IRP 2024 procurement
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Individual Reform: IRP 2024 procurement 2026 - 2027

The draft version is still to be finalised following pubic comments; no procurement will commence until the plan has been adopted.

Gas electricity capacity BW2

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW1 aims to procure 3.000MW, meaning at least 4,200MW of gas power still needs to be procured.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on the second window.

Are there plans?

None.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 but it does not appear to be part of government's immediate plans.

Goals

No progress, with no indication of when BW2 will be launched.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW1 aims to procure 3.000MW, meaning at least 4,200MW of gas power still needs to be procured.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on the second window.

Are there plans?

None.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 but it does not appear to be part of government's immediate plans.

Goals

No progress, with no indication of when BW2 will be launched.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW2 aims to procure 3.000MW, meaning at least 4,200MW of gas power still needs to be procured.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on the second window.

Are there plans?

None.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 but it does not appear to be part of government's immediate plans.

Goals

No progress, with no indication of when BW2 will be launched.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW2 aims to procure 3.000MW, meaning at least 4,200MW of gas power still needs to be procured.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on the second window.

Are there plans?

None.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 but it does not appear to be part of government's immediate plans.

Goals

No progress, with no indication of when BW2 will be launched.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW2 aims to procure 3.000MW, meaning at least 4,200MW of gas power still needs to be procured.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on the second window.

Are there plans?

None.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 but it does not appear to be part of government's immediate plans.

Goals

No progress, with no indication of when BW2 will be launched.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The draft IRP 2023 allocates 7.2GW-8.6GW of gas-to-power capacity. The gas BW2 aims to procure 1,000MW of new production at site-specific plant at Coega. To date, the BW has not yet been launched.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No. Initial plans were for the plant to enter commercial operation in 2027, but this will be pushed back by one or two years if procurement proceeds. We will continue to monitor for progress on this round as BW1 round is concluded.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on this second window.

Are there plans?

The procurement process has not made any progress since it was put on the agenda. It appears that the department is waiting to conclude gas BW1 before progressing this procurement plan.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the IRP 2024 and was part of the IPP Office's procurement plans as of late 2024, when the last updates were provided.

Goals

The second gas electricity BW is expected to procure a site-specific 1,000MW plant to operate at Coega.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The gas bid window 2 aims to procure 1,000MW of new production at a site-specific plant at Coega. To date, the bid window has not yet been launched.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No. Initial plans were for the plant to enter commercial operation in 2027, but this will be pushed back further if procurement proceeds. We will continue to monitor for progress on this round as Bid Window 1 round is concluded. Bid Window 1 has faced its own delays.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on launching the second bid window.

Are there plans?

The procurement process has not made any progress since it was put on the agenda. It appears that the department is waiting to conclude gas bid window 1 before progressing with this procurement plan.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the draft IRP 2024, and was part of the IPP Office's procurement plans as of late 2024. But this has stalled with the launch of the new IRP2025, which aims to add 18,200MW of new gas-to power by 2042.

Goals

The second gas electricity bid window is expected to procure a site-specific 1,000MW plant to operate at Coega.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The gas bid window 2 aims to procure 1,000MW of new production at a site-specific plant at Coega. To date, the bid window has not yet been launched.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No. Initial plans were for the plant to enter commercial operation in 2027, but this will be pushed back further if procurement proceeds. We will continue to monitor for progress on this round as Bid Window 1 round is concluded. Bid Window 1 has faced its own delays.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on launching the second bid window.

Are there plans?

The procurement process has not made any progress since it was put on the agenda. It appears that the department is waiting to conclude gas bid window 1 before progressing with this procurement plan.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the draft IRP 2024, and was part of the IPP Office's procurement plans as of late 2024. But this has stalled with the launch of the new IRP2025, which aims to add 18,200MW of new gas-to power by 2042.

Goals

The second gas electricity bid window is expected to procure a site-specific 1,000MW plant to operate at Coega.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Summary

The gas bid window 2 aims to procure 1,000MW of new production at a site-specific plant at Coega. To date, the bid window has not yet been launched.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No. Initial plans were for the plant to enter commercial operation in 2027, but this will be pushed back further if procurement proceeds. We will continue to monitor for progress on this round as Bid Window 1 round is concluded. Bid Window 1 has faced its own delays.

Actions

The first gas bid window has been launched but no action has been taken on launching the second bid window.

Are there plans?

The procurement process has not made any progress since it was put on the agenda. It appears that the department is waiting to conclude gas bid window 1 before progressing with this procurement plan.

Is it on the agenda?

The requirement for a second gas bid window flows from the draft IRP 2024, and was part of the IPP Office's procurement plans as of late 2024. But this has stalled with the launch of the new IRP2025, which aims to add 18,200MW of new gas-to power by 2042.

Goals

The second gas electricity bid window is expected to procure a site-specific 1,000MW plant to operate at Coega.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

Analyst: Lameez Hyman
Status: in-progress
Last Updated:
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    Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    No data available for the deliverable: Integrated Resource Plan 2025

    Summary

    The Department of Electricity and Energy in late October 2025 released the long-awaited IRP 2025, nearly a year after a revised draft was released in November 2024. There are hardly any changes to the energy mix from the 2024 draft which raises questions about why it took the department so long to finalise the document. By 2042, the plan calls for 43GW of new wind, 28.7GW of solar PV, 18.2GW of gas-to-power, 8GW of storage and 5.2GW of nuclear – with roughly one-third of these capacities expected by 2030. It is of concern that the IRP promotes high-load factors for gas-to-power, nuclear and clean coal, all costly technologies that will not materialise on schedule. The IRP is however much more ambitious about renewables than previous years.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The plan is advisory rather than legally binding under the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, but it provides a framework for planning and investment in the electricity industry.The IRP also aligns with the latest nationally determined contributions and Eskom’s coal decommissioning schedule and is consistent with a 2035 emissions target of 320-380 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.Meeting the various targets in the document will depend on whether new generation projects can be implemented on time. Unfortunately, the IRP’s heavy focus on headline technologies (clean coal, nuclear, gas) and long-term targets risks diverting attention from near-term priorities such as expanding renewables, adding storage and operating coal plants more flexibly.

    Actions

    The next important step is to implement new generation projects that meet the targets. it will require
    - Reviewing the public procurement process by the IPP Office.
    - Rollout of much needed transmission infrastructure to connect the new generation projects, led by the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
    - The successful launch of the South African Wholesale Energy Market, which will allow for competitive electricity trading and encourage further private sector investment. In this regard, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa must approve a wholesale tariff, market code and market operator licence.
    - There are skills gaps and limited domestic manufacturing capacity for the construction of new power plants which must be addressed.

    Are there plans?

    The IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, with recommendations to make it more efficient expected to be delivered to the minister by the first quarter of 2026.A lack of grid capacity will affect the rollout of new generation projects. An independent transmission project procurement programme has been launched to add 1,164km of new infrastructure to connect new projects and the NTCSA continues working to deliver on the targets of its Transmission Development Plan (aligned to the IRP2025) which aims to have 14,500km of new transmission lines by 2034.Nersa is considering various applications, and drafting regulations and rules related to the launch of Sawem and to allow for private sector participation in the electricity industry.


    Is it on the agenda?

    The IRP2025 was gazetted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 28 October 2025. It is meant to be updated every two years, but this has not been possible in the past. It is unclear if this will improve.

    Goals

    To deliver an up-to-date integrated resources plan that provides a target energy mix for SA's future to use in guiding development and procurement.

    References

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office National Energy Regulator of South Africa

    Summary

    The Department of Electricity and Energy in late October 2025 released the long-awaited IRP 2025, nearly a year after a revised draft was released in November 2024. There are hardly any changes to the energy mix from the 2024 draft which raises questions about why it took the department so long to finalise the document. By 2042, the plan calls for 43GW of new wind, 28.7GW of solar PV, 18.2GW of gas-to-power, 8GW of storage and 5.2GW of nuclear – with roughly one-third of these capacities expected by 2030. It is of concern that the IRP promotes high-load factors for gas-to-power, nuclear and clean coal, all costly technologies that will not materialise on schedule. The IRP is however much more ambitious about renewables than previous years.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The plan is advisory rather than legally binding under the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, but it provides a framework for planning and investment in the electricity industry.The IRP also aligns with the latest nationally determined contributions and Eskom’s coal decommissioning schedule and is consistent with a 2035 emissions target of 320-380 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.Meeting the various targets in the document will depend on whether new generation projects can be implemented on time. Unfortunately, the IRP’s heavy focus on headline technologies (clean coal, nuclear, gas) and long-term targets risks diverting attention from near-term priorities such as expanding renewables, adding storage and operating coal plants more flexibly.

