Private sector seen as key to unblocking transition-enabling grid capacity

The lack of transmission infrastructure public funding for grid strengthening and expansion has emerged as a binding constraint on connecting much-needed private generation and on South Africa’s transitioning to a more reliable and cleaner electricity sector. Thus, there are growing calls for not only the separation of the National Transmission Company South Africa from generation-focused Eskom but also private-sector participation in the funding, building and operation of parts of the grid to accelerate the development of the infrastructure needed to end loadshedding and facilitate the energy transition.