Yesterday saw the conclusion of Windaba 2025, which ended on an uplifting note as South Africa’s wind energy leaders reflected on three days of productive debate, innovation, and collaboration.
Among the many discussions, two key themes took centre stage - the country’s readiness to deliver on the wind energy targets as set out in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, and the prospects of offshore wind power generation. Together, these discussions captured both the urgency and opportunity defining the next chapter of the country’s renewable energy journey.
The Draft IRP 2025 sets out an ambitious vision of 44.7 GW of new wind capacity by 2042. However, as delegates heard during the session, ambition alone will not deliver megawatts to the grid. Moderated by Mamoso May of Artemis Group, the discussion drew together policymakers, financiers, and developers to reflect on the sector's readiness and decisive actions needed to move from planning to implementation.
“The IRP gives us a strong direction, but to make it real, we need to resolve the issues around grid capacity, procurement timing, and investment flow,” said Sonwabo Damba of the Department of Electricity and Energy, emphasising that collaboration between the public and private sectors will be key to unlocking South Africa’s wind ambitions.
The panel agreed that while the IRP provides a solid foundation, successful implementation will depend on practical reforms, particularly when it comes to ensuring procurement certainty, improving grid coordination, and aligning energy policies with investor timelines. They also highlighted the need for stronger communication between the Department, Eskom, and developers to prevent project delays that have slowed down earlier rounds of renewable energy procurement.
From the policy floor to the shoreline, the focus shifted to one of the most anticipated moments of the conference - the potential of offshore wind generation. Siyabonga Zondi of the Department of Electricity and Energy reaffirmed Government’s commitment to developing a sustainable offshore wind industry while tempering expectations around timing. He acknowledged that while the much-awaited Offshore Wind Roadmap was not yet ready for formal release, it remained very much alive and full of potential. Zondi underscored that South Africa’s evolving energy landscape, shaped by the forthcoming Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, signals a decisive shift from coal to renewables. The plan allocates approximately 34 GW of wind capacity by 2039, with as much as 8 GW expected to come from offshore developments by 2040.
“The foundation is being laid,” he said, “However, our focus now must be on creating the right enabling environment - policy clarity, regulatory coherence, and market confidence - so that offshore wind can move from concept to construction.”
Joining him, Joong-Jung Sung, Senior Energy Economist at the World Bank, positioned offshore wind as a transformative opportunity that could accelerate South Africa’s just energy transition. The World Bank, he noted, has already committed over US$3 billion to support the country’s broader energy reforms, ranging from renewable-energy scale-up to coal-plant repurposing and the development of independent transmission projects. The Bank’s new Offshore Wind Roadmap for South Africa provides a framework for market development, investment pathways, and regulatory alignment to help attract private capital and spur industrial participation.
To make this vision a reality, panellists outlined several key priorities, including formalising offshore wind into the IRP; creating a unified permitting system; investing in floating wind R&D and skills; leveraging global partnerships; and prioritising risk reduction.
“Offshore wind isn’t some far-off dream anymore - it’s happening,” said Sung. “If we can get the policies, infrastructure, and partnerships aligned, South Africa has every chance to build a thriving offshore wind sector that delivers clean energy, creates jobs, and strengthens our long-term energy security.”
As Windaba 2025 drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of optimism. Delegates left with a shared sense that the next step in South Africa’s energy story must be about delivery, not just design.
“The conversations that took place over the week reflected a growing confidence that, with collaboration, creativity, and commitment, the country can turn its wind potential into tangible, lasting progress - for its people, its economy, and its future,” concluded Niveshen Govender, CEO at SAWEA.