    Actions

    The next important step is to implement new generation projects that meet the targets. it will require
    - Reviewing the public procurement process by the IPP Office.
    - Rollout of much needed transmission infrastructure to connect the new generation projects, led by the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
    - The successful launch of the South African Wholesale Energy Market, which will allow for competitive electricity trading and encourage further private sector investment. In this regard, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa must approve a wholesale tariff, market code and market operator licence.
    - There are skills gaps and limited domestic manufacturing capacity for the construction of new power plants which must be addressed.

    Are there plans?

    The IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, with recommendations to make it more efficient expected to be delivered to the minister by the first quarter of 2026.A lack of grid capacity will affect the rollout of new generation projects. An independent transmission project procurement programme has been launched to add 1,164km of new infrastructure to connect new projects and the NTCSA continues working to deliver on the targets of its Transmission Development Plan (aligned to the IRP2025) which aims to have 14,500km of new transmission lines by 2034.Nersa is considering various applications, and drafting regulations and rules related to the launch of Sawem and to allow for private sector participation in the electricity industry.


    Is it on the agenda?

    The IRP2025 was gazetted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 28 October 2025. It is meant to be updated every two years, but this has not been possible in the past. It is unclear if this will improve.

    Goals

    To deliver an up-to-date integrated resources plan that provides a target energy mix for SA's future to use in guiding development and procurement.

    References

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office National Energy Regulator of South Africa

    Summary

    The Department of Electricity and Energy in late October 2025 released the long-awaited IRP 2025, nearly a year after a revised draft was released in November 2024. There are hardly any changes to the energy mix from the 2024 draft which raises questions about why it took the department so long to finalise the document. By 2042, the plan calls for 43GW of new wind, 28.7GW of solar PV, 18.2GW of gas-to-power, 8GW of storage and 5.2GW of nuclear – with roughly one-third of these capacities expected by 2030. It is of concern that the IRP promotes high-load factors for gas-to-power, nuclear and clean coal, all costly technologies that will not materialise on schedule. The IRP is however much more ambitious about renewables than previous years.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The plan is advisory rather than legally binding under the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, but it provides a framework for planning and investment in the electricity industry.The IRP also aligns with the latest nationally determined contributions and Eskom’s coal decommissioning schedule and is consistent with a 2035 emissions target of 320-380 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.Meeting the various targets in the document will depend on whether new generation projects can be implemented on time. Unfortunately, the IRP’s heavy focus on headline technologies (clean coal, nuclear, gas) and long-term targets risks diverting attention from near-term priorities such as expanding renewables, adding storage and operating coal plants more flexibly.

    Actions

    The next important step is to implement new generation projects that meet the targets. it will require
    - Reviewing the public procurement process by the IPP Office.
    - Rollout of much needed transmission infrastructure to connect the new generation projects, led by the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
    - The successful launch of the South African Wholesale Energy Market, which will allow for competitive electricity trading and encourage further private sector investment. In this regard, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa must approve a wholesale tariff, market code and market operator licence.
    - There are skills gaps and limited domestic manufacturing capacity for the construction of new power plants which must be addressed.

    Are there plans?

    The IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, with recommendations to make it more efficient expected to be delivered to the minister by the first quarter of 2026.A lack of grid capacity will affect the rollout of new generation projects. An independent transmission project procurement programme has been launched to add 1,164km of new infrastructure to connect new projects and the NTCSA continues working to deliver on the targets of its Transmission Development Plan (aligned to the IRP2025) which aims to have 14,500km of new transmission lines by 2034.Nersa is considering various applications, and drafting regulations and rules related to the launch of Sawem and to allow for private sector participation in the electricity industry.


    Is it on the agenda?

    The IRP2025 was gazetted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 28 October 2025. It is meant to be updated every two years, but this has not been possible in the past. It is unclear if this will improve.

    Goals

    To deliver an up-to-date integrated resources plan that provides a target energy mix for SA's future to use in guiding development and procurement.

