What is South Africa’s IRP 2025 Optimal Energy Mix?

Mapping South Africa’s Path to 114 GW

The approval of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 provides more than just targets for South Africa's Energy Mix; it establishes the optimal mix required for South Africa’s long-term energy security.

By 2042, the national roadmap targets over 114 GW of new generation capacity. Wind energy is set to be the primary driver of this transition, representing 49% of the renewable energy component and approximately 30% of the country’s total generation mix. 

At Vusa African Energy, we recognize that this capacity can only be realized through a modernized grid. The National Transmission Development Plan (TDP) is now moving into a capital-intensive execution phase:

• Infrastructure Investment: An estimated R440 billion is required over the next decade to expand the network. 

• Near-Term Commitments: R112 billion in capital budget has been approved for the first five years to fast-track delivery. 

• Grid Expansion: The plan targets 14,500 km of new high-voltage lines and 133,000 MVA of additional transformer capacity by 2034. 

• Immediate Relief: A new congestion curtailment framework is expected to unlock 1.48 GW of connection capacity in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. 

Combined with the implementation of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) in Q3 2026, the sector is shifting toward a transparent, competitive environment that favors large-scale wind and solar developers. 

With a national wind pipeline already exceeding 60 GW, the momentum is clear. We are committed to developing the high-quality assets needed to anchor this new energy era. 

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