Solar continues to outshine rivals in South Africa’s tenders

July 24, 2025

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South Africa has approved six additional solar projects, totalling 1,290 MW, under its seventh renewables procurement round. This follows the reallocation of unused onshore wind capacity to solar bids. Solar PV remains the preferred renewable energy technology and has consistently been oversubscribed in previous bidding rounds.

  • The six projects were awarded to Norway-based Scatec (700 MW)  and South Africa's Red Rocket (590 MW). All these projects will be located in the Free State province, which has enough available grid capacity.

  • Since South Africa launched the initiative to support the adoption of renewables in 2011, the bid prices for solar have declined by more than 80% to now match wind.

  • Our take: Increased project demand will see developers focus more on longevity and bankability… Read more (2 min)

Renewables staff index rises by 20% in July 

The Renewables Rising Staff Index saw a 20% increase in July. This climb is primarily due to a sharp rise in job advertisements, which grew by at least 75%. The sector is also experiencing an uptick in completed projects, which is opening up roles within operations and maintenance. Mega-projects are creating special demand for highly specialised skills.

  • The month of July saw at least 684 roles open across 30 African countries. Despite this wide distribution, only nine countries had more than ten roles, with South Africa accounting for the majority at 428 positions.

  • The sector has witnessed several projects reaching financial closure, mainly in South Africa and Egypt, getting ready for construction and opening up hiring for project development. 

  • Our take: Competition for top talent is set to intensify as more companies enter the renewables market… Read more (2 min)

Job board: South African firms lead hiring

Renewables Rising has compiled 192 open positions advertised over the past week in the energy sector. South African companies led by Engie, Mulilo, Scatec, and EDF Power are advertising for most of the positions. At the same time, financiers like the International Finance Corporation, Inspired Evolution and AFDB also have open positions in the country.

  • We're observing a resurgence in solar-focused positions, particularly with companies involved in utility-scale projects. The renewable energy sector also shows continued interest in wind technology, with several related vacancies, and a single position in biogas energy.

  • The list of vacancies indicates that companies are actively scaling their outreach via new marketing and communications roles. For example, SunCulture in Kenya is currently seeking a head of marketing and a senior marketing executive.

  • Access the full list of opportunities here…(4 min)

Crédit Agricole Egypt and Infinity sign a deal to provide solar loans in Egypt 

 

Events

🗓️ Be at the Conference on Energy-Saving Construction and Renewables (Aug 2)

🗓️ Take part in the Solar Week Egypt 2025: Conference & Awards (Aug 3)

🗓️ Learn about unlocking the co-benefits of carbon projects (Aug 6)

Various 

⚡ Barrick eyes solar in Tanzania amidst mine expansions

🔌 Ghana deploys 23,500 solar streetlights to reduce grid load by 300 MW

💡 ENGIE Energy Access has officially launched 20 new minigrids across Benin

Seen on LinkedIn 

Tony Tiyou, Founder & CEO at Renewables in Africa (RiA), says, “From solar + storage hybrids to geothermal cooling near Olkaria, smart developers are proving that digital growth can be clean growth. Add in AI for energy optimisation, and you've got a glimpse of Africa’s renewable tech future.”