase of 62 kWh from the previous year, 2024. Addressing the decline in total electricity use while continuing to expand low-carbon sources is essential for South Africa’s sustainable future.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, South Africa can take inspiration from successful regions that have made significant strides in clean energy, particularly solar, wind, and nuclear. For instance, Nevada and Lebanon have effectively harnessed solar energy, with solar generation accounting for about a third of their electricity. Likewise, Iowa and Denmark serve as excellent models for wind energy, with wind contributing to more than half of their electricity generation. In the realm of nuclear power, countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, with nuclear making up a substantial two-thirds of their electricity generation. By learning from these regions and investing in solar, wind, and nuclear technologies, South Africa can transition toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient electricity future.
History
Throughout its history, South Africa has experienced fluctuating developments in low-carbon electricity, particularly in nuclear energy. In the mid-1980s, the country saw significant growth in nuclear generation, only to suffer notable declines in certain years, like 1987 and 1990. The early 2000s similarly witnessed reductions, raising concerns about stability and consistency. However, more recent years have shown a positive outlook, with nuclear energy seeing growth since 2016, experiencing ups and downs, but again increasing by 2.4 TWh in 2025. Meanwhile, solar and wind energy have also recently begun contributing more substantially, with solar showing remarkable increases in 2023 and 2024, illustrating a promising trend toward embracing clean, sustainable energy production. Continuing this momentum, particularly in expanding solar and nuclear power, is crucial for ensuring a stable and sustainable electricity supply for the future.
