Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

This is industrial-scale decarbonization

South Africa is undergoing the fastest energy transition in Africa—with 100+ renewable energy projects operational, 8,000+ MW of new wind and solar capacity coming online, and R300+ billion in announced green hydrogen investments.

This is industrial-scale decarbonization: Sasol’s green hydrogen roadmap, platinum-based fuel cell manufacturing, export-oriented ammonia production, and partnerships with the EU, UK, and Germany on just energy transition financing.

With world-class solar irradiation (2,500+ kWh/m² annually), consistent wind corridors along the coast, and deep-water ports for hydrogen export, South Africa offers renewable energy investors the natural resources, industrial base, and offtake agreements to build at scale.

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

Success Stories

Major developers—ACWA Power, Mainstream Renewable Power, Scatec, Enel Green Power—are already operating here. And the pipeline continues: green hydrogen valleys in the Northern Cape, renewable energy zones, and grid expansion to support new capacity.

Wind & Storage Expansion

R11B (US$600M) 2024 projects

1.2GW pipeline

JETP alignment

Grid-stability impact

EDF Renewables (France): Wind & Storage Expansion

EDF Renewables has ramped up South African investments since 2018, now controlling over 1.2GW of wind and hybrid storage projects. In 2024, it secured R11B (US$600M) of Round 6 REIPPPP bids for 420MW in wind and storage capacity. These projects enhance grid stability, reduce carbon intensity, and support regional energy trade under SADC. EDF’s participation also reflects EU institutional confidence in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aligning finance with climate and development goals.

EDF Renewables SA releases (2024–2025) | REIPPPP results; EU JETP communiqués

US$5.8B Coega Green Hydrogen Plant

US$5.8B capex

20,000 construction jobs

1.8Mtpa hydrogen

2028 exports

Hive Energy (UK): US$5.8B Coega Green Hydrogen Plant

Hive Energy (UK), alongside CWP Global and Linde, is spearheading a US$5.8B hydrogen export project at Coega SEZ. Construction begins 2025, with first shipments targeted for 2028. The facility will produce 1.8Mtpa of hydrogen, anchoring South Africa’s hydrogen valley and leveraging platinum group metals for electrolyser production. Backed as a Strategic Integrated Project, the investment de-risks delivery and links directly to European offtakers via the EU’s Global Gateway. The scale positions Coega as a continental hub for clean fuels.

Hive Energy announcements (2023–2025) | EU Global Gateway communiqués; Coega SEZ reports

Utility-Scale Solar Leadership

R16B pipeline (2025)

448MW operating

>1GW under construction

2,500 solar hours/year

Scatec (Norway): Utility-Scale Solar Leadership

Scatec has been South Africa’s largest independent power producer since entering via REIPPPP in 2012, with 448MW in operation and over 1GW under construction. In 2025, Scatec committed R16B (US$840M) to new hybrid solar-plus-battery projects in the Northern Cape, integrating into Eskom’s wheeling reforms. Its portfolio stabilises supply for mines, municipalities, and corporates, while piloting green hydrogen ventures. South Africa’s 2,500+ annual solar hours and maturing procurement frameworks provide robust economics for long-term investment.

Scatec press releases (2012–2025) | REIPPPP Round 6 data; BloombergNEF.

Offshore Wind Pipeline Exploration

>60GW potential

First offshore feasibility licences

Cape nodes mapped for port upgrades

Ørsted (Denmark): Offshore Wind Pipeline Exploration

Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, entered South Africa in 2023 through feasibility studies for multi-gigawatt offshore projects along the Western and Eastern Cape. These projects align with the Integrated Resource Plan and REIPPPP, aiming to unlock >60GW of coastal wind potential. Early-stage capital has been deployed into environmental impact assessments and port readiness upgrades. By anchoring its presence in South Africa, Ørsted signals confidence in the country’s technical capacity and regulatory depth. If realised, these projects will place South Africa at the forefront of Africa’s offshore wind revolution.

Ørsted feasibility disclosures (2023–2025) | DMRE updates; IEA offshore reports.

140 MW Wind for Sibanye-Stillwater

140 MW wind

Long-term corporate PPA

Local lender syndication

Mining decarbonisation

STATUS:

Pipeline (construction started; COD expected Q4 2026)

Umsinde Emoyeni (ACED / EIMS Africa / AIIM / Reatile): 140 MW Wind for Sibanye-Stillwater

A consortium led by ACED, EIMS Africa, AIIM and Reatile Renewables has begun construction of the 140 MW Umsinde Emoyeni Wind Power Station to supply Sibanye-Stillwater under a long-term PPA with wheeling. The project embeds the mining major’s decarbonisation pathway and reduces exposure to grid volatility, while channelling infrastructure capital through a syndicate led by local lenders. The development is a blueprint for hard-to-abate sectors: marry bankable PPAs, wheeling frameworks and strong sponsors to unlock new private capacity. Commissioning is targeted for Q4 2026.

