Eskom, which depends on coal for its electricity production, is joining forces with independent producers to increase the share of renewable energy.
A significant delay
Eskom announces the signing of agreements allowing four renewable energy producers to use land near its plants. The South African company intends to accelerate the increase of its production capacity. These contracts are expected to boost the generation of renewable energy from South Africa’s predominantly coal-fired grid.
The state-owned company is committed to replacing 22,000MW, or half of its thermal power generation capacity, with renewable energy by 2035. Nevertheless, so far the progress is particularly slow. Indeed, the calls for tenders to increase the share of renewable energy in the country are several months late.
Independent actors mobilized
Eskom states that independent power producers would have access to commercial leases and the use of adjoining land parcels. The companies will have the opportunity to increase renewable energy production capacity at two sites connected to the electrical grid. The projects will include a share of wind and solar power as well as battery storage.
In total, the new facilities are expected to produce up to 2000MW of capacity within 24 to 36 months. The country’s emissions are 430 megatons in 2019. Indeed, the share of coal-fired power plants in electricity production is 80%.