    References

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office National Energy Regulator of South Africa

    Analyst: Lameez Hyman
    Status: completed
    Last Updated:
    Next Update:
    Got an Update? Follow this reform
    Reform Area:
    Reform:

      If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

      New coal-fired electricity BW1

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth, South Africa , against the development company Thabametsi and the state, asking the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the Environment Department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but never have never done so due to environmental challenges. Halted: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 because the projects were shelved following the court order and environmental opposition.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - The projects have been shelved. We are no longer tracking this reform.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      A procurement process was developed and implemented by the IPP Office.

      Is it on the agenda?

      This marked the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation, which was part of the energy mix in the 2010 IRP. This has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the 2010 IRP.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth South Africa who challenged development company Thabametsi and the state. The applicants asked the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the environment department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but have not due to environmental challenges.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - the projects have been shelved.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      The project will not move forward following the court ruling.

      Is it on the agenda?

      The project has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition. The new IRP2025 also does not propose new coal build projects.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the IRP 2010.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth South Africa who challenged development company Thabametsi and the state. The applicants asked the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the environment department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but have not due to environmental challenges.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - the projects have been shelved.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      The project will not move forward following the court ruling.

      Is it on the agenda?

      The project has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition. The new IRP2025 also does not propose new coal build projects.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the IRP 2010.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Summary

      This reform did advance with bid winners announced in 2016, but has since been halted following legal and environmental opposition. In December 2020, the High Court in Pretoria set aside the environmental approval for the 1,200 MW Thabametsi coal-fired power station that would have been built in its first phase at 557MW outside Lephalale in Limpopo province. The court order was the result of the settlement of a court application brought by environmental justice groups Earthlife Africa and groundWork, Friends of the Earth South Africa who challenged development company Thabametsi and the state. The applicants asked the court to set aside the environmental approval for the plant. Meanwhile, towards the end of 2019, the environment department advised that Khanyisa’s environmental authorisation had expired. This would have been the country’s first baseload programme allowing private-sector coal-based energy generation. Together, the projects were to add 863.3MW to the grid by December 2020 but have not due to environmental challenges.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No - the projects have been shelved.

      Actions

      Two preferred bidders with a total of 863MW of capacity were announced in October 2016. However, the projects have not reached financial close after considerable opposition from environmental groups, culminating in a court order that set aside environmental approval for the coal plants.

      Are there plans?

      The project will not move forward following the court ruling.

      Is it on the agenda?

      The project has fallen off the agenda following legal and environmental opposition. The new IRP2025 also does not propose new coal build projects.

      Goals

      The goal was to procure South Africa's first private coal-fired generation plants, in line with expanded coal generation envisaged by the IRP 2010.

      References

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Electricity and Energy

      Analyst: Lameez Hyman
      Status: in-progress
      Last Updated:
      Next Update:
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        New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        No data available for the deliverable: New coal-fired electricity BW2

        Summary

        This coal bid window was supposed to procure 1,500MW coal using "clean" technologies, which would include carbon capture and storage. But it never took off owing to a legal challenge. Based on the IRP2025, as much as 8GW of coal is to be decommissioned by 2030. Government is still looking to test clean coal technologies to run existing power stations for longer.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        There was no movement on the proposed new build, which should be seen in the context of how controversial "clean coal" technology is. Storing carbon emissions is an expensive process, particularly building the infrastructure for it, while other methods have been found to contribute to global warming. Clean coal generation is unlikely to happen given the reluctance of financiers to back fossil fuel-driven projects.

        Actions

        No bid window to follow.

        Are there plans?

        No bid window to follow.

        Is it on the agenda?

        No new coal plants are to be built, but if tests on clean coal technology prove cheaper than Flue Gas Desulphurisation then government may opt to run the existing coal fleet for longer.

        Goals

        The goal was to procure 1,500MW of clean coal electricity capacity, in line with the IRP 2019.

