Eskom has announced plans to shift heavily towards renewable energy sources from its current predominantly coal-fired generation fleet, targeting 32 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2040, compared to the current level of less than 1 GW. It also plans to reduce its coal-fired power generation capacity from 39 GW to 18 GW over the same period.
Eskom said it would roll out renewable energy projects through a combination of repowering older coal-fired power stations slated for closure and new projects. Eskom said it has identified several old coal-fired power plants where it will replace generating units with renewable energy or gas-fired plants.
Eskom stated that a potential problem with undertaking this plan was its €19.5 billion debt burden, which will slow investment in renewable energy.