South Africa Solar Capacity Surpasses Wind
South Africa’s solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity has reached an impressive 8.9 GW, surpassing its wind capacity of 3.6 GW, according to the latest figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for the year ending 2023. This significant milestone marks the first time solar generation has outpaced wind in the country. The combined total for wind and solar now stands at 12.5 GW, a substantial increase from 9.1 GW in 2022.
The 2023 data reveals remarkable annual growth of 3.4 GW in solar capacity, a significant jump compared to the 1.2 GW increase between 2021 and 2022. Wind capacity, while still growing, has seen a more modest rise from 3.1 GW in 2022 to 3.6 GW in 2023.
This surge in solar PV capacity is primarily fueled by a rapid expansion of distributed solar generation, particularly within the commercial and industrial sectors. While precise figures for these sectors remain unavailable, their contribution to the overall growth is undeniable. Furthermore, utility-scale solar PV projects have played a crucial role, with 2.3 GW reaching financial close by the end of 2023.
Government Policies and Private Sector Initiatives Driving South Africa Solar Capacity
The growth in utility-scale solar capacity is largely attributed to a combination of government procurement initiatives and private sector investments. The South African government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has been instrumental, with several bid windows opening in 2023. These bid windows facilitated the procurement of a substantial 1 GW of solar PV projects that reached financial close by the end of 2023. Simultaneously, the private sector has demonstrated a strong commitment to renewable energy, with 1.3 GW of private utility-scale solar projects also reaching financial close within the same timeframe.
South Africa Solar Capacity in a Global Context
South Africa’s solar capacity now ranks 19th globally, a significant improvement from its 25th position in 2022. This rise reflects the country’s rapid progress in the solar sector, driven by the combined efforts of government programs and private investments. Globally, China maintains its dominance in solar capacity with an astounding 580 GW, followed by the United States with 176 GW and India with 95 GW. For context, Germany, a leader in European solar adoption, provides a useful comparison. For insights into Germany’s solar landscape, refer to this report: Germany Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
Future Prospects for South Africa Solar Capacity and Wind Energy
The future of renewable energy in South Africa appears promising, with continued growth anticipated in both solar and wind capacity. Projections suggest the country could add up to 7.1 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2025. This includes an estimated 4.5 GW from distributed solar PV, 1.8 GW from utility-scale solar PV, and 800 MW from onshore wind. A robust pipeline of projects under development, comprising 2.3 GW of distributed solar, 2.1 GW of utility-scale solar PV, and 1.4 GW of wind projects, further reinforces this positive outlook. The recent success of a 2.9 MW community solar project in Gainesville, New York, using American-made solar panels, as highlighted in this UK solar power growth article, offers a compelling example of how distributed generation can contribute to a sustainable energy future. For further insights into emerging solar markets, consider the Botswana Solar Panel Manufacturing report.
The remarkable expansion of solar PV capacity in South Africa underscores the nation’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition. The significant growth in both distributed and utility-scale solar projects highlights the increasing role of solar energy in the country’s energy mix. With a strong project pipeline and unwavering support from both government and private sectors, the future of renewable energy in South Africa looks bright, paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy system.
