Renewable Ambition in South African Electricity

National Business Initiative

NBI Energy

The critical energy challenge

The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today.

The need to drive energy efficiency and clean energy in support of energy security, reduced carbon emissions and enhanced country competitiveness has never been greater.

Investment in clean energy has significantly outpaced fossil fuels since 2023, driven by the exponential growth of renewable energy and rapid decline in the cost of wind and solar PV in particular. Clean energy now accounts for roughly 80% of annual energy demand growth, with much of this growth fuelled by emerging markets (IEA, 2025).

The power sector is also central to achieving net zero emissions globally. In South Africa, the rapid ramp up of renewables is paramount for energy security, future competitiveness and ensuring sufficient ‘carbon space’ for other key sectors. Fortunately, renewable energy is also the least cost energy option for the country, supporting affordability and enhanced social equity.

Recapitalising the South African energy sector at scale to avoid future load shedding is critical. This requires that we ramp up investments in renewable energy, battery storage and transmission network upgrades, while building a dynamic and market friendly electricity sector.

NBI’s work to advance energy efficiency across the economy, aid renewable energy deployment at all levels and support the work of key entities such as the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) is central to this energy transition.

Slide 1

The role of the NBI

The NBI has a rich history of working in partnership with business, IPPs and municipal, provincial and national government on just renewable energy transition and energy efficiency. This is evidenced by our key energy projects, including a variety of current initiatives, as highlighted below.

We will continue to focus on ensuring an economy that is sufficiently powered, socially just and maximises on opportunities for skills development and job creation through the local assembly and manufacturer of clean energy related technologies. The clean energy revolution is now unstoppable, driven by global demand and the urgency of combating climate change, and represents a significant investment opportunity for South Africa.

The objectives of our energy programmes are to:

Raise the importance of energy as a key economic and environmental imperative driving global transition

Build understanding of the imperative of renewable energy for South Africa’s future economic competitiveness, investment opportunities and least cost electricity provision

Provide a platform for companies to engage with all spheres of government on the generation and procurement of renewable electricity, including through the development of a market friendly electricity sector

Facilitate a platform for companies to learn from each other and access international best practice on driving sustainable energy solutions