South Africa has made significant progress in boosting its renewable-energy sector; however, several issues need to be addressed to facilitate the country’s transition away from coal-dominated electricity supply while maintaining energy security and economic stability, says independent power producer (IPP) ENGIE South Africa business development head Léa Giroux. South Africa remains heavily reliant on coal, which currently generates about 80% of the country’s electricity, although the many coal-fired power stations are ageing and becoming increasingly unreliable. This unreliability, and the environmental challenges associated with coal-fired power stations, make a diversified energy mix essential.
