Knowledge Hub

The Africa Energy Outlook 2022 is a new special report from the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook series. It explores pathways for Africa’s energy system to evolve toward achieving all African development goals, including universal access to modern and affordable energy services by 2030 and nationally determined contributions. The report analyses infrastructure expansion needs, investment requirements, financing options and energy policy priorities. It also explores a shifting fuel mix that supports resilient development, opportunities for new exports, and just transition issues – including energy access, affordability and employment.

Resource Overview: Understanding the impact of a low carbon transition on South Africa As the global economy shifts toward a low-carbon future consistent with the Paris Agreement, South Africa faces a complex array of financial risks. This guide from the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines how this global transition threatens to reduce demand and prices for carbon-intensive exports, particularly coal, while potentially creating new economic opportunities, such as those arising from lower global oil prices. The resource highlights that South Africa’s transition is not solely an environmental challenge but a significant economic and financial one, with a "transition risk" estimated at more than $120 billion in present value terms between 2013 and 2035. Key insights from the guide include: Significant Exposure to External Trends: Approximately 75% of South Africa’s transition risk is driven by factors beyond the government’s control, such as shifting global demand for coal and oil. Nearly 50% of this risk has already been realised through changes in long-term market forecasts since 2013. Concentration of Risk on the Public Balance Sheet While investors initially bear the bulk of the direct risk, implicit transfers and contingent liabilities mean the national government could end up exposed to more than half of the total transition risk. This concentration could jeopardise South Africa’s investment-grade sovereign credit rating. The Importance of Proactive Policy: The guide emphasises that proactive government planning—such as avoiding new investments that increase transition risk and leveraging potential oil price windfalls—can help mitigate these costs. Strategic Recommendations: Policymakers are encouraged to make risk allocation explicit, prioritise investments resilient to the global transition (e.g., renewable energy and relevant minerals), and work with international development financial institutions to develop innovative financial solutions.

A practical toolkit and presentation on effective data visualization and communication. It aims to assist statisticians in presenting complex data sets in intuitive and visually accessible formats for diverse stakeholders.

The Statistics Act 6 of 1999 provides for a Statistician-General as head of Statistics South Africa, who is responsible for the collection, production and dissemination of official and other statistics, including the conducting of a census of the population, and for co-ordination among producers of statistics.

The purpose of this research is to review existing skills frameworks and develop a comprehensive, tailored framework that reflects the specific needs and requirements of South Africa's labour force. The study also aims to identify skills gaps within the labour market and address them through appropriate skills development programmes. By examining the current skills landscape and its associated challenges, the research seeks to improve understanding of workforce needs, inform policy development, and provide guidance on the education and training programmes that should be prioritized.

The Market Intelligence Report 2025 provides a strategic analysis of South Africa’s evolving energy services market. This guide is designed for local and foreign investors, developers, and financiers looking to navigate the commercial, industrial, and agricultural (CI&A) sectors. It highlights how businesses are increasingly turning to embedded generation and energy storage to address rising electricity costs, achieve carbon reduction goals, and improve energy security amid national infrastructure challenges. The report focuses on two primary investment opportunities in the short-to-medium term: * Embedded Solar PV: As the market matures, the focus is shifting beyond simple loadshedding mitigation toward long-term price stability and decarbonisation. With 71 municipalities now permitting embedded generation connections, diverse financing models—including power purchase agreements (PPAs), debt finance, and lease structures—are driving significant growth, with a projected 3.8 GW expansion by 2030. * Behind-the-meter (BTM) Li-ion Storage: Driven by the need for reliable energy security and value-stacking applications like peak shaving, load shifting, and tariff arbitrage, Li-ion battery systems have become the preferred backup technology. Despite challenges such as high reliance on imported components and an emerging regulatory environment, BTM storage remains a critical component for businesses aiming to optimise their energy management and maintain operational continuity.

This document sets out the strategic vision and annual performance targets for the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) across the electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines industries. It outlines NERSA’s core mandate to foster an energy sector that delivers reliable, efficient, and sustainable services in alignment with South Africa's National Development Plan. Key focus areas include streamlining licensing and registration processes, enforcing compliance with environmental and technical standards, and reducing regulatory burdens for new market entrants. Ultimately, the plan seeks to establish long-term regulatory certainty while balancing consumer protection against the economic sustainability of energy providers.

This report was prepared by ICLEI Africa to support the work of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in its stakeholder and community engagements on the just transition. ICLEI Africa extends its gratitude to all interviewees and community focus group participants whose valuable insights contributed significantly to the development of this report.