        Departments / Govt Institutions

        Department of Electricity and Energy

        Analyst: Lameez Hyman
        Status: in-progress
        Last Updated:
        Next Update:
        Got an Update? Follow this reform
        Reform Area:
        Reform:

          If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

          Nuclear electricity plant BW

          Summary

          During the Zuma presidency there were ambitious plans for new nuclear capacity but these were scaled back significantly. In December 2023, there was a renewed commitment with plans to procure 2,500MW of new nuclear capacity. The government is expected to issue a request for proposals soon.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          The corruption-tainted President Jacob Zuma attempted to force through a R1-trillion nuclear energy deal with Russia in 2015, ignoring due processes. The courts toppled the plan, ruling it unconstitutional (among other reasons) but any proposal for new nuclear energy now naturally brings with it a healthy dose of suspicion that the rent-seekers wish to eat. While there are certain advantages to nuclear energy, this option should be ruled out on the least-cost principle, particularly given the high capital costs of developing a new nuclear power plant, and it is unlikely to happen.

          Actions

          Gazetting of the intention to launch the procurement round.

          Are there plans?

          The intention to procure 2,500MW was announced by the minister of electricity in December 2023.

          Is it on the agenda?

          Procuring 2,500MW of nuclear power.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount but no RFP has yet been issued.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          During the Zuma presidency there were ambitious plans for new nuclear capacity but these were scaled back significantly. In December 2023, there was a renewed commitment with plans to procure 2,500MW of new nuclear capacity. The government is expected to issue a request for proposals soon.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          While there are certain advantages to nuclear energy, this option should be ruled out on the least-cost principle, particularly given the high capital costs of developing a new nuclear power plant.

          Actions

          Gazetting of the intention to launch the procurement round.

          Are there plans?

          The intention to procure 2,500MW was announced by the minister of electricity in December 2023.

          Is it on the agenda?

          To procure 2,500MW of nuclear power.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount but no RFP has yet been issued.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          The government issued a gazette to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, stating that more public consultation is required before the official RFQ can be issued.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          No.

          Actions

          Gazetting the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement.

          Are there plans?

          The DoEE has put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to procure 2,500MW of nuclear power.

          Is it on the agenda?

          Included in the IRP 2019.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount, which was later withdrawn.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          The government issued a gazette to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, stating that more public consultation is required before the official RFQ can be issued.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          No.

          Actions

          Gazetting the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement.

          Are there plans?

          The DoEE has put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to procure 2,500MW of nuclear power.

          Is it on the agenda?

          Included in the IRP 2019.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount, which was later withdrawn.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          The government issued a gazette to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, stating that more public consultation is required before the official RFQ can be issued.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          No.

          Actions

          Gazetting the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement.

          Are there plans?

          The DoEE has put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to procure 2,500MW of nuclear power.

          Is it on the agenda?

          Included in the IRP 2019.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount, which was later withdrawn.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          The government issued a gazette to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, stating that more public consultation is required before the official RFQ can be issued. We stopped tracking this issue at end-June 2025. The 2,500MW new nuclear build was abandoned when the DoEE minister withdrew the ministerial determination in 2024. The updated IRP will determine new nuclear build.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          No and this current procurement process will not be restarted. We have therefore halted covering this reform deliverable. Future nuclear procurment is possible, depending on the plans set out in the new 2024 IRP when it is tabled.

          Actions

          Several actions were taken to work toward conducting a procurement process, but these were paused with the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement in August 2024.

          Are there plans?

          A ministerial determination to procure 2,500MW was made in 2020 and formally gazatted in January 2024, clearing the way for procurement to begin. However, in August DoEE put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to allow for further consultation.

          Is it on the agenda?

          2,500MW of new nuclear capacity was included in the IRP 2019.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount, although it was later withdrawn.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          The government issued a gazette to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, stating that more public consultation is required before the official RFQ can be issued. We stopped tracking this issue at end-June 2025. The 2,500MW new nuclear build was abandoned when the DoEE minister withdrew the ministerial determination in 2024. The updated IRP will determine new nuclear build.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          No and this current procurement process will not be restarted. We have therefore halted covering this reform deliverable. Future nuclear procurment is possible, depending on the plans set out in the new 2024 IRP when it is tabled.

          Actions

          Several actions were taken to work toward conducting a procurement process, but these were paused with the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement in August 2024.

          Are there plans?

          A ministerial determination to procure 2,500MW was made in 2020 and formally gazatted in January 2024, clearing the way for procurement to begin. However, in August DoEE put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to allow for further consultation.

