According to the South African Wind Energy Association, the country’s progress in wind energy development made in 2024 serves as a clear indicator of the sector’s transformative potential.

What: South Africa is set for a renewable energy revolution led by wind power development.

Why: Energy policy reforms have provided a solid foundation for a thriving wind energy sector.

What next: According to the modelling presented by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, wind energy will contribute between 69 GW and 76 GW of new capacity by 2050.

South Africa is making strides in its renewable energy sector development, with wind power generation leading the way, according to a 2024 industry analysis by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) in collaboration with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

The report, published by SAWEA on March 10, credits South Africa’s policy reforms, such as the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA) and the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with providing a solid foundation for a thriving wind energy sector.

South Africa’s electricity production currently relies on its ageing network of coal-fired plants accounting for over 80% of the country’s current power generation mix. At the end of 2023, South Africa had over 7.2 GW of solar PV and 3.6 GW of onshore wind, jointly accounting for over 17% of its overall installed capacity.

However, according to the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the country has embarked on its decarbonisation journey. Over 13.6 GW of power plants are expected to come online between today and 2027, with solar PV and onshore wind accounting for over half and about 25% of the new capacity respectively.

Energy sector reforms

South Africa has introduced significant energy sector reforms, positioning wind energy as a major component of its future power generation mix. The ERAA, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2024 and effective from January 2025, has introduced a competitive wholesale electricity market and established an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO), reducing the longstanding monopoly of South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom.

The unbundling of Eskom aims to transform power generation in South Africa, enhance trade and grid operation, simplify licensing processes, and bring much-needed investments for grid expansion – all essential for integrating wind energy projects. According to SAWEA, the revised IRP 2024 outlines strategies to expand renewable energy capacity, including wind power, to ensure a sustainable and economically viable energy supply.

The association has played a vital role in advocating for energy policy changes to create an investor-friendly environment and job opportunities, and to grow local manufacturing and wind sector development. Together with the GWEC, SAWEA sees the strengthening of policy and regulatory frameworks as crucial to unlocking further investment in wind energy. The establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) represents a major step in Eskom’s transformation, as it assumes key functions of the TSO.

Furthermore, SAWEA says that the introduction of Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs) will encourage private investment in transmission under the new Transmission Development Plan (TDP 2025-2037). Collectively, these reforms aim to maximise wind energy’s potential, support economic growth, and ensure long-term energy sustainability in South Africa.

Wind energy future

“Wind energy continues to lead South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, renewable energy future. With over 3.5 GW of installed capacity from 37 wind power plants, contributing over 46,480 GWh annually, wind energy plays a vital role in the country’s energy security,” says the report.

According to South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the country aims to add over 100 GW of electricity generation capacity by 2050. Within this plan, wind energy is projected to contribute between 69 GW and 76 GW of new capacity.

In the report, SAWEA underscores that the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has been pivotal in integrating renewable energy into South Africa’s electricity mix.

“While challenges remain, such as transmission congestion, REIPPPP has been a crucial policy initiative, facilitating private sector participation in the renewable energy market and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” SAWEA says.

So far, REIPPPP has brought in over ZAR250bn ($13.8bn) in investment, with momentum expected to continue. However, SAWEA points out that there is a need to address grid capacity challenges in order to restore wind energy market confidence.

Under the Just Energy Transition (JET) framework, South Africa plans to add 6 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2023-2027. Over this five-year period, total investment into wind, solar and energy storage is projected to reach ZAR498bn ($27.6bn).

SAWEA’s role

For over ten years, SAWEA has led the growth of the wind energy sector in South Africa. The association hosts the annual Windaba conference, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss key issues. The 2025 event was led by South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. In March 2025, SAWEA and GWEC held a CEO Roundtable at the Africa Energy Indaba to discuss power sector reforms. Key topics included aligning reforms with industry needs, improving grid access, and rethinking funding. SAWEA continues to push for policies that support wind energy and sustainable growth.

According to SAWEA, wind power does more than provide electricity - it boosts the economy, creates jobs, and supports local industries. Investing in wind energy helps build local turbine factories, reducing imports and advancing technology. The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) aims to grow the industry by creating jobs, training workers, and promoting local manufacturing. Wind energy also benefits communities, with over ZAR898mn ($49.8mn) spent on social programmes by 2022. SAWEA’s 2023 Community Engagement Handbook helps developers and communities work together, ensuring fair benefits and transparency in wind energy projects.

Offshore potential

Recent studies have highlighted South Africa’s enormous offshore wind potential. As reported by NewsBase, a South African-Swedish joint venture (JV), is planning to build a huge floating wind farm off the coast of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal province.

The proposed ZAR55bn ($2.9bn) Gagasi Offshore Floating Wind Farm, developed by Genesis Eco-Energy Developments, a South African renewable energy company, and Stockholm-listed Hexicon, a Swedish floating wind farm developer, will be South Africa’s first offshore wind farm.

The project, now undergoing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to evaluate potential effects on marine ecology, fishing activities, and visual aesthetics, aims to generate approximately 810 MW.

“As South Africa enters its second decade of wind energy development, the progress made in 2024 serves as a clear indicator of the sector’s transformative potential. Through continued policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and strategic investments, South Africa is poised to lead Africa’s transition to a renewable energy future – driving economic growth, energy security, and sustainability,” says the SAWEA.