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SA tops renewables sector third month in a row
From the newsletter
South Africa maintained its leading position in the Renewables Rising ranking of African countries for the third consecutive month. In June, the country announced new projects under development totalling 2,864 MW as well as 4,085 MWh of battery systems. South Africa is also unbundling its electricity sector, with Cape Town at the forefront of these reforms.
We rank countries based on the number and size of projects, funding numbers and amounts, jobs advertised in the renewable energy sector, and policy changes.
Three new countries joined the Top 10 this month: Ivory Coast, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, replacing, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Ghana.
More details
The month saw an overall total of 434 jobs advertised in the renewable energy sector, with South Africa alone accounting for more than three-quarters of these positions. Kenya followed with 25 jobs, then Zambia with 13, and Egypt with 12. Most roles were in the solar sector, with battery energy storage roles becoming increasingly common, especially in South Africa.
Egypt emerged second in the ranking, up from third place last month. The country saw the completion of 1,000 MW in wind and solar projects ahead of schedule and announced new projects in the pipeline totalling more than 2,000 MW and 300 MWh. Its largest solar project, the 1,100 MW Obelisk solar plant, also reached financial close.
Kenya climbed one position to third. Major developments included the announcement of progress on the Olkaria I geothermal plant, which has reached 70% completion, with the first turbine expected to come online in June next year. Kenya also secured approximately $89 million from the French government to build a national control centre.
Morocco came fourth, with the country unveiling plans for its first offshore wind farm, a 1,000 MW project near the coastal city of Essaouira. Construction is set to begin by 2029.
New entrants Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Zimbabwe joined the top ten, securing eighth, ninth, and tenth positions, respectively.
Namibia announced projects totalling 200 MW. Ivory Coast had 276 MW of new projects, featuring two 100 MW solar plants with 66 MWh of battery storage, and a pioneering 76 MW cocoa waste-to-energy plant. Zimbabwe closed the ranking with the recent announcement of a 30 MW Vungu solar plant.
Our take
The new entrants into the top ten illustrate how the renewable energy sector is evolving across Africa. Despite the dominance of larger economies at the top of the rankings, other countries are making smaller, yet significant, developments that are soon to become more visible.
What remains crucial now is to see these announced projects progress from the planning stages to pre-construction and full construction. Project financing for renewables has proven particularly appealing to private investors, who now recognise the potential returns on investment within this sector.
South Africa has made great progress in lessening the impact of load shedding since last year. Its increasingly open electricity market is attracting unprecedented attention from the private sector. This approach offers a valuable playbook for other African countries to consider.