South Africa plans to grow power transmission network by 600% in next 10 years — Ramokgopa 

South Africa plans to expand its power transmission network by 600% over the next 10 years to address the ongoing power shortages and support its decarbonization goals.  

The country aims to increase transmission lines by 14,218 kilometres and boost transformers sixfold by 2033 to meet projected demand from consumers and businesses. The government is currently working on three projects to add 2,300 megawatts of power capacity and is expediting 22 additional projects, mainly in the Eastern, Western, and Northern Cape regions, to generate 24 gigawatts by 2033.  

The expansion will help incorporate more renewable energy sources into the grid and contribute to achieving the country’s net zero path and nationally determined contribution to combat climate change.  

The newly established National Transmission company has received its first license from the National Energy Regulator, becoming the system operator for the national grid. However, it still awaits regulatory approval for trading, import, and export licenses to fully operate and fulfil its intended functions. 

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