SA needs R440bn to modernise electricity grid - Ramokgopa
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa needs R440 billion to modernise and expand its electricity grid.
The plan includes upgrading transmission infrastructure to improve energy security and support renewable power.
Ramokgopa told the media on Tuesday that due to the state's financial constraints, the government is turning to independent transmission providers to help fund and carry out the needed upgrades.
“The transmission development plan does say that we need these 14,000 kilometres of new lines to be able to unlock the capacity, especially in the Cape provinces. The Northern Cape. Eastern Cape. Western Cape.
“That's where we have the most efficient and reliable renewable energy assets in the form of solar and wind.”
Ramokgopa described the move as a significant step in addressing its energy crisis by expanding electricity transmission infrastructure.
He said that the move aims to resolve structural energy constraints and unlock economic growth by ensuring a more efficient and reliable power supply.
“We want to create a dispensation where we're going to accommodate the investments by private sector players.
“On the transmission side, we have accepted that the transmission is a natural monopoly. It'll remain in the hands of the state. Our renewable energy assets are not fully exploited as a result of the constraints on the transmission side.”
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