South Africa

Great Potential for Renewables

The international market research agency BMI Research predicts a growth of renewable energy generation in sub-Saharan Africa of about 90 percent by 2027. In 2017 there were around seven gigawatts of renewable energy capacity installed in the region. This means that sub-Saharan Africa will provide about one percent of the global renewables’ capacity at the end of the forecast period, BMI analysts write in their report. South Africa is a pioneer in the region.

Currently, the country with the third largest gross domestic product of the continent covers its energy needs mainly from coal. The national Integrated Resource Plan of South Africa schedules additional 14.4 GW of wind energy and 6 GW or solar projects to be commissioned by 2030 in addition to the existing capacity exceeding 6 GW together for both technologies. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) assumes that South Africa will dominate the market in the region over the next five years. The former reliance on coal produced electricity is decreasing for cost and environmental reasons. Using the ample solar and wind resources in the country is attracting local and international IPP’s.

Many projects well on track

The South African subsidiary of ABO Wind, ABO Wind renewable energies (Pty) Ltd., was founded in 2017. We now have 13 local employees working together with the international team. The company is currently working on a pipeline of around 5 GW of wind and solar projects as well as storage projects with batteries or hydrogen. Our diversified portfolio with different technologies and project dimensions (small scale to utility scale) enables us to offer products for various requirements.