IRP 2025
South Africa’s new R2.23 trillion energy plan aims to achieve Net Zero electricity by 2050, balancing cost, supply, and sustainability. The announcement follows Eskom’s R16 billion profit and over 150 days without load shedding — a milestone for energy stability.
South Africa's energy mix poised for transformation with R2.23 trillion investment
South Africa’s energy mix is set for a major boost, following a R2.2 trillion investment.
This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who, on Thursday, told members of the media in Pretoria that the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will unveil the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) this weekend after the cabinet approved the energy investment policy document on Wednesday.
According to Nsthavheni, the final IRP policy presented to the cabinet represents a R2.23-trillion “investment that is set to redefine the country’s energy mix for the future”, which has been approved by the cabinet.
“Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025), which is a long-term plan designed to map out the country's electricity mix, aiming to balance supply and demand while considering environmental impact and the cost of electricity. The final policy presented to cabinet represents a R2.23 trillion investment that will define South Africa's energy mix for the future,” she told the media on Thursday.
The Minister indicated that the plan aims to be a game-changer when it comes to achieving Net Zero electricity in the energy sector by 2050.
“The plan aims to reduce the environmental footprint of electricity by limiting both global and local emissions. It focuses on addressing immediate capacity constraints and planning for long-term goals, such as achieving a Net Zero electricity sector by 2050. The IRP 2025 is an improvement to the IRP 2023 that was approved by Cabinet,” she added.
When it comes to Eskom, which recently posted an improved financial position after years of loadshedding, load reduction, and financial collapse, Ntshaveni revealed that the cabinet has welcomed the reported R16 billion profit after tax for the financial year ending March 2025.
“The turnaround of Eskom indicates the impact of Operation Vulindlela structural reforms programme and the firm leadership by the Board led by Eskom Chairman, Dr. Mteto Nyathi; and the competent executive management team led by Group CEO Mr. Dan Marokane, and the political Leadership oversight role of the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
“This milestone comes at a time when the country has marked another extended period without load shedding, over 150 consecutive days without loadshedding, which is a clear indication that South Africa’s electricity supply is stabilising. Eskom is now prioritising the elimination of load reduction in the next 12 – 18 months,” she said.