          Is it on the agenda?

          2,500MW of new nuclear capacity was included in the IRP 2019.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a determination in the Government Gazette in January 2024 for SA to procure this amount, although it was later withdrawn.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a gazette in 2024 to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, given concerns that the public consultation for the procurement programme was inadequate. While the 2,500MW new nuclear build was abandoned, the updated IRP2025 projects that 5,200MW of new nuclear is to be built by 2042.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          The 2,500MW procurement process will not be restarted. But there are future plans to procure nuclear under the IRP2025.

          Actions

          Several actions were taken to work towards conducting a procurement process, but these were paused with the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement in August 2024.

          Are there plans?

          A ministerial determination to procure 2,500MW was made in 2020 and formally gazetted in January 2024, clearing the way for procurement to begin. However, in August, the DoEE put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to allow for further consultation.The IRP2025 has since been launched and projects 5,200MW of nuclear to be added by 2042. The first tranche of 1,250MW of new nuclear is targeted to come online in 2036.

          Is it on the agenda?

          The 2,500MW of new nuclear capacity was included in the IRP 2019.The IRP 2025 however projects 5,200MW of new nuclear to be added by 2042.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Summary

          Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa issued a gazette in 2024 to withdraw the intention to procure 2,500MW nuclear power, given concerns that the public consultation for the procurement programme was inadequate. While the 2,500MW new nuclear build was abandoned, the updated IRP2025 projects that 5,200MW of new nuclear is to be built by 2042.

          Canvas not supported.

          Is it working?

          The 2,500MW procurement process will not be restarted. But there are future plans to procure nuclear under the IRP2025.

          Actions

          Several actions were taken to work towards conducting a procurement process, but these were paused with the withdrawal of the 2,500MW nuclear procurement in August 2024.

          Are there plans?

          A ministerial determination to procure 2,500MW was made in 2020 and formally gazetted in January 2024, clearing the way for procurement to begin. However, in August, the DoEE put a stop to the IRP 2019 determination to allow for further consultation.The IRP2025 has since been launched and projects 5,200MW of nuclear to be added by 2042. The first tranche of 1,250MW of new nuclear is targeted to come online in 2036.

          Is it on the agenda?

          The 2,500MW of new nuclear capacity was included in the IRP 2019.The IRP 2025 however projects 5,200MW of new nuclear to be added by 2042.

          Goals

          The IRP 2019 allocates 2,500MW of new nuclear energy as part of SA's future energy mix.

          References

          Departments / Govt Institutions

          Department of Electricity and Energy

          Analyst: Lameez Hyman
          Status: in-progress
          Last Updated:
          Next Update:
          Got an Update? Follow this reform
          Reform Area:
          Reform:

            If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

            REIPPPP BW8

            Summary

            Energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of this fiscal year which gives him until end-February 2025 to issue the RFP.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Yet to be launched.

            Actions

            None.

            Are there plans?

            Mantashe has promised that BW8 will happen in the 2024/5 fiscal year.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; with the 2024 version having been issued, it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of this fiscal year which gives him until end-February 2025 to issue the RFP.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Yet to be launched.

            Actions

            None.

            Are there plans?

            Mantashe has promised that BW8 will happen in the 2024/5 fiscal year.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; with the 2024 version having been issued, it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of this fiscal year which gives him until end-February 2025 to issue the RFP.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Yet to be launched.

            Actions

            None.

            Are there plans?

            Mantashe has promised that BW8 will happen in the 2024/5 fiscal year.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; with the 2024 version having been issued, it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of this fiscal year which gives him until end-February 2025 to issue the RFP.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Yet to be launched.

            Actions

            None.

            Are there plans?

            Mantashe has promised that BW8 will happen in the 2024/5 fiscal year.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; with the 2024 version having been issued, it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of this fiscal year which gives him until end-February 2025 to issue the RFP.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Yet to be launched.

            Actions

            None.

            Are there plans?

            Mantashe has promised that BW8 will happen in the 2024/5 fiscal year.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; with the 2024 version having been issued, it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Former energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the RFP for BW8 would be issued before the end of that fiscal year (end-February 2025). As of late July 2025 it has not been launched.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            No, the procurement round has not begun. A round would likely take six months to a year to conduct and appoint winning bidders, with projects reaching commercial operation perhaps three years later.

