South Africa Secures Chinese Commitments for 100GW Power Expansion

Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa led a South African government delegation to Beijing in early August 2026 to secure investments for the nation's energy transition. The mission resulted in commitments from Chinese state-owned and private companies to help develop over 100 gigawatts of new power capacity over the next decade, aligning with the Integrated Resource Plan 2025. South Africa seeks to mobilize R2.2 trillion for generation capacity and R440 billion to modernize 14,500 kilometers of transmission lines.

The agreements focus on establishing local manufacturing for transformers, wires, pylons, inverters, and smart meters. Beyond general infrastructure, the delegation secured interest from six Original Equipment Manufacturers and a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute and the China National Nuclear Corporation regarding nuclear waste technologies. Additionally, Sasol commissioned Envision to design a green hydrogen system for eMethanol and sustainable aviation fuel production in Sasolburg.

This strategic shift aims to move South Africa beyond a traditional trading relationship with China toward a partnership based on technology transfer and direct investment. The overhaul includes splitting the state utility Eskom into separate generation, transmission, and distribution businesses to improve efficiency. The government intends to use this Chinese-backed foundation to target European investment in the future.