South Africa faces power risks despite optimistic system outlook report

South Africa can largely avoid renewed electricity shortages over the next decade if key operational and grid targets are met, according to Moneyweb. The finding comes from the Medium-Term System Adequacy Outlook for 2027 to 2036, published on 30 October 2026 by the National Transmission Company South Africa. The assessment relies on state utility Eskom sustaining its generation recovery, replacement capacity arriving on schedule, and the transmission grid expanding as planned. [1][4]

The optimistic outlook carries significant risks, Moneyweb reported. The country faces delivery challenges stemming from a failed gas procurement round, major upcoming retirements of coal power plants, and demanding performance targets set for Eskom. South Africa has experienced persistent power outages known as load shedding due to past mismanagement at Eskom, which has eroded national infrastructure. [1][4]

As FTMQ Climate reported earlier, South Africa recently added new generation capacity through projects such as the 520 megawatt Koruson 2 renewable energy cluster. Developed by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF, that cluster combines two 140 megawatt wind farms and a 240 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility across the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces. [5]

South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa and has an economy that relies heavily on mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Achieving long-term energy security remains critical for the nation as structural challenges and infrastructure constraints continue to weigh on economic growth. [2][4]