Renewable energy + energy management
SAREGS points to a pipeline of 220 GW in renewables projects Leigh Darroll, Editor, Electricity + Control
The results of the latest South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) point to a strong and growing pipeline of development projects in the renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, battery storage and hybrid projects, plus support for ancillary services.
T he results of the 2025 survey were presented by the NTCSA on 27 October 2025 in a webinar co-hosted by the NTCSA (National Transmission Company South Africa), SAPVIA (the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association) and SAWEA (the South African Wind Energy Association). These parties work together to conduct the survey annually with members of the respective industry bodies playing an essential part in providing the information on where new projects are planned, using which technologies, and over what timeframe, which goes into determining grid
Insights provided by the survey can help the NTCSA and Eskom prioritise transmission upgrades in high-demand zones, aligning investment with confirmed project pipelines.
Highlights of the survey Planned projects indicate 60 to 70+ gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy development in the near-term. Classified as Type A projects, these are projects with all plans in place, EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments)) approved, and ready to roll out, pending financial close. A further 30 to 45 GW is indicated in mid-term projects, that is, to 2035. These are Type B projects, gearing up to move forward through the required approval and financing processes. And over the longer term, another 41 to 103 GW of potential renewable energy development is under consideration.
transmission requirements over the near- to longer-term. For the 2025 surv3ey more inputs were received, from 673 respondents, significantly up from 483 respondents in the previous year. Presenting the results of the survey, Ronald Marais, Senior Manager for Strategic Grid Planning at the NTCSA, thanked all the contributors for their input and noted that the SAREGS is an important element feeding into the Transmission Development Plan which is reviewed and updated usually annually by the NTCSA. The results of the SAREGS are shared on the NTCSA website and there is an interactive map where visitors can explore different interest areas.
Together, these planned projects amount to an overall pipeline of some 220 GW of interest in developing renewable energy in South Africa. The projects span all technologies: solar PV, wind, standalone batteries, and hybrid solar or wind and battery energy storage systems. Solar PV continues to be the predominant technology. The survey also reflects the geographical location of the planned projects, by technology and by type. This information can then be mapped in relation to the regional transmission corridors and substations of the national grid. Interestingly, the survey shows growth more widely across different provinces of the country, notably in the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga (primarily wind energy), and the Free State, with demand still strong in the
The annual SAREGS provides a valuable guide for the NTCSA and critical insights for all involved in the sector, including planners, investors, IPPs, manufacturers, and EPC contractors.
10 Electricity + Control DEC 2025 - JAN 2026
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