The annual SA Renewable Energy Grid Survey plays a crucial role in the development of South Africa’s transmission infrastructure. Eskom will use the latest SAREGS survey findings (released during a media briefing on Monday 19 August) to enhance and inform future Grid Capacity Connection Assessment and Transmission Development Plan updates.
“As an organisation that speaks for the solar PV industry we are proud of the results released today. The 2024 SAREGS has received a positive response from all players in the renewables space, reflecting our industry's strong commitment to sharing information that enables targeted and proactive transmission infrastructure development,” says SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) spokesperson Frank Spencer.
The annual survey provides the renewable energy industry with an invaluable opportunity to inform and influence grid expansion and planning, benefiting REIPPPP, private generation, and wheeling investment in new generation capacity.
During a media briefing on Monday, it was confirmed that 1483 survey contributions were made, up from 209 in 2023.
The total capacity of projects submitted more than doubled to 133GW. Solar PV capacity submissions alone grew by 120% to 76GW more than the total capacity submitted in 2023. BESS capacity increased by 77%.
Geographically, the Northern Cape experienced an increase in survey submissions by 218% and Gauteng by nearly 10 fold, indicating a clear shift in development focus.
“The annual survey is a crucial initiative for the renewable energy industry, offering significant insights that drive grid expansion and planning. The survey is the product of excellent collaboration between the renewable energy industry and Eskom,” says Spencer.
Eskom Transmission Planning will consolidate, aggregate, and summarise the data to provide valuable insights into grid access demand and inform grid strengthening and expansion planning.
The survey can be viewed at https://www.ntcsa.co.za/south-africa-renewable-energy-grid-and-survey/