            Actions

            To date, the RFP round has not been announced.

            Are there plans?

            The IPP Office issued a tender in March 2025 for legal advisors for a BW8 (and BW7.5 although this element has not yet been defined). However no further steps have been taken in setting out a schedule for the BW RFP.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019 and a finalised IRP may affect the design of the BW.

            Goals

            The goal is for the IPP Office to conduct a round to procure additional energy such that the total of BW7 and BW8 is 5,616MW.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Former energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the request for proposals for Bid Window 8 would be issued before the end of that fiscal year, which was February 2025. The bid window has not been launched, as the IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, which is due to be completed in early 2026. Until the review happens, which is set to make the programme more efficient than it has been, Bid Window 8 will not be launched. Another factor limiting the launch of new procurement rounds is the constrained grid capacity - which the National Transmission Company of South Africa and the Department of Electricity and Energy are working to address through the Independent Transmission Project (ITP) procurement programme.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Bid Window 8 is yet to be launched.

            Actions

            The review of the public power procurement programme must be completed, due in the first quarter of 2026, the outcomes of which will inform Bid Window 8.

            Are there plans?

            Apart from the review of the public power procurement programme, steps are being taken to expand grid capacity. This includes:

            - The first bid window of the ITP procurement programme was launched and will add 1,164km of new lines.

            - The NTCSA is also working to meet the target of its 14.500km of new transmission lines by 2034.
            rn

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise with the target outlined in the plan. It may be adapted based on the public power procurement review.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Former energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the request for proposals for Bid Window 8 would be issued before the end of that fiscal year, which was February 2025. The bid window has not been launched, as the IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, which is due to be completed in early 2026. Until the review happens, which is set to make the programme more efficient than it has been, Bid Window 8 will not be launched. Another factor limiting the launch of new procurement rounds is the constrained grid capacity - which the National Transmission Company of South Africa and the Department of Electricity and Energy are working to address through the Independent Transmission Project (ITP) procurement programme.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Bid Window 8 is yet to be launched.

            Actions

            The review of the public power procurement programme must be completed, due in the first quarter of 2026, the outcomes of which will inform Bid Window 8.

            Are there plans?

            Apart from the review of the public power procurement programme, steps are being taken to expand grid capacity. This includes:

            - The first bid window of the ITP procurement programme was launched and will add 1,164km of new lines.

            - The NTCSA is also working to meet the target of its 14.500km of new transmission lines by 2034.
            rn

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise with the target outlined in the plan. It may be adapted based on the public power procurement review.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Summary

            Former energy minister Gwede Mantashe said in March 2024 that the request for proposals for Bid Window 8 would be issued before the end of that fiscal year, which was February 2025. The bid window has not been launched, as the IPP Office is reviewing the public power procurement programme, which is due to be completed in early 2026. Until the review happens, which is set to make the programme more efficient than it has been, Bid Window 8 will not be launched. Another factor limiting the launch of new procurement rounds is the constrained grid capacity - which the National Transmission Company of South Africa and the Department of Electricity and Energy are working to address through the Independent Transmission Project (ITP) procurement programme.

            Canvas not supported.

            Is it working?

            Bid Window 8 is yet to be launched.

            Actions

            The review of the public power procurement programme must be completed, due in the first quarter of 2026, the outcomes of which will inform Bid Window 8.

            Are there plans?

            Apart from the review of the public power procurement programme, steps are being taken to expand grid capacity. This includes:
            - The first bid window of the ITP procurement programme was launched and will add 1,164km of new lines.
            - The NTCSA is also working to meet the target of its 14.500km of new transmission lines by 2034.

            Is it on the agenda?

            The requirement for BW8 flows from the older IRP 2019; it is uncertain whether this bid window will materialise with the target outlined in the plan. It may be adapted based on the public power procurement review.

            Goals

            BW8 has not been launched. The plan is to procure 5,616MW of renewable energy between bid windows 7 and 8.

            Departments / Govt Institutions

            Department of Electricity and Energy IPP Office

            Analyst: Lameez Hyman
            Status: in-progress
            Last Updated:
            Next Update:
            Got an Update? Follow this reform
            Reform Area:
            Reform:

              If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.