In 2024, South Africa's electricity consumption demonstrates a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost 83% of electricity coming from these sources, predominantly coal. Coal alone accounts for a whopping 82% of the country's electricity. Meanwhile, clean energy sources contribute about 17% to the electricity mix, showcasing a notable presence though far from ideal for sustainable development. Solar power appears to lead within the low-carbon category, contributing roughly 8.5% of electricity, followed by wind at nearly 5%, and nuclear energy providing slightly over 3%. These figures underscore the importance of enhancing low-carbon electricity generation to minimize the adverse environmental impacts associated with heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Africa?
From a broader perspective of electricity consumption, South Africa is currently witnessing a decline in per capita electricity usage, with 2024 figures standing at 3674 kWh/person, significantly lower than the record of 5214 kWh/person set in 2007. This decline of over 1500 kWh per person indicates a reduction in electricity consumption that may raise concerns about economic vitality or energy access. Yet, there is a silver lining in the form of low-carbon electricity, which has grown to 628 kWh/person from 597 kWh/person in the previous year. This increase of 31 kWh per person, while modest, signals a positive shift towards cleaner energy use and highlights the potential for further growth in this sector.
Suggestions
South Africa can look to several regions for inspiration in increasing its low-carbon electricity generation. For instance, Nevada significantly harnesses solar energy, with about a third of its electricity stemming from this clean source. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa utilize wind energy extensively, generating close to 60% of their electricity from wind. Aiming for such achievements could dramatically improve South Africa's clean energy portfolio. Moreover, countries like France, with around 70% of its electricity generated from nuclear, offer a model for South Africa to reinforce its nuclear capacity. By embracing and expanding both solar and nuclear energy, South Africa can enhance its electricity generation sustainably, helping to combat climate change and secure a clean energy future.
History
Historically, South Africa's journey with low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuations, particularly in nuclear energy. In the mid-1980s, the nation experienced increased nuclear electricity generation, notably adding 3.9 TWh in 1984 and 3.5 TWh in 1986. However, subsequent years saw declines, including a decrease of 2.6 TWh in 1987 and similar reductions in 1990 and 1993. Challenges persisted into the 2000s and 2010s, with notable decreases in nuclear generation in 2001 and 2018. Nevertheless, there was an uptick in recent developments, with wind energy contributing 2.2 TWh in 2021 and solar showing growth with an increase of 3.6 TWh in 2022 and 4.3 TWh in 2024. To progress, South Africa must learn from these historical trends and strategically invest in low-carbon technologies, ensuring a resilient and sustainable electricity sector.