Consortium and Sibanye-Stillwater press rooms | trade press

155 MW Seriti Wind Power Station

155 MW wind

Industrial offtake

Wheeling to mines

Mpumalanga transition signal

STATUS:

Pipeline (under construction; COD expected Q4 2025)

155 MW Seriti Wind Power Station – Mpumalanga

Seriti Green (a subsidiary of Seriti Resources) is constructing a 155 MW wind project in Mpumalanga to supply Seriti’s mining operations via wheeling, cutting scope-2 emissions and hedging power risk. The project aligns with SA’s coal-to-clean transition in a core mining region, with grid integration designed to stabilise operations and reduce diesel back-up. Local procurement and construction jobs support the regional economy, while bankability is enhanced by the industrial offtaker and mature project finance structures. Commissioning is targeted Q4 2025, adding meaningful capacity to the private generation fleet.

Seriti Green media releases | Engineering News | Business Day coverage

Overberg Wind + “Monthly Renewables” Platform

150 MW wind (phase-2)

Monthly, no long-term PPA

Corporate & SME access

Wheeling-enabled

STATUS:

Pipeline (platform launched; power onboarding starts as new capacity connects; operations scale from 2027)

Ampli Energy (Discovery Green & Sasol): Overberg Wind + “Monthly Renewables” Platform

Discovery Green and Sasol have launched Ampli Energy, a “first-of-its-kind” monthly renewable power platform that lets businesses (including NGOs and SMEs) buy clean electricity on a flexible, month-to-month basis rather than locking into long PPAs. The platform is underpinned by the 150 MW Overberg Wind Farm (phase-2 now unlocked), with additional IPP supply expected as demand scales. It rides South Africa’s wheeling frameworks and corporate demand for decarbonised electricity, lowering barriers to entry for smaller offtakers. The model complements utility-scale build-out by creating new retail routes-to-market for IPPs while deepening corporate participation in the energy transition.

Discovery Green & Sasol press rooms | IPP partner updates

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

What the world says

From investors to industry leaders, each testimony offers an outside view of the country’s reform momentum, economic resilience, and growing global influence. Together, they reveal how South Africa is shaping — and being shaped by — the future of investment, innovation, and partnership.

EU Commission — Africa Trade & Investment Outlook (Jul 2025)

“South Africa remains a key partner for sustainable investment… with strong institutions enabling EU-Africa green and digital transitions.”

Context / Impact:
The EU committed €5B+ toward renewables and skills under AfCFTA frameworks, reinforcing SA as a reliable partner in Africa’s integration.

Why it matters for investors:
Multilateral validation of SA’s role in green/digital transitions and AfCFTA integration.

Source: EU – Africa Economic Partnership 2025

US State Department — Investment Climate Statement (2024)

“South Africa boasts the most advanced, broad-based economy in sub-Saharan Africa… fortified by the rule of law and a free press.”

Context / Impact:
Emphasises AfCFTA access, mature financial and services sectors, and an independent judiciary as core strengths.

Why it matters for investors:
Confirms strong legal & institutional backbone with market access credibility.

US Investment Climate Statement – South Africa 2024

PwC Strategy& — SA Outlook (Jan 2025)

“South Africa’s macroeconomic outlook at the start of 2025 is notably better… much more to be positive about than 12 months ago.”

Context / Impact:
PwC cites lower inflation, easing interest rates, and improved sentiment following the GNU. Forecasts GDP growth of 0.5–1.3%.

Why it matters for investors:
Confirms improving cycle—supportive rates and sentiment reduce hurdle rates for projects.

Source: PwC South Africa Economic Outlook 2025

OECD — Economic Survey (Jun 2025)

“Durably boosting growth and employment would require widespread structural reforms… including higher renewable generation and grid expansion.”

Context / Impact:
OECD finds alignment between SA’s reform agenda and advanced-economy standards: energy liberalisation, transmission build-out, and pro competition reforms. Projects 1.3% GDP growth in 2025.

Why it matters for investors:
Reinforces credibility of reform path; supports long-horizon infrastructure and clean-energy investments.

Source: OECD Economic Survey – South Africa 2025

IMF — Article IV Consultation (Jan 2025)

“Directors welcomed South Africa’s new Government of National Unity… The fresh mandate offers an historic opportunity to pursue ambitious reforms.”

Context / Impact:
The IMF projects GDP growth to accelerate to 1.5% in 2025 (from 0.9% in 2024), supported by stabilised electricity supply, reform momentum, and improving confidence.

Why it matters for investors:
Signals macro stability and a reform runway—improving risk-adjusted returns and policy predictability.

Source: IMF Article IV Summary 2025

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen