South Africa Energy: Greenlights IRP 2025

On 15 October 2025, the South African cabinet approved the final IRP 2025, establishing a long-term roadmap for the country’s electricity generation mix through 2039. The plan outlines a projected investment of R2.23 trillion (approximately USD 126–127 billion) and aims to deliver 105,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity, an expansion many analysts compare to building the national utility more than twice over.

In the near term (through 2030), IRP 2025 sets out to add ~11,270 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV), ~7,340 MW of wind energy, ~6,000 MW of gas-to-power capacity, and ~5,200 MW of new nuclear capacity. By 2039, the plan envisions a total mix that includes roughly 25,000 MW of utility-scale solar PV, 16,000 MW of distributed (primary rooftop) generation, 34,000 MW of onshore wind, 8,500 MW of battery storage, 16,000 MW of gas-to-power, and 5,200 MW of new nuclear capacity. 

Opportunities for U.S. Energy Companies
•    Solar PV and wind turbines/equipment
•    Battery storage systems and control solutions
•    Gas turbines (simple-cycle and combined-cycle)
•    LNG import infrastructure (FSRUs, regasification systems)
•    Gas pipeline and storage engineering
•    Large-scale reactor technology partnerships
•    Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design, components, and licensing support
•    Fuel-cycle services
•    High-voltage transmission equipment
•    Grid-management software

Call to Action: 
U.S. companies interested in exploring opportunities under IRP 2025 may contact the U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa at Mpilo.Mahlangu@trade.gov for market insights, partnering support, and tailored counseling.