NATIONAL NEWS - Eskom has welcomed the launch of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which seeks to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic considerations in South Africa’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.
In a statement on Monday, the power utility said the IRP provides a clear investment framework for the supply of electricity needed to accelerate economic growth and inclusion in a context where overall unemployment stands at 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%.
“The IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4000 interested parties at the public consultation stage. It signals to investors, regulators, and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach NetZero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry.
“The IRP 2025 requires significant investment to be attracted quickly, that will only come from rules-based regulatory reform anchored in law to enable investors to deploy capital in South Africa with confidence and certainty,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.
This as the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced the plan at a media briefing on Sunday. At the briefing, the Minister said that government plans to invest R2.2 trillion, which is about 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in a comprehensive energy transformation strategy.
Morokane said the power utility will conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and subsequently publish a comprehensive response along with an updated strategic plan.
“We have been preparing to accelerate the delivery of Eskom’s contribution to the IRP 2025 through the implementation of our turnaround strategy. With load shedding largely behind us the country again has a continuous 24/7 electricity supply - commonly referred to as baseload capacity, that forms the backbone for renewable energy growth.
“Renewables are variable in nature and need reliable, continuous baseload to maintain grid stability and supply. Our return to profitably for the first time in eight years reflects long-term structural operational improvements and combined with our skilled workforce will lead to increasing investor confidence to deliver the IRP 2025 with partners,” Marokane explained.
He added that Eskom remains firmly committed to executing the Generation Recovery Plan, enhancing governance structures, and mitigating financial and operational risks. These efforts are aligned with Eskom’s broader objective of ensuring long-term sustainability, securing energy supply, and contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economy and the wider region. -SAnews.gov.za
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