Ramaphosa reboots South Africa’s renewables programme
New renewable energy deals point to a fundamental shift in South Africa's energy investment priorities
The government of new South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is wasting little time in redefining the country's approach to the energy sector, pushing ahead with an independent power project (IPP) programme for the renewables sector and signalling greater efforts to mobilise gas-fired power projects. A last-minute court challenge from a union is unlikely to slow progress. Energy minister Jeff Radebe said in early March that state-owned utility Eskom would sign agreements for 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Projects (REIPPPs). The move is an effort to reboot the country's renewables programme, which is still in its infancy, following two years of delays under former president
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined






