Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stood before reporters in Pretoria and announced a shift that could reshape South Africa’s energy future: 4.6 gigawatts of battery storage are now on the way. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a cleaner, more reliable grid for millions. The country, long reliant on coal, is now fast-tracking energy storage and gas power to stabilize its electricity system and meet rising demand.
South Africa’s electricity grid has struggled for years with blackouts and inefficiencies. Now, under the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, the government is taking targeted action. The first major step includes 4.6 GW of battery storage and 5 GW of gas-fired power. These additions respond to urgent needs: storing excess solar and wind energy, and delivering power when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Battery systems will be placed where they can absorb surplus electricity and release it without overloading the grid, ensuring smoother operation.
The impact is already unfolding. In June 2025, five battery projects totaling 513 megawatts reached commercial close and began construction. Two more bidding rounds followed, adding 615 MW and 616 MW respectively. Beyond government-led efforts, private developers are stepping up. In July, a consortium led by TotalEnergies launched a hybrid project with a 500 MWh battery. The next month, Scatec completed a solar-storage plant with a 100 MW/200 MWh battery. Other major projects include a 77 MW/308 MWh system near Johannesburg and a 660 MWh battery supplying private users through wheeling agreements.
This push is part of a broader plan to add over 105 GW of new power by 2039, including 25 GW from solar. While the first IRP 2025 decision doesn’t include new wind or solar, the government promises a follow-up that will address hybrid projects and long-term pumped storage. The IRP is more than a plan—it’s an investment blueprint designed to deliver affordable, reliable electricity when people need it most.
Minister Ramokgopa put it clearly: this strategy aims to improve how existing power is used, support jobs, and reduce costs for households and businesses. With storage and gas filling critical gaps, South Africa is laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy system. The journey has just begun, but the direction is clear.