South Africa’s energy crisis continues to weigh heavily on economic growth, industrial productivity, and household finances. In this opinion piece, Gerjo Hoffman, CEO of Open Access Energy, argues that distributed renewable energy and private power generation offer the fastest path to economic recovery. By reducing electricity costs, improving energy reliability, and enabling long-term savings through private Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), businesses can regain competitiveness and stimulate GDP growth. The article also highlights the role of financial institutions in accelerating renewable energy investment and calls for urgent regulatory reform to unlock South Africa’s full distributed energy potential.
Tag: renewable energy south africa
5 Big Power Moves 2025 Brought Us
In 2025, South Africa’s energy sector reached a critical turning point, shifting from crisis management to long-term reform. This article by SolarAfrica CEO David McDonald outlines five major power moves reshaping the market: the transition toward a wholesale electricity market (SAWEM), a surge in energy trading licences, the rise of one-to-many renewable generation, the entry of private capital into transmission infrastructure, and unprecedented corporate adoption of renewable energy. Together, these changes are accelerating private investment, competition, and wheeling solutions—setting the stage for a faster, more flexible, and sustainable power system in 2026 and beyond.
South Africa’s Energy Market Opens Up – Why Large Users Need to Act Now
South Africa’s energy market is opening to competition, giving large power users new choices in how they secure electricity. Companies that act now—using tools like wheeling and data-driven procurement—can reduce long-term costs, improve reliability, and strengthen competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.
ZX Lidars and Globeleq Optimise Wind Performance at Klipheuwel with Advanced Lidar Deployment
ZX Lidars, in collaboration with Globeleq South Africa Management Services, has deployed a ZX TM wind Lidar at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, South Africa. The advanced system provides real-time wind flow data to optimise turbine performance, support power curve verification, and reduce mechanical stress. By analysing complex wind behaviour such as shear and turbulence, the project enhances asset efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational outcomes.
SOLA Group Reaches Major Milestone, Producing 1 Billion kWh of Clean Energy
SOLA Group achieves a major milestone by producing 1 billion kWh of clean energy ahead of schedule. This accomplishment marks a significant contribution to South Africa’s renewable energy transition, job creation, and local economic development.