GENDER EQUITY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY VALUE CHAINS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK THROUGH A SOCIAL REPRODUCTION LENS explores how gender equity, sustainable livelihoods, and ecological justice can be integrated into renewable energy value chains. The report presents a conceptual framework to assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the clean energy transition, with a focus on creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable opportunities across South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana.

The 2024/2025 financial year marked a pivotal point in South Africa’s energy journey a year that tested our tenacity, deepened our partnerships and clarified the role the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) must continue to play in shaping a resilient, inclusive and sustainable energy future. The Board commends the CEO and Management for achieving 100% of its targets with a clean audit status as endorsed by AGSA.

The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC)was established in 1940 under the Industrial Development Corporation Act. It is a registered public corporation and a Schedule 2 listed entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the related Treasury Regulations. This report is presented in accordance with the provisions of the prescribed legislation and outlines the performance of the IDC, together with the relevant statutory information requirements. The Board of Directors serves as the Accounting Authority, as prescribed by the PFMA.

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is a multi-stakeholder body established by the President of the Republic of South Africa. The PCC advises on the country's climate change response and supports a just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society. The PCC produces recommendations to government based on research and evidence and facilitates dialogue between social partners. Its ultimate aim is to define the type of economy and society South Africa seeks to achieve and outline the pathways to reach that vision.

The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA)** provides the overarching legislative framework for environmental governance in South Africa. This resource specifically centres on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, which were established under the Act to regulate the procedures and criteria for assessing the environmental impacts of proposed activities. The primary purpose of these regulations is to ensure that development projects are evaluated through a systematic process—including both Basic Assessments and Scoping & Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR)—to identify, assess, and report on potential environmental consequences. This framework aims to mitigate detrimental impacts while optimising potential benefits to the environment.

Reflecting on the difference between ‘sustainability’ and ‘ESG’, recognising the business case for good disclosure, and identifying some of the significant recent developments behind the growing convergence in sustainability disclosure standards and initiatives.

A comprehensive manual and guide for users on how to conduct census data analysis. It provides insights into how censuses are conducted and details the products emanated from the 1996 and 2001 censuses, with an emphasis on GIS technology and data integration for better decision-making.

This report was authored by Michael Renner and Celia García-Baños (IRENA) and Arslan Khalid (Consultant). Chapter 4 (Sections 2 and 3) was contributed by Beatriz Bastião, Jürgen Menze, Camila Pereira Rego Meireles, Jose Luis Viveros Añorve (ILO), and Diana Junquera Curiel (IndustriALL).

This market intelligence report (MIR) is written for local and foreign investors looking to invest directly in the South African renewable energy market. It highlights opportunities in the private large-scale renewable energy1 market and component manufacturing sectors in South Africa. Opportunities in rooftop solar PV are covered in the 2025 Energy Services MIR.

This page breaks down Article 6 of the Paris Agreement—one of the most complex and crucial components of international climate policy. It governs how countries can trade emission reductions through global carbon markets, a system that allows nations struggling to meet their climate targets to purchase credits from those who have exceeded their pledges. Finalized at COP26 after years of deadlock, these rules have the potential to either accelerate meaningful climate action or allow countries to avoid making deep domestic cuts, making their structure a true make-or-break factor in the fight against global warming.

The Act makes provision for the collection of skills development levies and distribution. The SDLA prescribes how the skills levies are collected through the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the way they are apportioned into the account of the National Skills Funds (NSF), then directed to the SETAs. It further stipulates the portion that is transferred to QCTO, and the way the SETAs use the funds, as provided for in the SDA and accompanying SETA Grant Regulations that were promulgated in 2012.

This career guide, published by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) , provides an overview of green jobs and career opportunities in South Africa's energy and water sectors. As the country transitions to a more inclusive green economy, the guide highlights how choosing a green career can benefit both individuals and the nation while ensuring a healthy environment supports collective well-being.

The energy system, both globally and locally, is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, regulatory developments, and the impacts of climate change. These changes are influencing every aspect of the energy value chain, including how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed. The current energy system depends on a variety of fuel sources, with petrol, diesel, gas, and electricity being among the most commonly used. In response to these developments, there is a global transition towards electrification aimed at improving energy efficiency and supporting the decarbonisation of the energy sector. These factors are placing increased pressure on the electricity sector to proactively plan, adapt, and respond to the rapidly changing energy landscape.

The 2025 Large-Scale Renewable Energy Market Intelligence Report provides essential insights for local and foreign investors interested in South Africa’s shifting energy landscape. Moving beyond the traditional dominance of public procurement programs, the market is currently experiencing a rapid expansion in private sector energy procurement. This report identifies and analyzes the primary drivers and barriers impacting investment in large-scale renewable projects and the domestic manufacturing of energy components.

This World Bank issues paper (November 2018) draws on over two decades of global experience to provide practical guidance for governments, enterprises, workers, and communities navigating coal mine closures. With up to 4 million coal workers having lost their jobs over the past half-century and future closures inevitable across Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa the report emphasizes that successful mine closure is fundamentally about mitigating impacts on people and communities.

To prescribe and provide guidance to the regulated entities in the Electricity Supply Industry on the format, content, preparation, and submission of the required information to the Energy Regulator to enable it to perform its functions.

The PCC—in collaboration with Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) and the African Climate Foundation (ACF)—contracted OneWorld to undertake a series of community engagements, as well as a multi-stakeholder conference, to elevate the concerns and needs of affected people in the just transition process. This report presents a summary of these engagements, which were conducted between March and April 2022. This report was prepared by OneWorld. The author team includes Belynda Petrie (Project Lead), Jessica Allen (Project Manager), John Notoane (Stakeholder and Community Engagement Specialist), and Seutame Maimele (Stakeholder and Community Engagement Support).

The Energy Council of South Africa (Council) serves as a delivery-focused partnership, bringing together multi-sector business representation to mobilise capacity and work as a trusted partner to Government to enable a thriving, sustainable energy system that supports inclusive economic growth in South Africa.

This framework document, developed by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in partnership with COSATU, presents an alternative financing approach for South Africa's just transition. It argues that existing financing mechanisms under the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) prioritise profit over people and benefit only a few, while failing to mobilise sufficient funding for a truly just and inclusive transition.

Understanding the Impact of a Low Carbon Transition on South Africa. Matthew Huxham, Muhammed Anwar, and David Nelson.

This document has been prepared in response to the requirements of the Paris Agreement and presents South Africa's first Low Emission Development Strategy (SA-LEDS. By submitting this strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), South Africa reaffirms its commitment to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The implementation of the strategy will also contribute directly and indirectly to the achievement of the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This policy is launched against the background of a massive campaign of electrification in South Africa and now the start of a process of managed liberalisation of the energy sector including the transformation of the electricity distribution sector into regional electricity distributors.

This document summarises the findings of a two-year initiative and collaboration on Unlocking Green Jobs: A Catalytic Intervention between the World Wide Fund for Nature, South Africa (WWF-SA) and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS)

The strategic priorities focus on localising the just energy transition by engaging with the Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town to identify region-specific trends and priorities—moving beyond the national coal-centric debate. Key actions include embedding the transition within COVID-19 economic recovery efforts (via green stimulus and a "Just Recovery"), while actively avoiding short-term fixes that lock the province into carbon-intensive "business as usual." The ultimate goal is to inspire and mobilise society toward an equitable, sustainable low-carbon future tailored to the Western Cape's unique context.

SAKHISISWE (Building the Nation) Edition 1 is a resource guide detailing the transformative impact of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in South Africa. Introduced by the government in 2011, the REIPPPP has successfully leveraged private sector involvement to develop renewable energy facilities across the country. Beyond energy generation, the programme focuses on radical socio-economic development, moving beyond mere corporate obligations to foster "personal relationships" with local communities. This guide highlights how Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are actively contributing to the upliftment of rural and urban communities through targeted Enterprise Development (ED) and Socio-Economic Development (SED) projects.

This report, prepared for the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), provides a comprehensive mapping of renewable energy across Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines the current state of electricity systems, energy consumption, generation, transmission, investment, and the potential for localisation and decent job creation as the continent navigates its energy transition. The paper is part of a broader project titled "A Just Energy Transition: Localisation, Decent Work, SMMEs and Sustainable Livelihoods," which investigates the role that economic development around renewable energy technologies can play in creating a more sustainable and just economy in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

This White Paper on Renewable Energy supplements the White Paper on Energy Policy, which recognizes the significant medium- and long-term potential of renewable energy. It outlines the South African Government's vision, policy principles, strategic goals, and objectives for promoting and implementing renewable energy. The White Paper also communicates the Government's vision to the public and the international community, explains how these objectives will be achieved, and defines the roles of government agencies and other state institutions in implementing the policy.

This reflection paper explores how developing and least developed countries can incorporate just transition principles into their revised NDCs, enabling more ambitious and equitable emission reduction strategies. It explains the concept of a just transition in the developing country context; provides guidance on drafting just transition language in NDCs; suggests a timeline for each stage of the process; and identifies the resources available to support implementation. By following this guidance, developing country governments can deliver on their commitments under the Paris Agreement and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines for a Just Transition Towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All, while managing the social challenges that may arise from their climate strategies.

The South African Climate Finance Landscape 2025 report provides empirical evidence on climate finance investment flows directed toward low-carbon and climate-resilient interventions in South Africa, along with additional market intelligence on the South African policy landscape and investment opportunities and barriers in the end-use sector. Building on the previous edition published in 2023, this report maps project-level investments spanning the 2022 and 2023 calendar years, identifying financial sources and intermediaries, instruments used, uses of climate finance, and sectors receiving climate-related funding. Through the periodic tracking of climate finance investments and needs in South Africa, the report aims to identify gaps and potential opportunities to facilitate the scaling up of climate finance in South Africa.

South Africa surpassed expectations during its inaugural five-year Presidential Investment Mobilisation Drive, securing a total of R1.5 trillion through more than 300 verified investment announcements** from both domestic and foreign investors.

This report came out in November 2018, while the Department of Energy was finalising its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which maps out electricity infrastructure requirements for South Africa into the future. It is no exaggeration to say that there has been a sea of change in the energy sector since 2010, when the IRP was initially published. The relative costs of electricity generation technologies have changed significantly, and there is a move toward smaller, decentralised and distributed electricity generators. Research continues to highlight the urgent need for ambitious action to tackle climate change and that we must rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that we need to decarbonise our economy, and in particular the generation of electricity, much faster than the current plans envision.

The National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) aims to ensure that South Africa has an adequate supply of appropriate and high-quality skills to support economic growth, employment creation, and social development. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its 2017 report Getting Skills Right in South Africa, acknowledges the efforts of the South African Government and private sector stakeholders to address skills imbalances but notes that significant challenges remain. The report highlights the need to strengthen the education system, particularly in developing foundational and technical skills, with a focus on historically disadvantaged individuals. It also recommends expanding relevant training opportunities for both employed and unemployed people to improve their employability and support career progression.

The Energy Action Plan (EAP) is South Africa's strategy to end load shedding and achieve long-term energy security. Announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022, the plan sets out a comprehensive package of actions to restore Eskom's performance and rapidly expand electricity generation capacity. Its primary objective is to close the electricity supply gap by accelerating the addition of new generation capacity while strengthening the reliability and resilience of the country's energy system.

The Energy Council of South Africa serves as the collective and unified voice of the energy sector, bringing together key public and private sector role-players with active interests in South Africa's energy transition. This Annual Report covers the period ending 28 February 2025 and highlights the Council's progress in mobilising investment, driving delivery, and supporting the nation's energy reform agenda.

The Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Africa aims to transform the country's energy system toward sustainable and clean energy sources while ensuring that the social and economic impacts on workers and communities are carefully addressed. South Africa is among the world's top 15 greenhouse gas emitters, with coal accounting for approximately 80% of the country's electricity generation. The coal mining sector also plays a significant economic role, employing around 90,000 people.

A just energy transition (JET) is made up of two parts. The ‘transition’ is towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and equitable energy system, which is better for people and the planet than what we currently have. The ‘just’ component means that we make the shift as fair as possible, particularly for those workers in legacy energy systems where jobs will be at risk. South Africa (SA) needs to move away from an energy mix dominated by fossil fuels and toward an increased proportion of renewable energy (RE) for environmental, social and economic reasons

To establish a national regulatory framework for the electricity supply industry; to make the National Energy Regulator of South Africa the custodian and enforcer of the national electricity regulatory framework; to provide for licences and registration as the manner in which generation, transmission, distribution, reticulation, trading and the import and export of electricity are regulated; to regulate the reticulation of electricity by municipalities; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

This guide provides a structured framework for regulated entities in the South African Electricity Supply Industry to record and report non-financial information (NFI) to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). By establishing uniform standards for content, measurement, and submission, this manual ensures the Regulator receives consistent, accurate data necessary for informed decision-making regarding market supply, demand, service quality, and economic regulation.

Report of the Board Audit Committee (BAC or the Committee) in terms of Regulations 27(1)(10)(b) and (c) of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (as amended) and the requirements of King IV Code of Governance.

Eskom's 2025 Reporting Suite covers the financial year ended 31 March 2025 and includes consideration of significant events up to 29 September 2025, the date on which the Board of Directors approved the reports.

The 21st Century has been characterised by fundamental changes in both business and society. These fundamental changes provided the context within which the King Committee set out to draft King IV, and have influenced both its content and approach. New global realities are testing the leadership of organisations on issues as diverse as inequality, globalised trade, social tensions, climate change, population growth, ecological overshoot, geopolitical tensions, radical transparency, and rapid technological and scientific advancement. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were agreed by all governments in 2015, the Africa 2063 Agenda, and the (South African) National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) have a common theme of value creation that is accomplished in a sustainable manner. This is a fundamental concept of King IV.

This policy scan, prepared for the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), provides a critical analysis of South Africa's renewable energy policy landscape. It examines the extent to which current policies support renewable energy integration, localisation, decent work, and inclusivity (gender, youth, and SMMEs).